Fastener Separation Device Inclined Guide Reduces Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating fasteners from fastener strips often experience tilting moments that impair the driving-in process and reduce fastening quality during the fastening process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that transport the fastener in a transport direction to a separating section, generating a movement relative to the receptacle in a separating direction inclined perpendicularly to the fastening direction, allowing the fastener to be efficiently separated from the strip and driven into a substrate using a driving element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the fastening element is separated from the strip using an inclined guide surface, then the separation process is simplified, but tilting moments occur that impair the driving process and reduce fastening quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-direction inclined guide surface to a two-dimensional separation path. The fastening element is first moved laterally perpendicular to the fastening direction to disengage from the receptacle, then guided into the driving device. This dimensional change eliminates the tilting moments caused by inclined surfaces while maintaining separation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process is divided into two distinct stages: first, lateral displacement of the fastening element from the receptacle; second, guidance into the driving device. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, avoiding the compromise between simplicity and precision that characterized the single-stage inclined surface approach.
2Productivity
If the fastening element is engaged with the driving element before separation, then the driving process is streamlined, but the fastening element may tilt during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the conventional sequence by achieving separation before engagement with the driving element. The fastening element is first laterally displaced from the receptacle, then guided into the driving device for subsequent engagement. This preliminary separation action prevents tilting during the driving process while maintaining overall process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic, multi-stage separation and engagement process rather than a static single-step operation. The fastening element undergoes lateral displacement, then guided movement, then engagement - allowing the system to adapt to different phases of the operation and maintain both efficiency and reliability.
3Device complexity
If the singulation direction is parallel to the fastening direction, then the separation mechanism is simpler, but the fastening element does not separate cleanly from the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric separation geometry where the fastening element is displaced laterally perpendicular to the fastening direction, creating an asymmetric separation path. This asymmetric approach enables clean disengagement from the receptacle while the symmetric guidance structure maintains manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the separation action from the longitudinal axis (parallel to fastening direction) to the lateral axis (perpendicular to fastening direction). This dimensional shift enables effective separation while the guided path controls the overall complexity of the mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and device for separating a fastening element from a fastening element strip, with a holder in which the fastening element is received, wherein the fastening element defines a fastening direction in which the fastening element is intended to be driven into a substructure, wherein the fastening element is transported in a transport direction until the fastening element is arranged in a separating portion, and a movement of the fastening element relative to the holder in a separating direction is generated until the fastening element is divided from the holder, and wherein the separating direction is inclined with respect to the fastening direction.