Fastener Setting Gun Loading Device Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing guns are inconvenient and time-consuming to reload, with manual operation often resulting in inaccurate positioning of fasteners due to the risk of the pawl getting stuck between grooves in existing loading apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A fixing gun with a loading device featuring a guide member and a linkage mechanism, including a lower link and slide member, which engages with first and second guide grooves to accurately position and load fasteners into the gun body, utilizing a pneumatic cylinder and clamp assembly for efficient and precise loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a pawl is used to engage and guide in grooves for controlling movement of the pick-up element, then the loading operation is automated, but the pawl might get stuck in the connecting point between grooves causing operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
The single pawl structure is segmented into a lower link with multiple pins (first pin and second pin). Each pin independently engages with separate guide grooves, distributing the engagement function across multiple points. This segmentation prevents the sticking problem by ensuring that if one pin-groove interaction encounters resistance, other pins maintain proper engagement and guide the loading motion smoothly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves act as intermediaries between the drive unit and the clamp assembly. Instead of direct pawl-to-groove engagement that causes sticking, the invention introduces precisely positioned guide grooves that mediate the motion transfer. The pins follow these predetermined groove paths, which guide the clamp assembly through the loading motion without direct forceful engagement at connecting points.
2Device complexity
If manual reloading is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy of fasteners deteriorates and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is designed to automatically perform the loading operation without manual intervention. The drive unit activates the linkage mechanism, which automatically positions and inserts the fastener into the gun body. The system serves itself by using the fastener's own geometry and the guide grooves to achieve precise positioning, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures.
3Device complexity
If manual reloading is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but the operation time increases due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism enables continuous loading operations without interruption. As the clamp assembly completes one loading cycle, it automatically resets and prepares for the next fastener. The drive unit can continuously activate the mechanism, maintaining a steady rhythm of loading operations. This eliminates the downtime associated with manual reloading and positioning, keeping the system in constant productive operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixing gun (2) includes a gun body (20) and a loading device (30). The gun body (20) is for manipulation of a fastener (1), and has a loading hole (211). The loading device (30) includes a guide member (41) and a linkage mechanism (44). The guide member (41) is formed with a first guide groove (412) and a second guide groove (413). The linkage mechanism (44) includes a lower link (46), a slide member (48), and a clamp assembly (49) for holding the fastener (1). The slide member (48) is disposed movably on the guide member (41). The lower link (46) is pivoted to the slide member (48) and the clamp assembly (49). During movement of the slide member (48) relative to the guide member (41) for moving the fastener (1) into the loading hole (211), the lower link (46) is alternatively engaged to the first guide groove (412) and the second guide groove (413).