Fastener Tool Alignment for Accurate Cable and Pipe Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener systems for elongate objects, such as cables and pipes, suffer from manual application inefficiencies, mis-positioning, and potential damage due to incorrect alignment, especially when using fastener tools.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system with a location system comprising a fastener tool and adjustable fasteners, including a housing, magazine, pusher, and drive system, that ensures accurate centering and alignment of elongate objects by using a receptacle and channel system to engage with the support structure, reducing mis-positioning and damage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fastener application is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system enables self-service operation where the tool automatically feeds fasteners from the magazine through the drive channel, positions them against the elongate object, and actuates the fastening action without manual intervention for each fastener application, thereby dramatically improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated functions
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fasteners are pre-loaded into the magazine before operation begins, and the pusher mechanism pre-positions the lead fastener in the drive channel ready for immediate actuation, eliminating the need for manual fastener loading during operation and enhancing productivity
2Device complexity
If manual fastener application is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher acts as an intermediary mechanism between the magazine and the drive channel, automatically positioning the lead fastener against the elongate object with precise alignment, while the location system serves as an intermediary guide structure that ensures the fastener is correctly positioned relative to the support structure, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy through automated guiding mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated location system comprising guides and alignment features that mechanically constrain the fastener to the correct position, substituting human judgment and hand-eye coordination with precision-engineered mechanical guides that consistently achieve accurate positioning
3Device complexity
If fastener tool is used without location system, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location system employs asymmetric guide structures and positioning features that are specifically designed to accommodate the asymmetric geometry of the elongate object and fastener, ensuring reliable alignment and positioning through complementary asymmetric surfaces that prevent misalignment and ensure consistent engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The location system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the fastener into correct alignment, positions the lead fastener against the elongate object, and ensures proper engagement with the support structure, thereby enhancing reliability through a multi-functional alignment mechanism that addresses multiple positioning requirements in one integrated system
4Ease of operation
If fastener is not centered on elongate object, then ease of operation is maintained, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher serves as an intermediary positioning mechanism that automatically centers the lead fastener on the elongate object by engaging with the location system guides, ensuring the fastener is symmetrically positioned relative to the elongate object before actuation, thereby eliminating the risk of mis-positioning damage while maintaining ease of operation through automated centering
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual centering judgment with mechanical guides and alignment features that automatically position the fastener centrally on the elongate object, substituting human operator skill with precision mechanical positioning that consistently achieves accurate centering and eliminates the risk of nipping or mis-positioning damage
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener system comprising one or more fasteners and a fastener tool is disclosed. The fastener tool comprises a housing; an elongate magazine attached to the housing comprising an elongate partial surface between its ends configured to engage a support structure; a fastener carrying mechanism configured to carry the one or more fasteners with receptacles thereof accessible through the elongate partial surface; a pusher comprising a first end member and a second end member, the second end member providing a receptacle; and a location system formed from a receptacle of the one or more fasteners and the receptacle of the pusher second end member, each configured to locate the fastener tool over and in line with an elongate object on the support surface, and a drive system configured to drive a lead fastener to fasten the elongate object to the support surface.