Fencing Assembly Apparatus with Multi-Gun Swedging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of fencing panels using a single swedge gun is time-consuming due to the need for sequential interlocking of each connection, which is inefficient compared to the prior use of mechanical fasteners or welding.
Innovation Solution
A fencing assembly apparatus featuring an elongated support frame with a jig and multiple swedge guns mounted on a gun platform, allowing simultaneous interlocking of picket and rail fencing members through a system of actuator rods and swedging members, which form indentations for interlocking engagement without mechanical fasteners or welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single swedge gun is used to assemble fencing members, then the interlocking connection is achieved, but the assembly process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple swedge guns into a single integrated apparatus with multiple swedge guns mounted on a common frame, allowing simultaneous interlocking of multiple fencing members at once. This merging of multiple tools into one unified system directly addresses the time-consuming nature of sequential assembly while maintaining reliable interlocking connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus segments the assembly process by dividing it into multiple parallel operations, with each swedge gun handling a separate fencing member simultaneously. This segmentation allows the assembly of entire fencing panels to be completed in parallel rather than sequentially, dramatically improving productivity without sacrificing connection reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical fasteners like screws are used to assemble fencing members, then the assembly process is simple, but rust occurs as paint chips off around the fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates mechanical fasteners like screws from the assembly process entirely. By using the swedge gun to create interlocking connections through deformation and complementary recesses, the system removes the source of paint chipping and rust formation while maintaining assembly simplicity through the straightforward insertion and swedging action.
3Strength
If welding is used to assemble fencing members, then strong connections are achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical swedging system that creates interlocking connections through controlled deformation. This substitution eliminates the need for heat, additional equipment, and complex procedures while achieving strong connections through the interlocking geometry of the swedged profile and complementary recess, thereby improving assembly speed significantly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This apparatus significantly reduces the time required to assemble fencing panels by enabling the simultaneous interlocking of multiple picket and rail members, improving efficiency over traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The swedging member is operable to form the indentation on the interior surface of the picket fencing members
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated support frame carrying a jig at a first section of the support frame. The jig receives a plurality of picket and rail fencing members in a pre-defined arrangement for assembly. A plurality of swedge guns are mounted to a gun platform. The gun platform is carried at a second section of the support frame so that distal ends of the swedge guns are aligned with a receiving section of the jig. At least one of the jig and the gun platform is slidable along the support frame so that the swedge guns are received into hollow interiors of the picket fencing members and repositionable along the length of the picket fencing members. The swedge guns are operable to form an indentation on an interior surface of the picket fencing members causing an interlocking engagement with one of the rail fencing members.