Flexible Pneumatic Fastener Feed for Machining Tools

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining tools with punching heads face challenges in achieving high operating reliability and simplified execution, particularly in the arrangement and orientation of the punching head, often requiring rigid and complex internal feeds.

Innovation Solution

The use of compressed air and permanent magnets or negative pressure to feed and position fasteners within the punching head, eliminating the need for elastic positioning elements and allowing for a flexible internal feed channel that adapts to the tool's operation, enabling optimal alignment and insertion of fasteners into workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid, straight internal feeds are used in punching heads, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and engineering effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible hose instead of a rigid internal feed to transport fasteners. This flexible conduit can adapt to various orientations and positions of the punching head without requiring complex rigid guide structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining stable fastener delivery to the punching position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The internal feed system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible hose that can adjust its configuration based on the punching head's position and orientation. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for pre-calculated rigid guide paths, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If angled, rigid internal feeds are used to match tool execution, then adaptability to tool configuration is improved, but device complexity and engineering effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to tool configurationVSAvoidengineering effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible hose can be routed at any angle or configuration to match the specific tool design requirements without requiring complex engineered rigid feed paths. The hose naturally adapts to the tool's geometry, providing configurability with minimal engineering effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the internal feed from rigid to flexible, allowing it to assume different configurations and angles as needed for various tool executions, thereby achieving adaptability without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If elastic positioning elements such as catches are used for fastener positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning elements like elastic catches with a pneumatic positioning system using compressed air. The air flow directs and positions the fastener at the readiness position without requiring mechanical catches, springs, or other elastic elements, thereby maintaining positioning reliability while reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Compressed air is used to both transport and position the fastener within the punching head. The pneumatic system provides reliable positioning through controlled air flow patterns, eliminating the need for mechanical positioning components and simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution enhances the reliability and flexibility of the punching head by simplifying the feed mechanism, reducing engineering complexity, and allowing for precise alignment of fasteners without rigid guides, improving the overall machining process.

Implementation Method 1

The means for moving the fasteners within the punching head guide to the readiness position are formed by the external delivery air or the external delivery air flow which is produced for example by at least one compressed air nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

but solely by delivery air, optionally supported by permanent magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

but solely by delivery air, optionally supported by permanent magnets and/or negative pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS8312622B2Punching head, machining tool with one such punching head and machining device with one such punching head or machining tool

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 MDS GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a novel machining tool and a punching head for use in one such tool. An internal feed channel is formed between the connection for the external feed of components and the readiness position on the joining channel at least over a partial length of a deformable or flexible internal feed, so that the run of this feed within the tool and/or the correction of the feed to the external supply can be optimally matched to the respective tool execution.