Flexible Thrust Element Supply Device for Joining Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining element supply devices rely on compressed air or flexible hoses, which are inefficient and costly, and fail to reliably transport elements against gravity or in complex spatial configurations.
Innovation Solution
A supply device using a flexible thrust element within a circumferentially closed hose, driven by an electric actuator, to transport joining elements from a remote receiving portion to a discharge portion without pneumatic components, ensuring reliable delivery even against gravity and in curved paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air or flexible hoses are used to transport joining elements, then the supply can reach complex spatial configurations, but the system becomes costly and unreliable when transporting against gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (compressed air) with a direct mechanical propulsion system. A thrust element with a threaded drive mechanism mechanically pushes the joining element through the supply channel, eliminating the need for compressed air and making the system reliable for transporting elements against gravity in complex spatial configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pneumatic components (compressed air system) from the joining element supply device, replacing them with a purely mechanical thrust generation system that is more reliable and cost-effective for the intended application.
2Ease of operation
If pneumatic components are used for transporting joining elements, then the supply can reach remote positions, but operational costs increase and sustainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the energy-intensive pneumatic system with a mechanically efficient threaded drive system. The electric actuator directly converts electrical energy to mechanical motion through the thrust element, significantly reducing operational costs and improving sustainability while maintaining the ability to supply joining elements to remote positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose is used to transport joining elements, then the supply can adapt to spatial configurations, but the joining elements may tilt or deviate from proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible supply channel (hose) that can adapt to complex spatial configurations, while incorporating a thrust element with a retaining device that mechanically holds the joining element in the correct orientation. This combination maintains both the adaptability to spatial configurations and the positioning accuracy, preventing tilting or deviation during transport.
4Productivity
If compressed air is used to convey joining elements, then individual elements can be supplied on demand, but the system becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inefficient pneumatic system with a mechanically efficient threaded drive system actuated by an electric motor. This system can supply individual joining elements on demand with high efficiency, as the mechanical thrust is directly applied only when needed, eliminating the continuous energy consumption associated with compressed air systems.
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
The solution enables cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable transportation of joining elements to any spatial position, eliminating the need for pneumatic components and ensuring proper positioning without tilting or deviation, thus reducing operational costs and enhancing sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible thrust element (40) which is movable back and forth by means of a drive means (50) through the hose (20)
Implementation Method 2
The thrust element (40) is formed as a spring rod
Data Source
AI summary
A supply device for joining elements. The supply device includes a receiving portion for at least one joining element, in which a joining element is receivable and positionable in front of a first opening, a circumferentially closed hose of a flexible material which on a first end is connected with the receiving portion and on an opposite, second end with a discharge portion, as well as a flexible thrust element which is movable back and forth using a drive means through the hose between a retracted position in which a front end of the thrust element is located in the receiving portion and an extended position in which the front end is located in the discharge portion, so that the joining element which is positioned in front of the first opening is pushable with the thrust element out of the receiving portion through the hose into the discharge portion.