Gravity-Fed Bolt Feeding and Clamping for Fastening Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems face challenges in efficiently supplying bolts of various shapes and sizes at high speed without power, leading to increased process time, cost, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fastening assistance system with an ejecting/feeding device and fixing device that includes a control module to individually eject and fix bolts, utilizing a pin unit and actuating assemblies to manage bolt movement without power, and a fixing device with clamping modules to secure bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power sources are used to supply bolts at high speed, then productivity is improved, but power consumption and process costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gravity as a natural force to feed bolts through the housing without requiring powered mechanisms. The inclined receiving plate and gravity-assisted movement allow bolts to be supplied automatically without external power sources, achieving high-speed supply while eliminating power consumption for the feeding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces powered mechanical bolt supply systems with a gravity-based mechanical system. The inclined receiving plate and gravity-driven bolt movement substitute for motorized feeders, maintaining high supply speed while eliminating the need for electrical power in the bolt supply mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fastening systems are provided for each bolt location, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and process costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single fastening system incorporates a universal receiving plate with an inclined surface that can accommodate and guide various bolt shapes and sizes. The gravity-based supply mechanism and adjustable clamping module create a multi-functional system that handles different bolt types without requiring separate dedicated systems for each location or bolt type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the bolt supply and fastening process into distinct functional modules: a universal receiving plate for various bolt types, a gravity-based supply mechanism, and an adjustable clamping module. This modular segmentation allows one system to handle multiple bolt types efficiently.
3Productivity
If powered systems are used for bolt supply, then productivity is improved, but process costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity-based bolt supply system uses natural gravitational force instead of powered mechanisms, eliminating the need for motors, controllers, and power distribution infrastructure. This self-service approach reduces both equipment costs and operational expenses while maintaining high supply speed through the inclined receiving plate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as the inclined receiving plate and gravity-driven guides instead of expensive powered systems. These simple mechanical elements provide cost-effective bolt supply without requiring costly motors, sensors, or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fastening assistance system capable of supplying a bolt to be fastened to an object at a high speed without power regardless of a shape and a size thereof. A fastening assistance system includes an ejecting/feeding device that receives a plurality of bolts from an outside and ejects the plurality of received bolts to the outside, and a fixing device that fixes the bolts ejected from the ejecting/feeding device, wherein the ejecting/feeding device includes a control module that controls movement amounts of the plurality of bolts so that the plurality of bolts are individually ejected.