Integrated Rivet Feed Bore Block for Faster Bracket Riveting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of forming rivet openings in brackets and riveting fastener hardware is labor-intensive and difficult to expedite, especially when handling different types of fastener hardware and brackets, as existing methods are not efficient for quick and economic application of rivets.

Innovation Solution

A rivet apparatus with a rivet block featuring integrated pin and rivet feed bores that guide rivets into a workpiece at an oblique angle, coupled with a coupling base and biasing member for spring force, allowing for quick and adaptable riveting without the need for complex equipment modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional riveting methods are used with separate equipment for forming openings and applying rivets, then the process can handle different types of fastener hardware and brackets, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveriveting speedVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of forming rivet openings and applying rivets into a single integrated rivet block. The rivet block includes both a pin bore for guiding the rivet pin and a rivet feed bore for delivering rivets, allowing both operations to be performed simultaneously at one location, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing equipment complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rivet block is designed with multi-functionality to handle different types of fastener hardware and brackets. By integrating multiple bores (pin bore, rivet feed bore) and components (rivet pin, biasing member) into a single block, the system can accommodate various riveting configurations without requiring separate specialized equipment for each task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If equipment is modified to handle different types of fastener hardware and brackets, then adaptability improves, but the modification process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different fastener hardwareVSAvoidease of equipment modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rivet block is designed as a segmented, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the riveting system. This segmentation allows the rivet block to be easily modified or replaced to handle different fastener hardware configurations without requiring complex modifications to the entire equipment system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rivet block incorporates a biasing member that provides dynamic adjustment capability. The biasing member allows the rivet pin to be automatically positioned and adjusted during operation, enabling the system to adapt to different fastener hardware and bracket configurations without manual reconfiguration or complex equipment modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple quantities of fastener hardware are mounted to a single bracket using traditional methods, then the assembly can be completed, but the process requires repeating labor-intensive operations many times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly throughputVSAvoidtime for repeated riveting operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated rivet block enables continuous riveting operations by combining the rivet feeding mechanism and rivet application mechanism in one unit. Rivets are continuously fed through the rivet feed bore and immediately applied through the pin bore, eliminating the need to move between separate equipment stations and reducing idle time between riveting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 streamlines the riveting process by enabling efficient and adaptable rivet placement and deformation, reducing labor and equipment complexity, and facilitating the use of different fastener hardware and bracket configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The rivet apparatus further comprises a coupling base and a biasing member. The biasing member is disposed between the coupling base and the rivet block, and provides a spring force between the coupling base and the rivet block.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11724319B2Rivet block including integrated rivet feed bores

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 J R AUTOMATION TECH LLC

AI summary

A method and rivet apparatus comprise a rivet block, the rivet block comprising a rivet block, a pin bore, and a rivet feed bore. The rivet block is comprised of a top end and a bottom end. The pin bore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivet block. The pin bore extends from the top end to the bottom end of the rivet block and guides a rivet pin that slides downward within the pin bore to push a head of a rivet into a workpiece. The rivet feed bore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivet block. The rivet feed bore extends from the top end to the bottom end of the rivet block, accepts the rivet at the top end of the rivet feed bore, and guides the rivet to the bottom end of the rivet feed bore. The rivet feed bore intersecting the pin bore between the top end and the bottom end of the pin bore at an oblique angle.