Intermediate Reservoir for Rapid Connecting Element Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supplying connecting elements to processing apparatuses face challenges such as long supply tubes, high energy consumption, and difficulty in rapid and reliable delivery, especially when handling two different types of elements, leading to production delays and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-step conveyance process where connecting elements are first stored in an intermediate reservoir near the loading device, allowing for quick selection and supply of at least two different elements, reducing cycle time and enabling flexible sequencing of element delivery, even with late supply commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long supply tube is used to connect the supply apparatus outside the production cell to the processing apparatus, then the supply apparatus can be positioned outside the cell, but the supply time increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply system is divided into two segments: a first supply tube connecting the supply apparatus to an intermediate reservoir, and a second supply tube connecting the intermediate reservoir to the processing apparatus. This segmentation allows the intermediate reservoir to be positioned close to the processing apparatus, reducing the effective supply time while maintaining flexible positioning of the supply apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate reservoir is introduced as a mediator between the supply apparatus and the processing apparatus. This intermediary component receives connecting elements from the supply apparatus and makes them available for rapid supply to the processing apparatus, decoupling the positioning constraints of the supply apparatus from the supply time requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supply apparatus is positioned outside the production cell with a long supply tube, then the production cell layout is flexible, but simultaneous processing of two different connecting elements becomes unfavorable due to long cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The supply system is segmented into two independent supply paths through the intermediate reservoir, allowing each path to be optimized for different connecting elements. This enables simultaneous processing of two different connecting elements without the penalties of a single long supply tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate reservoir pre-stores connecting elements received from the supply apparatus, making them immediately available for the processing apparatus. This preliminary action eliminates waiting time during element transitions and enables rapid switching between different connecting element types.
3Ease of operation
If connecting elements are individually conveyed through a long supply tube, then precise control is possible, but the cycle time increases due to the long transmission distance
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance process is segmented into two stages: bulk conveyance to the intermediate reservoir and rapid individual conveyance from the reservoir to the processing apparatus. This segmentation maintains precise control while minimizing the duration of the critical individual supply phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting elements are preliminarily conveyed and stored in the intermediate reservoir before being individually supplied to the processing apparatus. This preliminary action separates the long-distance conveyance (which can occur at lower speed) from the short-distance individual supply (which requires high speed), reducing the overall cycle time.
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 approach significantly reduces supply time, allows for efficient operation with minimal interference, and enables compact and lightweight design, ensuring reliable and rapid delivery of connecting elements, even with delayed commands, thus enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The passage has a T-shaped cross-section, substantially corresponding to the projected area of the rivet. The rivet is here supplied to the passage with longitudinal axis directed transverse to the direction of travel, and individually transported through the passage to the loading device by means of air.
Implementation Method 2
The inside diameter of the tube is greater in a certain ratio than the greatest diameter of the parts, so that a stream of air by which the parts are driven ahead towards the exit along the tube can flow past the parts to the exit end.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device. A device for practicing the method includes an intermediate reservoir preceding the loading device comprising two storage chambers to accommodate two different connecting elements supplied by the passage, the storage chambers having an entrance opening and an exit opening alternately connectable to the associated segment of the passage.