Flexible Joining Element Feed Hose Without Pneumatic Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeding devices for joining elements, such as rivets, require compressed air or flexible hoses to transport elements against gravity, which can be costly and prone to jamming, and lack efficient mechanical alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A flexible feeding device with a profiled hose and a mechanical push element, driven by an electric actuator, transports joining elements from a remote receiving area to a dispensing area without pneumatic components, ensuring reliable delivery even against gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air is used to transport joining elements, then joining elements can be fed reliably, but the system becomes costly and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (compressed air) with a mechanical pushing system. A push element moves through a hose to physically push joining elements from the receiving area to the dispensing area, eliminating the need for compressed air while maintaining reliable transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the pneumatic components from the feeding system, eliminating the harmful effects of compressed air consumption while retaining the core function of transporting joining elements through a flexible hose.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible hoses are used to transport joining elements against gravity, then remote feeding is enabled, but jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-dependent flexible hose system with a mechanically actuated pushing system. The push element actively transports joining elements through the hose, overcoming gravity and preventing jamming while maintaining the flexibility needed for remote installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The push element performs preliminary action by positioning and pushing joining elements through the hose before they would naturally fall or jam, ensuring smooth transport against gravity and preventing blockages.
3Extent of automation
If pneumatic systems are used for feeding, then automated operation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes complex pneumatic components (compressors, regulators, valves, hoses) from the system, replacing them with a simpler mechanical pushing mechanism that achieves the same automated feeding function with fewer parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex pneumatic system with a simpler mechanical system using a push element that can be directly actuated, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated operation capability.
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 provides a cost-effective and sustainable feeding mechanism that reliably delivers joining elements to a setting tool, reducing the need for pneumatic systems and minimizing jamming, while allowing for flexible installation and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
driven by an electric actuator
Implementation Method 2
a flexible push element which can be moved back and forth through the hose by means of a drive means between a retracted position and an extended position, so that the joining element positioned in front of the first opening can be pushed from the receiving area through the hose into the dispensing area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present application relates to a feeding device (1) for joining elements (3).The feeding device (1) comprises a receiving area (10) for at least one joining element (3), in which a joining element (3) can be received and positioned in front of a first opening (12), a fully enclosed tube (20) made of a flexible material, which is connected at a first end (22) to the receiving area (10) and at an opposite second end (24) to a discharge area (30), and a flexible push element (40) which is movable back and forth by means of a drive means (50) through the tube (20) between a retracted position, in which a front end (42) of the push element (40) is located in the receiving area (10), and an extended position, in which the front end (42) of the push element (40) is located in the discharge area (30), so that the joining element (3) positioned in front of the first opening (12) is fed from the receiving area (10) through the discharge area (30) by means of the push element (40). Hose (20) can be pushed into the delivery area (30).