Variable Loading Pin Stroke for Different Joining Element Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining apparatuses struggle to accommodate joining elements of varying lengths efficiently, as they require precise positioning of loading pins to support different-sized elements during the joining process, often necessitating complex mechanisms or sensors.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic loading pin actuator arrangement that can be transferred into at least two specific positions, allowing for variable loading pin strokes to accommodate joining elements of different lengths without the need for position sensors, using a dual-cylinder system with separate chambers and adjustable pressures to achieve precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid loading pin with fixed stroke is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate joining elements of different lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The loading pin is made dynamically adjustable through a pneumatic cylinder system that can vary the loading pin stroke between at least two stages. The pneumatic actuator allows the loading pin to be displaced to different positions along the axial direction, enabling adaptation to joining elements of different lengths without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic loading pin actuator arrangement is used to achieve variable loading pin stroke. The pneumatic cylinder with movable piston and adjustable pressure supply enables simple and cost-effective control of the loading pin position, eliminating the need for position sensors or complex mechanical positioning systems while accommodating different joining element lengths.
2Measurement precision
If position sensors are added to achieve precise loading pin positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic loading pin actuator arrangement is designed to automatically establish the loading pin stroke between at least two stages without requiring external position sensors. The system uses adjustable pneumatic pressure to directly control the piston position, which in turn controls the loading pin displacement, achieving precise positioning through the inherent mechanical properties of the pneumatic system rather than through sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise loading pin positioning by changing the pneumatic pressure parameter supplied to the cylinder. By adjusting the pressure in the pneumatic system, the piston moves to different positions, which directly controls the loading pin stroke. This parameter-based control eliminates the need for position sensors while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pneumatic cylinder with adjustable pressure is used, then the system becomes more cost-effective and simpler, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic loading pin actuator arrangement with a cylinder and movable piston, utilizing pneumatic pressure to achieve variable loading pin stroke. This approach provides a constructively simple and cost-effective solution that maintains sufficient control precision for the application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise control by adjusting the pneumatic pressure parameter supplied to the cylinder. The adjustable pressure control allows the piston to be positioned accurately at different locations, which directly controls the loading pin stroke. This parameter-based approach maintains precision while keeping the system simple and cost-effective.
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
Enables the efficient loading and holding of joining elements with significantly different lengths, such as studs and ball studs, within tight tolerances, enhancing the versatility and cost-effectiveness of the joining apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic loading pin actuator arrangement is used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Joining apparatus (12) for joining joining elements (48) onto workpieces (54), comprising a joining element holding device (32), which is configured to radially hold a joining element (48), and comprising a loading pin arrangement (40), which is configured to slide a joining element (48) axially into a holding position (H) in the joining element holding device (32), and/or to axially support the joining element (48) during a joining process, wherein the loading pin arrangement (40) has a loading pin (44), which is slidable by means of a loading pin actuator arrangement (60) in the direction of the joining element holding device (32). The loading pin arrangement (60) is here designed to variably establish a loading pin stroke (100, 106) of the loading pin (44) between at least two stages, so that in a first stage the loading pin (44) is displaceable less far in the direction of the joining element holding device (32) than in a second stage.