Fastener Magazine Toggle Closure for Dock-Free Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices with magazines for programmable handling devices in high-volume production require time-consuming and costly mechanical docking processes for refilling, which complicates maintenance and increases the risk of failures.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a magazine arrangement that includes a toggle mechanism for automatic opening and closure, eliminating the need for additional actuators, and a sensor system connected to the base plate for detecting fastener presence, allowing for passive operation and easy maintenance, along with a centering element for precise alignment with the feed device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical docking processes are used to refill the magazine, then the fastening device can be refilled with fasteners, but the maintenance time increases and the risk of failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is equipped with a magnetic closure mechanism that automatically opens when a fastener approaches and automatically closes when the fastener is loaded. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual mechanical docking operations, reducing maintenance time and minimizing the risk of failures associated with complex mechanical actuators and transmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic closure mechanism extracts the essential function of opening and closing the magazine inlet, separating it from the complex mechanical docking system. By using magnetic field instead of mechanical actuators, the system removes the problematic mechanical components that require maintenance, thereby reducing maintenance time and failure risk
2Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators and transmissions are used for docking, then the magazine can be filled with fasteners, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure mechanism replaces the mechanical actuator and transmission system with a magnetic field-based closure system. The magnetic force automatically opens the closure when a fastener approaches and automatically closes it when the fastener is loaded, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic closure mechanism performs the docking operation autonomously without requiring external mechanical actuators. The system self-opens and self-closes based on the presence and loading of fasteners, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining operational ease
3Productivity
If docking and undocking processes are used, then the magazine can be refilled with fasteners, but the refilling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure mechanism automatically opens when a fastener approaches and automatically closes when the fastener is loaded, eliminating the time-consuming manual docking and undocking processes. This self-service automation significantly increases refilling speed while minimizing the time lost to docking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic closure is pre-configured to respond automatically to the approach and loading of fasteners. The closure opens in advance when a fastener approaches and closes immediately when loading is complete, eliminating delays associated with manual docking procedures and maximizing refilling productivity
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 reduces maintenance time, minimizes the risk of failures, and enhances the efficiency of fastening, filling, and maintenance performances by automating the opening and closure of the magazine and ensuring precise alignment with the feed device.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member elastically maintaining the closure slider in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a sensor adapted to detect the presence of a fastener in the magazine
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device for feeding fasteners to a workpiece and for joining it, the fastening device comprising a fastening tool, a fastening device system. The fastening device including a magazine arrangement mounted on the fastening tool. The magazine arrangement having a magazine for holding a fastener, a magazine plate, and a base plate. The magazine plate includes a plate body and a closure arrangement with a closure slider adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, and a toggle mechanism adapted to move the closure slider from the closed position to the open position.