Fastener Tool Nosepiece With Magnetic Rivet Transfer and Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener setting machines face challenges in the rapidity, efficiency, and reliability of fastener transfer mechanisms, as well as sensing accuracy, due to issues like dust obstruction, wear, and adverse effects on coatings or adhesives, which lead to downtime and faults in fastener delivery and setting operations.
Innovation Solution
The nose arrangement incorporates a transfer mechanism with a movable member and magnetic rivet capture surfaces, along with a Hall effect sensor for precise rivet detection and positioning, ensuring efficient transfer and orientation of self-piercing rivets under the punch, while minimizing dust ingress and wear through a compact, magnetically assisted design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transfer mechanisms with mechanical parts are used, then fastener transfer can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and dust obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transfer mechanisms with a magnetic field-based transfer system. Magnets embedded in the nosepiece and movable member create magnetic attraction forces to capture and transfer fasteners, eliminating mechanical contact and reducing wear and dust obstruction issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the nosepiece and the movable member to transfer fasteners. This magnetic intermediary allows contactless transfer, avoiding direct mechanical contact that causes wear and reliability issues.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical pushers or probes are used for fastener transfer, then transfer function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to trapping and positioning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pushers and probes with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnetic attraction force automatically guides and positions fasteners on the movable member, eliminating the need for mechanical trapping mechanisms and improving both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field system enables self-service fastener positioning where the magnetic attraction force automatically guides and secures fasteners on the movable member without requiring external mechanical intervention or complex positioning mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used for fastener detection, then detection function is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dust and coating interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional contact-based sensors with a Hall effect sensor that detects fastener presence through magnetic field changes. This non-contact detection method is not affected by dust or coating interference, significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical contact or optical reflection (which are affected by dust and coatings) to magnetic field strength detection. The Hall effect sensor measures changes in magnetic field caused by the magnet attached to the fastener, providing accurate detection regardless of environmental contaminants.
4Productivity
If rapid transfer mechanisms are implemented, then productivity increases, but reliability deteriorates due to increased wear and faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-speed mechanical transfer mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system that can rapidly accelerate and decelerate fasteners using magnetic attraction and repulsion forces. This eliminates mechanical wear even at high speeds, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
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 enhances the efficiency and reliability of fastener transfer and setting operations by ensuring accurate rivet positioning and detection, reducing downtime, and maintaining the integrity of fastener coatings, thereby improving the overall performance of fastener setting machines.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic rivet capture surfaces
Implementation Method 2
Hall effect sensor for precise rivet detection and positioning
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A nose arrangement for a fastener setting tool having a punch for setting fasteners is disclosed herein. The nose arrangement comprises a support for supporting the nose arrangement on the setting tool. The support is adapted to receive the punch. There is also provided a nosepiece for guiding the punch and a fastener during a fastener setting operation. The nose arrangement defines first and second fastener transfer areas situated laterally with respect to the punch. There, the fasteners can wait to be transferred under the punch. A transfer mechanism for transferring the fasteners from the first and second fastener transfer areas under the punch is also provided as part of the nose arrangement. The transfer mechanism comprises a movable member that can be moved between first and second configurations. In the first of said configurations,the movable member is adapted to hold a first fastener in a stand-by position under the punch while it collects a second fastener from the first fastener transfer area. In the second of said configurations,the movable member is adapted to hold the second fastener in the stand-by position while it collects a third fastener from the second fastener transfer area. The fasteners, particularly self-piercing rivets, can thus be transferred quickly and conveniently under the punch.