Micro-stop Foot and Punch Set for Rivet Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of blind rivets and similar fasteners from joined work pieces is a difficult, multi-step process, especially when made from alloy metals or those with locking rings, as they tend to spin during drilling, risking damage to the work pieces and requiring additional steps, including grinding which can damage composite materials.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using punch feet with self-centering blades to create indentations in the rivet head and micro-stop feet with engaging blades to prevent spinning, allowing for reliable and simple removal by applying hand force during drilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional drilling methods are used to remove blind rivets, then the rivet removal process can be performed, but the rivet tends to spin during drilling, causing damage to work pieces and requiring additional grinding steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverivet removal efficiencyVSAvoidwork piece damage from spinning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The punch foot with blades is used to create indentations in the rivet head before drilling begins. This preliminary action provides reference points that prevent the rivet from spinning during the subsequent drilling operation, eliminating the need for grinding and protecting the work piece from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-stop foot acts as an intermediary device between the drill and the rivet head. It engages with the indentations created by the punch foot blades, providing a mechanical interface that prevents rotation and allows controlled drilling without direct contact between the drill and rivet head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple drilling steps are used to remove locking rings and rivet stems, then complete rivet removal is achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete rivet removalVSAvoidnumber of removal steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The punch foot and micro-stop foot combination serves multiple functions: creating reference indentations, preventing rotation, and enabling drilling through locking rings and rivet stems. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized tools and steps into a single integrated removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If grinding is used to remove spinning rivets, then rivet removal is achieved, but the work piece may be damaged and composite materials are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverivet removal completionVSAvoidheat buildup damaging composite materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of allowing the rivet to spin (which would require harmful grinding), the invention converts the potential spinning motion into beneficial engagement with the indentations. The blades create controlled indentations that guide and constrain the drilling process, turning what would be a harmful rotational movement into a controlled, non-damaging removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9636740B1Micro-stop foot and punch set

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 CLN ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

Punch foot and micro-stop foot for use in removing rivets from joined work pieces. Blades in the punch foot create indentations in a rivet head, and blades in the micro-stop foot engage the indentations in the rivet head to prevent the rivet from spinning during the removal process.