Modular Pick Tooling for Fast Fastener Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pick tooling devices are inflexible and hard-tooled for specific fastener types, making them inefficient for quick changeover and use with different fastener types in automated fastening systems.
Innovation Solution
A pick tooling device with a vacuum-operable pick tool and a separable driver, allowing for quick interchange of pick tools while maintaining the drive bit's connection to the driver, utilizing a vacuum chamber for suction and a drive bit that moves between sealing and driving positions to engage and drive fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pick tooling devices are hard-tooled to specific fastener types, then they can reliably pick and drive those fasteners, but they become inflexible and cannot quickly changeover to different fastener types
Solution Approach 1:
The pick tooling device is segmented into modular components: a driver assembly and a pick tool assembly that can be separated and reconfigured. The driver contains a drive bit holder that can accept different drive bits, while the pick tool assembly with vacuum chamber and nozzle can be independently positioned or replaced. This segmentation enables quick changeover between different fastener types without replacing the entire tooling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver assembly is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different drive bits for various fastener types. The pick tool assembly with its vacuum chamber and adjustable nozzle can handle multiple fastener configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single tooling device to perform multiple fastening operations with different fastener types, eliminating the need for dedicated hard-tooled devices for each fastener type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire pick tooling device is replaced to accommodate different fastener types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tooling device into a permanent driver assembly and interchangeable pick tool assemblies, the system reduces complexity compared to having multiple complete tooling devices. Each pick tool assembly is a simplified module designed for specific fastener types, but the modular architecture allows easy reconfiguration without managing multiple complex complete devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver assembly integrates multiple functions (motor, drive bit holder, mounting interface) into a single permanent unit that remains with the assembly line. Only the pick tool portions needing variation are separated, allowing the system to combine the stability of a permanent driver with the flexibility of interchangeable pick tools, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If vacuum suction is applied continuously to hold fasteners, then picking reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum suction is applied periodically rather than continuously. The vacuum pump activates to create suction for picking up the fastener, then stops once the fastener is secured. The vacuum is maintained only during the picking and transfer phases, not during driving or idle periods, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum function is extracted as a separate, controllable phase in the fastening cycle rather than a continuous operation. The vacuum chamber and nozzle are designed to capture and hold the fastener reliably during pickup, then the vacuum can be released or reduced during subsequent operations, separating the high-energy vacuum generation from the low-energy holding phase.
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 flexible and efficient picking and driving of various fastener types without significant interruption in assembly processes, improving manufacturing efficiency by allowing on-the-fly changes between different fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber configured to provide sufficient suction to pick up a fastener at a suction orifice
Data Source
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AI summary
A pick tooling device (12) including a pick tool (14) configured to pick up an object such as fastener, and a driver having a drive bit that is configured to drive the fastener. The pick tool may be a pneumatically-operable gripper tool that is used to pick up the fastener, or the pick tool may be a vacuum-operable pick tool that utilizes suction to pick up the fastener. The drive bit may be axially movable relative to the pick tool to engage and drive the fastener picked up by the pick tool. The device may include a tool changer (42) having one side that is operably connected to the driver, and another side that is operably connected to a fastener-specific pick tool, in which the pick tool can be separated from the driver to permit quick- changeover to a different type of pick tool.