Modular Pick Tooling for Fastener Changeover Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pick tooling devices are inflexible and difficult to changeover for use with different fastener types, limiting their applicability in automated fastening systems.
Innovation Solution
A pick tooling device with a tool changer system that allows for quick separation and interchange of pick tools while maintaining a common drive bit, enabling the device to handle a wide range of fastener types by separating the pick tool from the driver, allowing the same drive bit to be used across different pick tools.
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 difficult to changeover for different fastener types
Solution Approach 1:
The pick tooling device is divided into separate modular components: a driver assembly and a pick tool assembly that can be independently changed. The driver contains a drive bit interface that accepts different drive bits, while the pick tool contains the gripping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling flexible reconfiguration by swapping individual modules rather than changing the entire tooling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of drive bits and pick tools. The drive bit holder and coupling mechanisms are standardized to work with various fastener types, allowing a single driver assembly to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached pick tool or drive bit, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pick tooling devices are designed for quick changeover, then adaptability to different fastener types improves, but the structural integrity and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interfaces between driver and pick tool are pre-designed with alignment features, keyed connections, and self-locking mechanisms that automatically engage when components are brought together. This preliminary design of the coupling system ensures that quick changeover does not compromise reliability, as the standardized interfaces guarantee proper alignment and secure attachment without requiring complex assembly procedures or sacrificing structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the driver assembly and pick tool assembly. This intermediary component provides a reliable, repeatable connection that maintains structural integrity while enabling quick changes. The coupling includes features such as定位 pins, locking lugs, or bayonet-style connectors that ensure precise alignment and secure attachment, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of quick changeover 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
Enables efficient and flexible handling of various fastener types during assembly processes, improving manufacturing efficiency by allowing quick changeover without interrupting the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber configured to provide sufficient suction to pick up an object, such as a fastener, at a suction orifice of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the drive bit is axially movable relative to the pick tool to engage and drive the fastener picked up by the pick tool
Implementation Method 3
the housing has a sealing surface for vacuum sealing a portion of the vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A pick tooling device including a pick tool 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 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.