Passive Element Switch for Multi-Fastener Feed Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for supplying different connecting elements to a setting device are complex, require significant maintenance, and are costly due to the need for advanced circuitry and multiple storage configurations, which complicates the efficient feeding of various elements to a joining device.

Innovation Solution

A non-path-variable element switch with a modular structure that uses profiled tracks with specific cross-sectional designs to guide elements in a position-oriented manner, eliminating the need for switching technology and allowing for the connection of multiple profile tracks to a main profile track, ensuring elements are fed in a fixed path to a processing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex magazine systems with multiple storage configurations are used to supply different connecting elements, then the ability to handle various joining tasks is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various joining tasksVSAvoidcomplexity of magazine systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent feed hoses, each dedicated to a specific fastener type or configuration. Each feed hose operates autonomously, eliminating the need for complex switching mechanisms within a single magazine system. This segmentation allows the system to handle various joining tasks while maintaining simplicity in each individual feed path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The element diverter is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple fastener types through a single standardized interface. The diverter structure accommodates different fastener configurations without requiring separate storage systems, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple feed hoses are connected to the element diverter for different fasteners, then the versatility of fastener supply is improved, but the weight and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of fastener supplyVSAvoidweight of element diverter system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The feed system is segmented into multiple independent feed hoses that converge at a single element diverter. This allows the weight of multiple fastener supply lines to be distributed rather than concentrated, and the element diverter itself is designed to be lightweight while maintaining its ability to handle multiple fastener types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If buffer magazines with parallel storage tubes are used to store different rivet configurations, then the capacity and variability of fastener supply are improved, but the space requirements and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity of fastener storageVSAvoidspace requirements of buffer magazine

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple feed hoses supplying different fastener types are merged into a single element diverter that feeds one main profile track. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple parallel storage tubes in a buffer magazine, reducing the space required while maintaining the ability to supply various fastener configurations through the unified diverter system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If automated switching mechanisms are used to select different connecting elements, then the precision of element selection is improved, but the circuitry complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of element selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of switching circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The element diverter is designed to automatically direct fasteners based on their physical characteristics and the configuration of the feed hoses, without requiring complex electronic sensing or control systems. The system uses passive mechanical guidance features that self-regulate the flow of different fastener types, eliminating the need for sophisticated switching circuitry while maintaining selection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3481567B1Non-path-variable element switch, method of manufacturing such an element switch and method for feeding connecting elements

Publication Date: 2021.09.01 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a non-path-variable element switch (1), in particular for connecting elements. Elements, in particular head-guided elements, which are guided in the element switch in an interlocking manner, can pass through the element switch only in a feeding direction from a plurality of profiled tracks into a number of profiled tracks that is reduced in comparison with the plurality. By means of the non-path-variable element switch, a plurality of feeding sources having different elements is connected to a processing device. The element switch is distinguished in that the element switch does not have any mechanically switchable elements.