Pierce Nut Installation Apparatus with Slug Kicker Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing pierce nuts in metal workpieces often fail to ensure complete removal of the slug from the workpiece, especially when multiple layers are involved, leading to inconsistent fastening and potential assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a slug kicker pin and cam-type gag bar to drive the pierce nut and kicker pin into the workpiece, ensuring the slug is fully removed by aligning the nut and its pilot collar with the workpiece installation location and using a ram to force the pilot collar into the workpiece, accompanied by a fixture to hold the nut in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing installation methods are used, then the installation process is simple, but the slug is not completely removed from the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The installation apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixture for holding the pierce nut, a slug kicker pin for removing the slug, and a cam-type gag bar for actuating the kicker pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, ensuring complete slug removal while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture holds the pierce nut in a pre-aligned position with the workpiece installation location before the actual piercing operation. The slug kicker pin is pre-positioned to engage the slug, and the cam-type gag bar is pre-configured to provide the necessary mechanical advantage. These preliminary actions ensure that when the ram drives the assembly, the slug is completely removed without requiring complex real-time adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece is placed adjacent to a second layer, then multi-layer assembly is possible, but the slug removal becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is designed with a universal holding mechanism that can accommodate the pierce nut regardless of whether the workpiece is a single layer or adjacent to a second layer. The fixture aligns the nut and kicker pin with the installation location in a manner that works consistently for both single-layer and multi-layer configurations, ensuring reliable slug removal in all circumstances
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture acts as an intermediary between the pierce nut and the workpiece, providing a stable reference frame that ensures consistent alignment and slug removal. The fixture's design mediates the interaction between the nut, kicker pin, and workpiece, guaranteeing that the slug is completely removed whether the workpiece is isolated or adjacent to another layer
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
Ensures the slug is removed under all circumstances, including when the workpiece is adjacent to another layer, providing consistent and reliable attachment of the pierce nut to the workpiece.
Implementation Method 1
driving a slug kicker pin into the nut bore using a cam-type gag bar
Implementation Method 2
a ram for driving the pierce nut and the kicker pin into a workpiece to force the pilot collar of the nut into the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A gag bar with a cam surface is used to reciprocate a kicker pin in a ram-driven punch assembly into the bore of a pierce nut in a pre-mounting position. The kicker pin and punch assembly are thereafter driven toward a workpiece to install the pierce nut in the workpiece and to fully separate a slug formed during the pierce nut entry from the workpiece. The gag bar and punch are thereafter reciprocated to allow the next pierce nut to be put in position.