Gripperless Collar Loading via Pneumatic Feed Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collar transfer systems in large-scale manufacturing, such as aircraft wing assembly, face issues with misalignment due to tight clearance between the collar and die pin, leading to inefficiencies and poor fastening operations.
Innovation Solution
A gripperless system utilizing a feed channel and stop assembly, where collars are conveyed by compressed air, allowing for alignment with the swaging die tool axis, and featuring sufficient clearance for the die pin to engage the collar, enabling accurate and automatic loading onto the die pin and subsequent bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a feed tube system with gripper fingers is used to transfer collars, then the collar can be conveyed to the die pin position, but the tight clearance causes misalignment and cocking of the collar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gripper finger system entirely and replaces it with a feed tube that uses compressed air to convey collars. This extraction of the problematic gripping mechanism eliminates the source of misalignment while maintaining the collar transfer function through pneumatic propulsion and natural settling into the die pin hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs compressed air flowing through the feed tube to propel collars to the die pin position. The pneumatic system provides controlled movement and allows the collar to self-align through the air cushion effect, eliminating mechanical contact that causes misalignment.
2Measurement precision
If the collar is tightly fitted to the die pin for accurate transfer, then the collar can be precisely positioned, but the tight clearance prevents smooth movement and causes cocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the clearance parameter between the collar and feed tube from tight fit to loose fit. This parameter change allows smooth collar movement through the feed tube while the collar's own dimensions and the die pin hole geometry maintain the necessary positioning accuracy during transfer.
3Reliability
If gripper fingers are used to hold the collar, then the collar can be securely transferred, but the fingers must be opened and closed which consumes time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the gripper finger mechanism entirely, removing the need for opening and closing operations. The collar transfer is achieved through compressed air propulsion and gravitational settling, which are continuous processes without discrete engagement/disengagement cycles, thereby reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed tube system maintains continuous collar flow using compressed air, eliminating the intermittent gripping and releasing cycles of finger systems. This continuous action reduces cycle time while maintaining transfer reliability through the consistent pneumatic force applied to each collar.
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 accurate and reliable alignment and loading of collars onto bolts, reducing operation time losses and improving fastening quality by allowing for controlled movement and alignment during the transfer process.
Implementation Method 1
a feed channel through which a collar is conveyed by compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a moving feed assembly, including a feed channel, through which a collar is moved by compressed air to a position in substantial alignment with the centerline of a swaging die tool. There is sufficient clearance between the collar and the channel to permit movement of the collar as a forward end of a die pin portion of the swaging die tool moves and engages a center opening of the collar.