Prong Ring Attachment Apparatus with Redirecting Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for attaching items to substrates using prong rings face difficulties when prongs are bent inwardly, leading to malfunction as they may not penetrate the substrate properly.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a first redirecting member that moves through the prong ring to redirect inwardly bent prongs, and a second redirecting member with sloped surfaces to correct outwardly bent prongs, ensuring all prongs are straightened before attachment, using abutting members to control movement and prevent misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the prong ring is positioned on the pin redirecting member, then the prongs can be redirected, but positioning becomes difficult when prongs are bent inwardly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePositioning of prong ring on pinVSAvoidSuccessful redirection of bent prongs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The abutting member is positioned in advance to prevent the prong ring from moving towards the substrate before the redirecting member can act on the prongs. This preliminary positioning ensures that even inwardly bent prongs can be properly redirected without the ring shifting during the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The abutting member serves as an intermediary element between the prong ring and the substrate. It mediates the positioning process by providing a stopping point that allows the redirecting member to correctly position the prongs before attachment occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the prongs are bent inwardly, then positioning on the pin becomes difficult, but the apparatus should still handle them reliably

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHandling of inwardly bent prongsVSAvoidPositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The abutting member provides a protective constraint that prevents positioning errors before they can occur. By establishing a predetermined stopping position, it cushions against the potential failure mode of incorrect positioning that would otherwise occur with bentprongs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the abutting member prevents movement during redirecting, then positioning is improved, but the member must be movable between positions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePositioning controlVSAvoidMovable abutting member mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abutting member is designed to be movable between a first position (where it prevents prong ring movement during redirecting) and a second position (where it allows movement for attachment). This dynamic positioning allows the same component to serve different functions at different stages of the process, managing complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The abutting member serves multiple functions: it acts as a positioning constraint during the redirecting phase, then retracts to allow movement during the attachment phase. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each stage, managing device complexity while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10258112B2Apparatus for attaching an item to one or more substrates

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 YKK CORP

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus for attaching an item to a substrate, using a prong ring with a ring and two or more prongs. When attached, the prongs extends from the ring on a first side of the substrate through such substrate and being bent. A lower die is positioned to approach the first side of the substrate. An upper die is on a second side of the substrate. The substrate is placed in a manner substantially perpendicular to the attaching movement of the upper and lower dies and a first redirecting member for redirecting the prongs which are bent inwardly. The first redirecting member cooperates with an abutting member positioned along the approach of the prong ring towards the first side of the substrate for inhibiting movement of the prong ring towards the substrate while the first redirecting member is used.