Refillable Rivet Magazine Layout for Jam-Resistant Tool Supply

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rivet supply systems for rivet setting tools face issues such as jamming due to dust or wear in flexible delivery tubes, require frequent replacement, lack compactness, and have limitations in handling different rivet types and sizes, leading to inefficiencies and downtime.

Innovation Solution

A rivet supply system with undeformable delivery tracks and a refillable magazine that eliminates the need for flexible tubes, allowing for continuous and reliable rivet transfer, and supports multiple rivet types and sizes through modular design and actuated in-line rivet selection devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible delivery tubes are used to supply rivets, then the system can accommodate movement and positioning, but the tubes are susceptible to jamming due to dust, high curvature, and wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of delivery systemVSAvoidjamming resistance of delivery tubes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the flexible delivery tubes from the system entirely and replaces them with rigid, undeformable delivery tracks. This extraction of the problematic flexible component eliminates the jamming issues while maintaining rivet supply functionality through a different mechanical approach using gravity and controlled gates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs replaceable magazine units that can be quickly swapped when empty or problematic, rather than attempting to repair or maintain the complex flexible tube system. This disposable magazine approach reduces downtime and maintains reliability by simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If flexible delivery tubes are used, then rivets can be delivered via compressed air and gravity, but the tubes require frequent replacement causing downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverivet delivery capabilityVSAvoiddowntime for tube replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rivet supply system into modular magazine units that can be independently replaced. Each magazine is a self-contained segment that can be quickly swapped without affecting the rest of the system, thereby minimizing downtime while maintaining continuous rivet delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous rivet supply through multiple magazines that can be pre-filled and swapped in sequence. While one magazine is being used, another can be prepared or installed, ensuring uninterrupted rivet delivery to the setting tool and eliminating production downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If flexible delivery tubes are used, then rivets can be supplied to the setting tool, but the system lacks compactness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverivet supply functionVSAvoidcompactness of supply system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the magazine units to be mounted directly on the C-frame structure in three-dimensional space, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions rather than extending flexible tubes horizontally. This spatial reorganization achieves a more compact system footprint while maintaining effective rivet supply to the setting tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Quantity of substance

If standard magazines are used, then rivets can be stored locally, but the system cannot handle different rivet types and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal rivet storageVSAvoidhandling of different rivet types and sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine design incorporates adjustable internal components and configurable delivery tracks that can accommodate multiple rivet types and sizes within a single magazine unit. This universal design allows the same magazine structure to handle various fastener configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized magazines while maintaining local storage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11660658B2Fastener magazines, and related supply systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 ATLAS COPCO IAS UK LIMITED

AI summary

A rivet supply system supplies rivets to a rivet setting tool comprising a punch, an extendable nose arrangement and a die, and comprises at least one rivet delivery track for delivering the rivets to the nose arrangement, at least one rivet transfer device for holding or releasing the rivets received at the rivet-receiving zone, and at least one refillable magazine for storing the rivets in proximity of the setting tool. The magazine comprises a magazine portion of the rivet delivery track, wherein the rivets can be stored within the magazine, or can transit through the magazine to be delivered to the setting tool. The magazine also comprises at least one docking interface for refilling the magazine from for example a bulk feeder. The magazine is in rivet-supply relation with the nose arrangement so that it can supply rivets to the setting tool, and is moveable together with the nose arrangement.