Rivet Adapter with Integrated Buffer for Short Transport Routes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rivet selection and fixing systems in automated production processes face inefficiencies due to long conveying distances between storage systems and riveting tools, leading to significant downtimes and errors from incorrect rivet selection, which increases waiting times and production costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a movable rivet buffer within the rivet adapter and a compact intermediate rivet storage system with rotating storage elements and grippers ensures short transport routes and secure rivet handling, allowing for direct and efficient transfer of rivets to the riveting tool, reducing downtimes and improving flexibility across various rivet types and lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pneumatic conveying systems are used to transport rivets from storage to riveting tools, then high conveying speeds are achieved, but long conveying distances lead to increased waiting times and downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet storage system is segmented into a central storage system and multiple decentralized intermediate rivet stores positioned near riveting tools. This segmentation allows rivets to be pre-sorted at the central storage and then quickly accessed from nearby intermediate stores, reducing conveying distance and waiting time while maintaining high conveying speed through pneumatic systems for the critical short-distance transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
Rivet elements are pre-sorted and pre-positioned in intermediate rivet stores based on anticipated需求的. This preliminary action ensures that when riveting operations need to occur, the correct rivets are already positioned near the tools, eliminating waiting time for sorting and long-distance conveying during actual production.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of different rivet elements are stored in a central storage system, then variety and selection capability are improved, but storage space requirements and conveying distance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The large central storage system is segmented into multiple smaller intermediate rivet stores distributed near different riveting tools. Each intermediate store holds a subset of rivet types, reducing the conveying distance for each specific rivet while the overall system maintains the capability to store and provide a large variety of rivet elements through the combined capacity of all intermediate stores.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single centralized storage location to a distributed network of intermediate stores positioned in multiple locations near riveting tools. This spatial redistribution across different dimensions reduces the average conveying distance while maintaining comprehensive rivet selection capability through the collective inventory of all intermediate stores.
3Ease of operation
If incorrect rivet elements are conveyed to the riveting tool, then sorting errors occur, but the riveting tool must remain in unproductive waiting position
Solution Approach 1:
Rivet elements are pre-sorted at the central storage system into specific intermediate rivet stores based on their specifications. This preliminary sorting action ensures that when rivets are conveyed from intermediate stores to riveting tools, the correct rivet elements are already separated and positioned, eliminating sorting errors and preventing unproductive waiting time when incorrect rivets are identified.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring and feedback mechanisms to detect sorting errors or incorrect rivet elements before they reach the riveting tool. When errors are detected, the system can trigger corrective actions such as redirecting the conveying path or alerting operators, preventing the riveting tool from entering unproductive waiting positions and maintaining high tool utilization.
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
The solution significantly reduces unproductive downtimes by minimizing transport distances and ensuring precise rivet conveyance, enhancing the operational efficiency and flexibility of the rivet selection and fixing device, even with large-volume storage, and allowing for continuous production without extensive refilling interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the storage element is opened and closed by a positively guided ejector in such a way that a driver is formed on the ejector and when the ejector is moved, the fixing fingers of the gripper are attached moved apart or towards each other
Implementation Method 2
the drive of the ejector is controlled pneumatically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Rivet choice and fixing device (1) comprises a rivet adaptor (5) taking at least one rivet tool (6) to position a rivet part (7) on a building part to be connected. The rivet adaptor is operationally connected to a rivet storage (12) via at least one rivet conveyor system (11) and the intermediate rivet storage (10) is integrated into the rivet adaptor. In this way the rivet parts which tip the rivet tool only have to travel short distances.