Rivet Setting Module With Optical Compliance Check and Reject
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-task devices used in the aeronautical industry for setting rivets and temporary fasteners often face issues where the loaded rivets or fasteners do not match the required type, leading to non-compliant tasks and rendering the setting operation infeasible.
Innovation Solution
A multi-task device equipped with means to check the compliance of rivets or temporary fasteners against predetermined criteria, using visual analysis and camera comparison with reference images, and includes mechanisms for discharging non-compliant items to a disposal zone via gravity or suction discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual checking means are added to verify rivet compliance, then task quality and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical checking system comprising cameras and image processing means. The checking means capture images of the rivet and automatically compare them against reference images to verify compliance, eliminating the need for manual inspection while ensuring consistent quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the rivet using cameras and compares these copies against reference images stored in memory. This allows for automated verification of rivet compliance without physically handling or altering the actual rivet, maintaining integrity while enabling rapid checking.
2Reliability
If discharge mechanisms are added to remove non-compliant rivets, then task reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts non-compliant rivets from the setting process through dedicated discharge mechanisms. When the checking means identify a non-compliant rivet, the discharge means actively remove it from the rivet support module and transport it to a disposal zone, preventing defective rivets from being set and ensuring only compliant rivets are used.
3Productivity
If automated checking and discharge systems are implemented, then productivity is improved by preventing non-compliant tasks, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs compliance checking and discharge of non-compliant rivets before the rivet setting operation occurs. The checking means verify rivet compliance in advance, and if non-compliant, the discharge means remove them before they can be set. This preliminary verification prevents wasted time and resources on non-compliant rivets, improving overall productivity.
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 that only compliant rivets or temporary fasteners are used for the intended operation, preventing non-compliant tasks and enhancing the quality of device performance by verifying the suitability of the loaded items before setting.
Implementation Method 1
said means for checking compliance comprise at least one camera and means for controlling said camera and analysing images captured by said camera
Implementation Method 2
said means for discharging a non-compliant rivet comprises gravity discharge means
Implementation Method 3
said means for discharging an uncoated rivet or a temporary fastener comprises suction discharge means
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-task device includes at least: a rivet support module able to contain a rivet and/or a temporary fastener support module able to contain a temporary fastener; a device for introducing a rivet or temporary fastener into the modules at at least one loading station; and a device for moving the at least one module to a work station for setting a rivet or temporary fastener in a hole provided in a structure to be worked on. The multi-task device includes a device for checking compliance of the rivet or temporary fastener depending on at least one predetermined compliance criterion, and a device for discharging, to a disposal zone, a rivet or temporary fastener identified as non-compliant by the device for checking.