Rivet Dispenser Reloading With Gated Channel Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reloading rivets into resistance spot rivet welding systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably replenishing rivets, leading to increased machine cycle times and potential disruptions in production.

Innovation Solution

A rivet dispenser reloading system comprising a receiving member with a channel and gates that aligns and introduces rivets in a series arrangement, using pressurized gas to transport and dispense rivets, ensuring efficient and synchronized reloading with the welding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rivets are manually reloaded into the rivet dispenser, then the rivet dispenser can be replenished, but machine cycle time increases and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverivet supply reliabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-arranges rivets in a series configuration within a receiving member before transfer to the rivet dispenser. This preliminary organization of rivets in the correct sequence and orientation eliminates manual loading time during production cycles, maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliable rivet supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rivet dispenser reloading system enables the rivet dispenser to automatically replenish its own supply without external manual intervention. The system includes a receiving member that holds multiple rivets and a transfer mechanism that automatically feeds them into the dispenser, making the reloading process self-service and continuous.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If rivets are fed to the resistance spot rivet welding system, then fastening operations can be performed, but feeding reliability is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening operation speedVSAvoidrivet feeding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual or simple mechanical feeding mechanisms with a more sophisticated arrangement involving a receiving member with a defined channel and transfer mechanisms. This ensures rivets are reliably guided and positioned during transfer to the dispenser, maintaining feeding reliability while supporting high-speed fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If rivets are transported in a series arrangement with preselected orientation, then feeding accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverivet orientation precisionVSAvoidreloading system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving member is segmented into a defined channel structure that individually guides each rivet in a series arrangement. This segmentation of the transport path ensures each rivet maintains its preselected orientation without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms, achieving precision while managing device complexity through structured simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enables reliable and rapid replenishment of rivets, reducing machine cycle times and maintaining production efficiency by ensuring continuous operation of the resistance spot rivet welding apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

using pressurized gas to transport and dispense rivets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized gas transport: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The first gate is selectively positionable between a first configuration inhibiting movement of rivets through the second port, and a second configuration enabling movement of rivets through the second port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical gate control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS11541449B2Rivet dispenser reloading systems and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 CENTLINE WINDSOR LTD

AI summary

Rivet dispenser reloading systems and methods of use thereof are provided. A non-limiting embodiment of a rivet dispenser reloading system comprises a receiving member defining a channel therein, and a first gate. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port that communicate with the channel. The first port is configured to receive rivets. The second port is configured to selectively engage with a rivet dispenser and introduce rivets to the rivet dispenser. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The first gate is in communication with the second port and is selectively positionable between a first configuration inhibiting movement of rivets through the second port, and a second configuration enabling movement of rivets through the second port.