Universal Storage Case for Rivet Dispensing via Fluid Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for storing and dispensing components like rivets with a head and stem, where the total length exceeds the head width, lack flexibility and efficiency, often requiring specific storage units and static filling stations, leading to component jamming and inadequate thrust for dispensing through transport tubes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing storage and transport cases with a cavity for each component, featuring a fluid passage hole for propulsion and a step-by-step selecting mechanism, allowing components of various types and sizes to be housed and dispensed using a single-sized storage element, with portable units that can be filled and refilled at any location, and integrated with a structure for controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are arranged in a tube with stems in the longitudinal direction, then space utilization is improved, but components overlap or jam unless the tube is precisely sized for each component type
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple horizontal layers within a single tube, with each layer capable of holding components of different types. This segmentation allows one universal storage unit to replace multiple specialized tubes, improving space utilization while avoiding the need to construct specific storage units for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
A single tube design is made universal by incorporating multiple adjustable horizontal layers that can accommodate different component types and sizes. The layers can be reconfigured to handle various rivet configurations, making one storage unit serve multiple functions that previously required multiple specialized tubes.
2Force
If compressed fluid is injected through the tube to move components, then component propulsion is achieved, but the entire storage unit must be constructed with high strength and tightness requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid injection system is extracted from the storage tube itself and relocated to the dispensing device. The storage tube only needs to hold components, while the dispensing device provides the fluid propulsion through its own injection system, thereby reducing the strength and tightness requirements of the storage unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing device acts as an intermediary between the storage tube and the component propulsion function. Instead of the storage tube directly providing propulsion through fluid injection, the dispensing device mediates this function, allowing the storage tube to be simpler in construction while still achieving effective component movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same storage element is used for various component types and sizes, then adaptability is improved, but component alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal layers are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned and reconfigured based on the specific component type and size being stored. This dynamic adaptability enables precise alignment for different rivet configurations while maintaining the benefit of using a single universal storage element.
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
Enables flexible storage and dispensing of diverse components with improved component alignment and reduced equipment strength requirements, allowing for efficient handling and transportation of components without the need for precise sizing of storage units, enhancing mobility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
blowing means adapted to provide said transport fluid to said fluid passage hole for driving said component out of said storage and transport case through its inlet/outlet opening
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6
AI summary
The device and method for storing and dispensing components uses storage and transport cases (1). The components (A) have a head and a stem, the length of the component (A) being greater than the width of the head. The device comprises a storage element (5) adapted to house components (A) individually housed in said cases (1); a step-by-step selecting device (7) to allow said cases (1) to pass one by one through an outlet (6); a sending unit (33) with a housing adapted to support at least one case (1) loaded with a component (A) coming from the outlet (6); blowing means associated to said housing to provide the transport fluid to the inside of the case (1) for the purpose of driving the component (A) out of the case (1) and into a transport tube (13); and an unloading device to unload the empty case (1) from the housing.