Rivet Machine Angular Guide and Rocker Arm Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rivet setting machines experience issues with rivet bouncing or ricocheting due to the right-angled intersection between guide tracks, leading to jamming and premature fatigue of compression springs, and air pressure pushing the rivet past the plunger before the pusher shaft advances.
Innovation Solution
A rivet feeding mechanism with an angularly offset guide at the intersection of the feed track and rail, a rocker arm to limit rivet movement, a biased plunger with a longer aspect ratio and stop surface to prevent misalignment and fatigue, and sensors for precise control, including a return sensor, advancing sensor, and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a right-angled T-shaped intersection is used between guide track and feed rail, then the rivet can be directed from the feed track to the feed rail, but the rivet bounces back or ricochets off the abutting wall causing jamming and positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the symmetric right-angled T-shaped intersection with an asymmetric curved guide path. The guide rail has a curved surface that gradually redirects the rivet from the feed track direction to the feed rail direction, eliminating the abrupt angular change that causes ricocheting. This asymmetric curved design allows smooth rivet transition without bouncing back against walls.
2Ease of operation
If two linearly moveable plungers with hollow construction are used in the guide track and feed rail paths, then the rivet can be contained and directed, but the quick advancing movement causes premature fatigue of the compression springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compression springs positioned to provide cushioning support before the rivet fully engages with the plungers. The springs absorb the impact energy during rivet advancement, reducing the shock load on the plunger mechanisms and extending their service life. This beforehand cushioning prevents premature fatigue of the spring-loaded components.
3Speed
If air pressure is used to advance the rivet through the feed rail, then the rivet can be moved quickly, but the air pressure pushes the rivet past the plunger before the pusher shaft advances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical barrier or stop mechanism as an intermediary between the air pressure-driven rivet and the pusher shaft. This intermediary component temporarily holds the rivet at the correct position, preventing it from being pushed too far by air pressure before the pusher shaft arrives. The intermediary ensures synchronized positioning despite the speed difference between pneumatic advancement and mechanical pusher movement.
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
Prevents ricocheting and misalignment, reduces premature spring fatigue, and ensures accurate rivet placement and feeding, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the rivet setting process.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, such as a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
A pneumatic hose directs a single rivet through a feed track
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener machine is provided. In another aspect, a rivet machine employs a rivet feeding mechanism. A further aspect includes a guide located at an intersection between a feed track and a feed rail with the guide having an angular offset orientation relative to both in order to deter ricocheting of the rivet back into the feed track when the rivet enters the feed rail. Moreover, an aspect of the present machine employs a rocker arm.