Rivet Nose Escapement With Pneumatic Transfer and Magnetic Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener setting machines face challenges in the rapidity, efficiency, and reliability of fastener transfer mechanisms, particularly in self-piercing rivet setting machines, due to issues like dust obstruction, wear of mechanical parts, and adverse effects on fastener coatings or adhesives, leading to faults and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A nose arrangement with a transfer mechanism featuring a movable member that can pivot between configurations, using magnetic faces to hold and collect fasteners, and a pneumatic actuator to move the member, along with a chute and magazine system for efficient fastener delivery and sensing mechanisms to prevent blank setting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical transfer mechanisms are used to transfer fasteners, then fastener transfer can be achieved, but the rapidity, efficiency and reliability are reduced due to wear of mechanical parts and dust obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical transfer mechanisms with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air to propel fasteners through delivery tubes to the nose arrangement. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts such as pushers, probes, and traps, thereby reducing wear, dust obstruction, and improving reliability while maintaining fastener transfer functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure to deliver fasteners through flexible delivery tubes to the nose arrangement and uses pneumatic actuators to operate the transfer mechanism. This pneumatic approach provides smooth, controlled fastener transfer without the friction and wear associated with mechanical contact, enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance
2Productivity
If fasteners are delivered through compressed air and gravity, then fastener supply is achieved, but dust obstruction and adverse effects on fastener coatings occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sealed flexible delivery tubes to create a controlled environment for fastener transport, protecting fastener coatings from dust and contaminants. The pneumatic system operates within this protected pathway, delivering fasteners without exposure to external contaminants that could cause obstruction or damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controlled pneumatic pressure to propel fasteners through sealed delivery tubes, enabling reliable fastener supply while protecting against dust obstruction. The pneumatic system provides consistent force without the need for mechanical contact that could generate dust or damage coatings
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical pushers or probes are used to transfer fasteners, then fastener positioning is achieved, but wear of mechanical parts and faults occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pushers and probes with a pneumatic actuation system that uses air pressure to position fasteners in the nose arrangement. This eliminates direct mechanical contact between moving parts, reducing wear and faults while maintaining precise fastener positioning through controlled pneumatic force
4Ease of operation
If conventional nose arrangements are used, then fastener setting operations can be performed, but downtime increases due to faults in transfer mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fault-prone mechanical transfer mechanisms with a pneumatic system that has fewer moving parts and no direct mechanical contact between components. This substitution significantly reduces the occurrence of faults and downtime, ensuring continuous fastener setting operations without interruption for maintenance or repairs
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 enhances the efficiency and reliability of fastener transfer in self-piercing rivet setting machines by ensuring precise and rapid positioning of fasteners, reducing downtime, and improving the accuracy of fastener setting operations while minimizing dust ingress and wear on mechanical parts.
Implementation Method 1
using magnetic faces to hold and collect fasteners
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic actuator to move the member
Data Source
AI summary
A self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism for a rivet setting machine includes a self-piercing rivet track in which self-piercing rivets are receivable. A first resiliently biased jaw is biased towards a closed configuration in which the first resiliently biased jaw retains self-piercing rivets in the self-piercing rivet track. The first resiliently biased jaw is moveable to an open configuration in which a self-piercing rivet can escape the self-piercing rivet track. The first resiliently biased jaw is configured to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon exertion of a load upon the first resiliently biased jaw.