Quick-Change Mandrel Tool with Segmented Positioning Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held rivet nut tools have complex manufacturing processes that increase production time and costs, and are prone to mandrel disengagement and jamming issues, requiring destruction of the tool or work piece to resolve jams.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held rivet nut tool with a quick-change mandrel system featuring a positioning ring and limit piece, which simplifies manufacturing and securely holds the mandrel with a large engagement area, and includes a limit piece to facilitate easy disengagement from jammed rivet nuts or bolts without damaging the tool or work piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional quick-change structure with ball and spring is used to hold the mandrel, then mandrels of different thread sizes can be quickly interchanged, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated requiring drilling, tapping, and assembly steps that increase production time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure is divided into a positioning ring component and an annular groove feature. The positioning ring is a separate element that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the sleeve, separating the complex assembly steps from the main sleeve production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning ring serves as a sacrificial or replaceable component that simplifies the overall manufacturing process. By using a simple ring structure rather than complex threaded holes and multiple fasteners, the manufacturing complexity is reduced while maintaining the quick-change functionality.
2Device complexity
If a ball engages the annular groove at a point contact, then the structure is simple, but the engagement area is too small causing the mandrel to become accidentally disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The contact between the positioning ring and annular groove is transformed from point contact to surface contact by extending the engagement into the radial dimension. The positioning ring's inner surface engages with the grooved outer surface of the mandrel, creating a large area of contact that prevents accidental disengagement.
3Reliability
If the mandrel is securely held with large engagement area, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure is segmented into the positioning ring and the annular groove features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled together to create the secure holding structure without requiring complex manufacturing of the entire assembly.
4Reliability
If a rivet nut is jammed on the mandrel, then the connection is secure, but the tool or work piece must be destroyed to remove the jammed rivet nut causing huge inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The limit piece is extracted as a separate functional component that can be independently installed or removed. When a rivet nut becomes jammed, the limit piece can be removed to allow the mandrel to be pulled out, and then reinstalled to restore the tool's normal functioning without damaging the tool or work piece.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held rivet nut (rivet bolt) tool has a body, a sleeve, a positioning ring and a mandrel. The body includes a base and a pair of handles. The handles are respectively pivotally connected to two sides of the base. The sleeve is axially movably mounted through the base and includes an annular mounting groove. The positioning ring is seated in the annular mounting groove of the sleeve and includes an inner portion. The mandrel is rotatably mounted through the sleeve and includes an annular positioning groove allowing the inner portion of the positioning ring to engage therewith. The manufacturing process of the holding structure between the mandrel and sleeve is simplified because it only has steps of forming the annular mounting groove and then seating the positioning ring in the annular mounting groove, which increases production efficiency and reduces manufacturing time and costs.