Blind Rivet Setting Device with Regenerative Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind rivet setting devices with battery-powered electric drives are limited by the battery's energy capacity, restricting the number of blind rivet fasteners that can be set and requiring frequent maintenance due to energy inefficiencies and wear.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates an electric drive with energy recovery, inclined guide tracks for the clamping jaws, a ball screw drive with a 4 mm pitch, and a state of charge monitoring system, allowing for precise control and efficient energy use, along with a secure battery connection and illumination features to enhance usability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery-powered electric drive is used to avoid electrical supply lines, then handling convenience is improved, but the number of blind rivet fasteners that can be set is limited due to finite battery energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy recovery from braking by converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy during the deceleration of moving parts. This recovered energy is fed back into the battery, effectively extending the operational capacity without requiring a larger battery, thus resolving the contradiction between portability and productivity
2Device complexity
If conventional guide tracks are used for clamping jaws, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency decreases and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inclined guide tracks with optimized curvature and surface geometry that redirect forces more efficiently. The curved inclined surfaces guide the clamping jaws while converting part of the motion into useful clamping force, reducing the energy required from the battery and minimizing wear on moving parts
3Device complexity
If braking energy is completely converted into heat, then the braking process is simple, but energy is wasted and device heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful waste heat from braking into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking. The deceleration of moving parts generates electrical energy that is fed back into the battery, transforming energy loss into energy recovery and extending operational capacity
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
This configuration enables the setting of a larger number of blind rivet fasteners with reduced energy consumption, less wear, and increased device availability, while also allowing for energy feedback and improved user notification of battery state, thereby extending the tool's operational life and preventing incorrect handling.
Implementation Method 1
The braking energy is no longer completely converted into heat, but can be recovered as electrical energy and fed back into the battery
Implementation Method 2
a spring being provided which applies a force to the clamping jaws into the chuck housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A blind rivet setting tool (1) is described, comprising a housing (2), a pulling mechanism within the housing (2) which includes a chuck housing (3) movable in a pulling direction (Z) and clamping jaws (4) movable along a clamping path within the chuck housing (3), an electric drive (10) acting on the chuck housing (3) and comprising a control unit (15), and an electric battery as an energy source for the drive. The aim is to enable the setting of as many blind rivet fasteners as possible. For this purpose, the chuck housing (3) provides a guide track (5) for each clamping jaw (4) with a track base (6) inclined against the pulling direction, against which the respective clamping jaw (4) rests with its back over the clamping path, and a spring (7) is provided which exerts a force on the clamping jaws (4) into the chuck housing (3).