Rivet Tape Joining Clip for Continuous Spool Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for joining rivet tapes lead to wastage of rivets due to partial usage of spools, as they require suspension of production lines for replenishment, causing downtime and inefficiency in automated systems like robotic arms in factories.
Innovation Solution
A rivet tape joining clip with laterally projecting lips is used to securely engage and join leftover pieces of rivet tape, allowing for automated connection of spools and reducing waste by enabling the reuse of partially used tapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rivet tapes are replenished by replacing spools, then continuous operation is maintained, but rivet waste increases due to partial usage of spools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention recovers partially used rivet tapes by joining them to new spools using a joining clip. Instead of discarding spools with remaining rivets, the system captures and reuses them, thereby reducing rivet waste while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining clip merges a partially used rivet tape with a new spool of rivet tape, creating an extended continuous supply. This combination allows the system to utilize remaining rivets from the first spool while transitioning to the new spool without interruption or waste.
2Loss of substance
If robotic arms stop for rivet replenishment, then rivet waste is reduced, but production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining clip enables continuous operation by allowing rapid attachment of new spools to partially used ones without stopping the robotic arm. This maintains the continuous flow of rivets to the production line, eliminating downtime while preventing waste through efficient spool utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service replenishment where the robotic arm can quickly attach a new spool to a partially used one using the joining clip without requiring operator intervention or production shutdown, thereby maintaining continuity and reducing waste.
3Quantity of substance
If operators access controlled environment for rivet replenishment, then rivet supply is maintained, but safety risks increase and operation is suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The joining clip enables the robotic arm to perform self-service replenishment by automatically attaching new spools to partially used ones without operator intervention. This eliminates the need for operators to enter the controlled environment, maintaining safety while ensuring continuous rivet supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-join mechanism allows rivet supply maintenance without suspending operation or requiring operator access. The robotic arm continues operating uninterrupted while the joining clip enables seamless spool replacement in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
A rivet tape joining clip (302) comprising an elongate body provided with a plurality of projections (310) which extend from one side of the elongate body, wherein the projections are provided with laterally projecting lips. The invention further relates to different apparatuses and methods used for the joining of rivet tapes.