Rivet Tape Joining Clip for Continuous Rivet Feed Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for joining rivet tapes result in wastage due to partially used spools being replaced, leading to suspended production line operations and inefficiencies in rivet supply management, particularly in automated environments where robotic arms are used for self-piercing riveting.

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, while maintaining the regular separation of sprocket holes for seamless integration with rivet insertion tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spools of rivet tape are replaced when partially used to ensure continuous supply, then production line continuity is improved, but rivet tape wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction line continuityVSAvoidrivet tape wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention recovers partially used rivet tapes by joining them to new spools using a joining clip. Instead of discarding partially used tapes, the system captures and reuses them, thereby reducing wastage while maintaining continuous supply to the production line

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

A joining clip serves as an intermediary device that connects the end of a partially used rivet tape to a new spool. This mediator enables the transition from old to new tape without interruption, allowing recovery and reuse of the partially used portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If spools of rivet tape are replaced at the same time for multiple tools, then production line interruptions are reduced, but rivet tape wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction line efficiencyVSAvoidrivet tape wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The joining clip enables recovery of partially used rivet tapes from multiple tools when they are replaced simultaneously. By capturing and reusing these partial spools, the system reduces wastage while maintaining the productivity benefit of coordinated replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If rivet insertion tools stop operation to allow operator access for replenishing rivets, then safety is improved, but production line productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidproduction line output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service replenishment where the joining clip automatically connects new rivet tape spools to tools without requiring operator intervention. This allows robotic arms to replenish their own rivet supplies, eliminating production stoppages while maintaining safety by keeping operators out of the controlled environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3609635B1Rivet tape joining clip

Publication Date: 2024.10.09 ATLAS COPCO IAS UK LIMITED

Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D

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.