Threaded Tie-Rod Coupling System for Riveting Guns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for coupling and decoupling threaded tie-rods in riveting guns are laborious and require special tools, leading to prolonged inactive periods and increased weight and volume of the riveting zone, especially when switching between different types of rivets.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes guide means for translating and inclining the threaded tie-rod, comprising an insert drawn by the activating motor and a groove on the tie-rod, facilitated by elastic means, allowing for alignment and easy engagement/disengagement without supplementary tools, utilizing a tubular sleeve with a truncoconical geometry and lateral slit for smooth insertion and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupling/decoupling methods are used for threaded tie-rods, then the gun can switch between different rivet types, but the process requires special tools and supplementary equipment, increasing device complexity and operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-rod features self-aligning geometric features (truncoconical front end, grooved rear end) that enable automatic alignment with the sleeve during insertion. The elastic means (spring) automatically pushes the insert into engagement with the groove, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or supplementary equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
An insert with elastic means (spring) acts as an intermediary element between the activating motor and the tie-rod. This insert engages with the groove on the tie-rod and facilitates automatic alignment and coupling during motor-driven insertion, eliminating the need for external alignment tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupling/decoupling methods are used, then tie-rods can be replaced, but the process is laborious and time-consuming, increasing loss of time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-rod is pre-configured with geometric alignment features (truncoconical front end, grooved rear end) that automatically guide alignment during insertion. The elastic means (spring) is pre-positioned to automatically push the insert into engagement, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical coupling/decoupling process is replaced with an automated motor-driven insertion system. The activating motor drives the tie-rod into the sleeve, and the elastic means automatically engage the insert with the groove, eliminating laborious manual operations and significantly reducing inactive periods.
3Ease of operation
If guide means with insert and elastic means are added to the system, then alignment and coupling are facilitated without supplementary tools, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and coupling functions are merged into the tie-rod itself through geometric features (truncoconical front end, grooved rear end). The insert with elastic means is integrated into the activating motor assembly, combining multiple functions (driving, aligning, coupling) into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate supplementary tools.
4Ease of operation
If the tie-rod design includes grooved rear end and truncoconical front end, then automatic alignment is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-rod is segmented into distinct functional zones: a truncoconical front end for alignment with the sleeve, a threaded middle section for deformation function, and a grooved rear end for engagement with the insert. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to a fully complex geometry.
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 system significantly accelerates the replacement of threaded tie-rods, reduces inactive periods, and minimizes the weight and volume of the riveting zone by enabling tool-free operation and efficient alignment with the axis of the sleeve.
Implementation Method 1
facilitated by elastic means, allowing for alignment and easy engagement/disengagement
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 1A~2D
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The system for coupling/decoupling a threaded tie-rod to/from a tie-rod seating in a gun for deforming fixing elements is characterised in that the tie-rod seating (3) comprises: a tubular sleeve (30) which is provided with a front head (30A), enabling transit of the front end (2A) of the threaded tie-rod (2), and a lateral slit (4) which extends longitudinally, enabling transit of the front end (2A) and the rear end (2P) of the threaded tie-rod (2), facilitating insertion of the rear end (2P) of the threaded tie-rod (2) internally of the sleeve (30) and the alignment of the threaded tie-rod (2) with the axis (Y) of the sleeve (30); the front head (30A) and the lateral slit (4) of the sleeve (30) being profiled such as to enable translation (T) and/or inclination (R) of the threaded tie-rod (2) with respect to the axis (Y) of the sleeve (30) during the step of engaging/disengaging of the threaded tie-rod (2) to/from the sleeve (30).