Handheld Riveting Tool Mandrel Counting for Jam Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically operated hand-held riveting tools lack a reliable method to inform users when the collection container for residual rivet mandrels is full, leading to potential jamming, injury risks, and tool failure due to unemptied containers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensing counting device and removal sensor to determine the number of residual rivet mandrels, providing users with information on when the collection container needs to be emptied, and optionally communicating this via a mobile app for intuitive and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the collection container is made opaque to protect user privacy or simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the user cannot visually monitor the fill level and must rely on manual checking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiduser monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual monitoring system with an electronic sensing and communication system. Optical sensors or capacitive sensors detect the fill level of mandrel fragments in the collection container, and this information is transmitted wirelessly to a mobile device, eliminating the need for visual inspection through container transparency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the collection container and the user. A microcontroller unit processes sensor data about the container fill level and communicates this information via wireless transmission to a mobile device, serving as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the container state and user awareness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the collection container is made transparent to allow visual monitoring of fill level, then user awareness of container status is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the collection container is not emptied regularly, then productivity is maintained without interruptions, but the risk of jamming and tool failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidtool failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor the collection container fill level and transmit this information to the user's mobile device. When the container approaches full capacity, the system sends alerts or notifications to the user, enabling proactive emptying before jamming occurs, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary action by providing advance warning to the user before the collection container becomes full. The sensing system detects approaching capacity limits and notifies the user in advance, allowing the user to plan and execute emptying operations before jamming or tool failure occurs, thereby maintaining continuous productive operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If residual mandrels are not detected and monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but safety risks from unemptied containers and potential injuries increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3184194B1Electrically-driven handheld riveting machine and its method for operation

Publication Date: 2022.03.09 HONSEL DISTRIBUTION GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a hand-held riveting tool (1) and such a riveting tool (1) which has a housing (10) in which a rivet setting mechanism (11) is accommodated and with which riveting elements (12) are to be connected Workpieces (13) are set, with residual rivet mandrels (14) being produced when the riveting elements (12) are set, which are conveyed through a conveying channel (15) of the riveting tool (1) into a collecting container (16) of the riveting tool (1). According to the invention, means are provided with which the number of residual rivet mandrels (14) in the collecting container (16) is determined and it is provided that a user is provided with the information as to whether the collecting container (16) needs to be emptied.