Securing Element Supply Device with Adjustable Compressed Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for supplying securing elements, such as rivets, are limited in their ability to handle different types of securing elements with varying geometries and weights, often requiring only a few types with minimal dimension and weight differences, leading to inefficiencies and susceptibility to failure.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple provision channels and a processing channel that uses adjustable compressed air to convey securing elements of different types to a processing unit, featuring a movable sliding member, proportional valves, and actuators to manage air pressure and element type detection, allowing for efficient and reliable delivery of various securing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional devices use a single provision channel for securing elements, then the device structure remains simple, but the device can only handle a limited number of securing element types with minimal dimension and weight differences
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple provision channels (at least two), each capable of supplying different types of securing elements. This segmentation allows the device to handle various securing element types simultaneously without requiring complete structural redesign, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each provision channel is designed with universal functionality to supply different types of securing elements (e.g., rivets, screws, clips) based on detected requirements. The channels share common structural features and control mechanisms, allowing the device to versatilely handle multiple securing element types without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If fixed compressed air pressure is used in the processing channel, then the control system remains simple, but securing elements with different weights and geometries cannot be conveyed optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air pressure in the processing channel is made dynamically adjustable based on the type of securing element being conveyed. The system detects the securing element type and automatically adjusts air pressure parameters to optimize conveyance efficiency for each specific type, thereby improving productivity while the automated detection and control minimize the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compressed air pressure parameter according to the detected securing element type. Different pressures are applied for different weights and geometries - lighter elements receive lower pressure while heavier elements receive higher pressure, optimizing conveyance for each type without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
3Reliability
If high compressed air pressure is applied to all securing elements, then all elements can be conveyed reliably, but lighter securing elements with larger engagement faces may be damaged or conveyed too quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air pressure is locally optimized for each securing element type rather than applying uniform high pressure to all elements. The system detects the specific type of securing element and applies appropriately scaled pressure - higher pressure for heavier elements requiring reliable conveyance, and lower pressure for lighter elements with larger engagement faces to prevent damage and control conveyance speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air pressure parameter is dynamically changed based on securing element characteristics. The system adjusts pressure levels to match the weight and geometry of each element type, ensuring reliable conveyance for all elements while preventing harmful effects on lighter, more vulnerable elements through reduced pressure application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple provision channels are added to handle different securing element types, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The provision channels are segmented into separate, independent units (at least two channels), each capable of operating autonomously to supply different securing element types. This segmentation isolates potential failures to individual channels rather than affecting the entire system, thereby maintaining high adaptability while managing reliability through modular independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection mechanisms that identify the required securing element type and automatically direct supply from the appropriate provision channel. This feedback-controlled routing ensures that the correct channel is activated for each element type, reducing unnecessary operational complexity and potential failure points by only activating needed channels rather than managing all channels continuously.
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
Enables the efficient and reliable conveyance of multiple types of securing elements to a processing unit, optimizing delivery speed and reducing failure susceptibility by adapting air pressure to the specific type of securing element, thus enhancing the processing unit's capability to handle diverse securing elements.
Implementation Method 1
the securing elements configured to be acted on with variable compressed air in the processing channel in order to convey the securing elements to the processing unit, the pressure of the compressed air being adjustable in accordance with the type of the respective securing element
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to supply securing elements to a processing unit. The device includes at least two provision channels configured to secure elements of different types, by way of which the securing elements are conveyed into a common supply unit, and a processing channel through which the securing elements are conveyed individually from the supply unit to the processing unit. The securing elements are acted on with variable compressed air in the processing channel in order to convey the securing elements to the processing unit, the pressure of the compressed air being adjustable in accordance with the specific type of the respective securing element.