Auto-Feed Fastener Gun With Sensor-Guided Strip Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated fastener systems face challenges in efficiently driving fasteners into surfaces with varying types and sizes, often resulting in jamming issues and inconsistent feeding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a fastener tool with a movable feeder mechanism, a sensor to track the position of the fastener strip, and an actuator to advance the strip towards the driver, ensuring precise alignment and feeding of fasteners into the surface, with interchangeable components for different types and sizes of fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed feeding mechanism is used for fasteners, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying types and sizes of fasteners, resulting in jamming issues
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder mechanism is designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different fastener types and sizes. The feeding mechanism includes adjustable guides and positioning elements that can be reconfigured based on the specific fastener being installed, allowing the system to handle varying geometries without jamming while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through controlled adjustability rather than complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder mechanism is designed as a universal system capable of handling multiple types and sizes of fasteners through interchangeable components and adjustable positioning elements. This multi-functional design allows a single feeder mechanism to accommodate various fastener configurations (different lengths, diameters, and types) without requiring separate dedicated feeders for each fastener variant, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity.
2Productivity
If manual fastener feeding is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and consistency of fastener installation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated feeding system is designed to automatically feed fasteners from the strip to the driver without requiring manual intervention for each fastener. The system includes automatic fastener detection, positioning, and advancement mechanisms that self-regulate the feeding process, significantly improving productivity by eliminating repetitive manual operations while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical feeding operations with an automated mechanical feeding system that uses actuators, guides, and positioning mechanisms to automatically advance fasteners from the strip to the driver. This substitution of manual operations with automated mechanical systems increases productivity and consistency, while the use of standardized mechanical components helps control the overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a simple feeding mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the precision of fastener alignment and feeding is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding mechanism incorporates sensors and detection systems that monitor fastener position, alignment, and presence in real-time. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the feeding process, correct misalignments, and ensure consistent positioning of each fastener before installation. The feedback control system improves alignment precision while the automated nature of the adjustments prevents the need for overly complex manual intervention systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener gun may include a driver configured to drive a fastener of a fastener strip a plate coupled to the driver, wherein the plate is configured to receive the fastener strip a nose piece coupled to the plate, wherein the nose piece is configured to hold the fastener strip adjacent the plate, and a feeder mechanism coupled to the plate and configured to advance the fastener strip towards the driver.