Spring Arm Sleeve Structure for Tilt-Free Joining Element Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining devices with brake webs or pads fail to reliably position joining elements, especially short ones with large head diameters, leading to tilting issues and inefficient use of space, which can hinder the joining process.
Innovation Solution
A spring arm sleeve with a tubular section and radially inclined spring arms, featuring U-shaped apertures to securely hold and align joining elements before the punch, ensuring proper orientation and retention without obstructing the joining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake webs or pads are used to position joining elements, then joining elements can be held in the joining channel, but short joining elements with large head diameters tend to tilt and positioning reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible brake sleeve made of elastomeric material that can deform radially to accommodate joining elements. The sleeve's flexibility allows it to adapt to short joining elements with large head diameters, preventing tilting while maintaining reliable positioning. The material properties enable the sleeve to exert radial braking force without rigid contact, solving the positioning reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake sleeve's radial dimensions are dynamically changed through elastic deformation. When a joining element is fed, the sleeve radially inwardly deforms to reduce its inner diameter, creating a braking effect that positions the element. This parameter change allows the same sleeve to effectively position joining elements of varying geometries, including short elements with large heads that previously tilted.
2Reliability
If brake webs or pads are used to position joining elements, then joining elements can be retained, but the required space in the joining channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake sleeve is designed as a telescopic structure that can radially collapse inward. When not in use, the sleeve assumes a compact retracted position with minimal radial extent. When a joining element is fed, the sleeve radially outwardly extends to engage and retain the element. This nesting capability allows the retention function to be achieved with minimal space occupation in the joining channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake sleeve transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can radially expand and contract. The sleeve is spring-loaded or elastomeric, enabling it to automatically extend radially when a joining element is present and retract when not needed. This dynamic behavior provides reliable retention during operation while minimizing the space required in the joining channel structure.
3Productivity
If the punch moves in the joining direction, then the joining element is set into the component, but the brake mechanism must not interfere with the joining process
Solution Approach 1:
The brake sleeve operates in periodic cycles: it radially extends to brake and position the joining element during feeding, then radially retracts to clear the joining path when the punch moves. This periodic extension and retraction ensures that the brake mechanism provides positioning when needed but does not interfere with the actual joining operation, maintaining high productivity without harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake sleeve is designed to quickly retract radially inwardly during the punch stroke, allowing the punch to rush through the joining channel without obstruction. The elastic or spring-loaded construction enables rapid retraction timing that synchronizes with the punch movement, ensuring the brake mechanism skips the joining phase and only activates during element feeding, thus eliminating interference.
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
The spring arm sleeve effectively positions and retains joining elements, preventing tilting and optimizing space usage, ensuring a trouble-free joining process by using spring-loaded arms that taper the tubular section to securely hold the element until the punch sets it into place.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of one-sidedly fastened spring arms which are inclined radially inwards into the tubular section and extend starting from a fixed end
Data Source
AI summary
A spring arm sleeve, with which a joining element of a joining device is positionable and which comprises the following features: a tubular section which is formed by a circumferential or all-round wall, the circumferential wall comprises in the circumferential direction a plurality of U-shaped apertures regularly spaced apart from one another, which form a plurality of one-sidedly fastened spring arms which are inclined radially inwards into the tubular section and extend from a fixed end in a first longitudinal direction.