Telescopic Rivet Setting Mechanism for Confined-Space Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rivet installation systems in the industry, particularly in aeronautical applications, are often bulky, unreliable, and not entirely secure, necessitating the development of a more efficient and compact system.

Innovation Solution

A rivet installation system that includes a compact and optimized design, utilizing a telescopic pin mechanism and a multi-jack system to automate both the feeding and installation of rivets, ensuring pre-insertion and final insertion with enhanced reliability and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional rivet setting devices are used, then rivet installation can be performed, but the devices are bulky and occupy excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidrivet installation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a telescopic spindle mechanism where an internal secondary spindle is nested within an external main spindle. The secondary spindle can extend from the main spindle to provide additional length when needed, allowing the device to achieve the necessary reach and functionality while maintaining a compact retracted form factor. This nesting principle directly resolves the contradiction by enabling the device to be small when not in use but sufficiently long when performing rivet installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If traditional rivet setting devices are used, then rivet installation can be performed, but the devices are cumbersome and difficult to operate in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability in confined spacesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a dynamic telescopic spindle that can change its length on demand. The spindle transitions between retracted and extended states through a locking mechanism that allows quick adjustment. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different working conditions and confined spaces without requiring multiple fixed-length tools, thereby improving ease of operation while managing complexity through a single adjustable component rather than multiple rigid parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a single-stage rivet insertion method is used, then the process is simple, but the installation is not secure and reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation securityVSAvoidinsertion process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements a two-stage rivet insertion process. In the first stage, the spindle performs a preliminary insertion that positions the rivet partially into the hole and engages it preliminarily. In the second stage, the spindle completes the final insertion to secure the rivet fully. This preliminary action principle ensures that the rivet is properly positioned and engaged before final securing, significantly improving installation reliability and security while maintaining a manageable process through systematic step-by-step operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4178741B1Rivet setting device
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SETI TEC
  • EP4178741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4178741B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4178741B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for setting a rivet in an opening formed in a work structure, the device comprising at least: - a rivet support module capable of holding a rivet; - means for moving the module between at least one rivet loading station and a workstation for setting the rivet; - means for inserting a rivet into the module at the loading station; and - means for discharging a rivet held in the module outside the latter at the workstation such that the rivet can be set in the opening.