Vacuum Drive Bit Insert for Uneven Connecting Element Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for setting connecting elements struggle with reliable retention due to surface unevenness caused by coating abrasion, especially when using negative pressure for holding the elements in place, leading to inconsistent processing and potential defects.
Innovation Solution
A device with an insert element featuring a suction surface that can move axially relative to the drive bit, allowing for reliable suction and retention of connecting elements even with surface unevenness, by transmitting negative pressure from the insert element to the suction surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If negative pressure is used to hold connecting elements on the drive bit, then the connecting elements can be retained during processing, but surface unevenness from coating abrasion causes unreliable retention and processing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The suction surface is divided into two functional zones: a first suction surface area that contacts the connecting element head for reliable retention, and a second suction surface area that contacts the component layer for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interference from surface unevenness on the drive structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert element acts as an intermediary between the drive bit and the connecting element. It transfers the suction force from the suction device to the connecting element head through the first suction surface area, while its second suction surface area simultaneously contacts the component layer. This intermediary structure eliminates the direct dependency between suction retention and the quality of drive structure surfaces.
2Device complexity
If the suction surface is fixed relative to the drive bit, then the structure is simple, but surface unevenness prevents reliable suction of connecting elements with coated surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The insert element is designed to be movable relative to the drive bit in the axial direction. During the setting process, the insert element can move axially to accommodate variations in connecting element positioning and ensure that both the first suction surface area (contacting the connecting element head) and the second suction surface area (contacting the component layer) maintain proper contact. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable suction retention without requiring a complex fixed structure.
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 solution ensures reliable retention and processing of connecting elements with surface unevenness, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of industrial manufacturing by allowing higher tolerances and reducing defects.
Implementation Method 1
a negative pressure can be transmitted from side of the insert element facing away in the setting direction to the suction surface of the insert element
Implementation Method 2
the suction surface can move relative to the drive bit in the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for setting a connecting element (100, 300) with a top-side drive structure (22, 44), comprising a feed device (12) for applying an axial force, a rotary spindle (14, 40, 68, 82, 140) and a drive bit (20, 42, 60, 70, 80, 142, 242) connected to same, which has drive structures (22, 44) arranged circumferentially and at the end in a setting direction (S) in order to interlockingly cause the connecting element (100, 300) to rotate, wherein the drive bit (20, 42, 60, 70, 80, 142, 242) has an axial through-opening, and the device also comprises a suction unit (18) with which air can be suctioned out at the end side of the drive bit (20, 42, 60, 70, 80, 142, 242).