Automatic Washer Feeding for Self-Piercing Rivet Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joining methods, such as self-piercing riveting, face limitations in assembling dissimilar materials like metal and plastic composites, particularly in terms of thickness and material ductility, and require complex implementation of disc-shaped counter-bearings for reliable connections, which complicates the process and increases manufacturing time.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a C-shaped counterforce structure with a supply unit that automatically feeds a washer into the apparatus, utilizing an intermediate buffer, channel, and separation element to facilitate self-piercing riveting, allowing for precise positioning and efficient washer delivery, reducing manufacturing time and improving process repeatability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disc-shaped counter bearing is used to ensure reliable connection of components, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing time increase due to the need to manually provide and position each washer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple washers in a magazine and using a feeding mechanism to automatically deliver them to the joining position before each riveting operation. This eliminates the need for manual washer handling during the joining process, maintaining connection reliability while reducing process complexity and manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing feeding mechanism implements self-service by automatically selecting, positioning, and delivering washers to the apparatus without external intervention. The system serves itself by having the feeding mechanism integrated into the joining device, continuously supplying washers as needed during the riveting process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual washer provision is used for each connection, then the process allows flexibility in washer selection, but the manufacturing time increases and process repeatability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine pre-stores multiple washers before the joining process begins, allowing the system to quickly access and deliver the required washer without manual intervention during each riveting operation. This maintains the ability to use different washer types while significantly reducing manufacturing time and improving process repeatability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (10), notably joining device, comprising a C-shaped counterforce structure (12), an apparatus (18) for supporting a workpiece on one arm of the counterforce structure (12); a mechanism (20) supported on the other arm of the counterforce structure for performing an operation on the workpiece; a supply unit (26) for feeding a washer into the apparatus for performing the operation on the workpiece. The supply unit (26) comprises: an intermediate buffer (28) connected to the counterforce structure and adapted to receive a plurality of washers, a channel (30) adapted to guide the washer from the intermediate buffer to the apparatus, a separation element adapted to move one washer (24) from the plurality of washers in the intermediate buffer into the channel (30).