Method and apparatus for automatically installing mandrel rivets
US4754643A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53496
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method for automated and semi-automated installation of blind rivets, comprising mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic subassemblies, with self-diagnostic capabilities. The system includes a rivet transfer arm external to the installation tool, which receives pneumatically fed rivets in a "home" position and transfers the rivets to an "advanced" position of alignment with the tool's nosepiece. A mandrel collection system routes separated mandrels from the tool to a remote receptacle through a channel under vacuum. Various sensors detect rivet placements, mechanism positions, and air pressure conditions, and signals from such sensors together with user inputs are received by a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU diagnoses the state of the installation system, produces command signals for a plurality of solenoid valves to regulate the system pneumatics, and reports status and fault conditions to the operator. The operating software may include self-correction routines, as for example one which recognizes unsuccessful loading of a rivet into the nosepiece and reattempts loading with a new rivet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.