Abstract: An assembly module, an assembly apparatus, and a method of operating the assembly module are introduced. The assembly module includes a first assembly die, a second assembly die and at least one engagement die. The first assembly die has a plurality of first fitting portions. The second assembly die has a plurality of second fitting portions and corresponds in position to the first assembly die. The engagement die is removably disposed at a related point of at least one first fitting portion, at a related point of at least one second fitting portion or at related points of at least one first fitting portion and at least one second fitting portion. Therefore, the assembly module is effective in fitting a component and an assembly target together, easy to operate, and conducive to quick assembly.

Abstract: An assembly module, an assembly apparatus, and a method of operating the assembly module are introduced. The assembly module includes a first assembly die, a second assembly die and at least one engagement die. The first assembly die has a plurality of first fitting portions. The second assembly die has a plurality of second fitting portions and corresponds in position to the first assembly die. The engagement die is removably disposed at a related point of at least one first fitting portion, at a related point of at least one second fitting portion or at related points of at least one first fitting portion and at least one second fitting portion. Therefore, the assembly module is effective in fitting a component and an assembly target together, easy to operate, and conducive to quick assembly.

Abstract: An assembly module, an assembly apparatus, and a method of operating the assembly module are introduced. The assembly module includes a first assembly die, a second assembly die and at least one engagement die. The first assembly die has a plurality of first fitting portions. The second assembly die has a plurality of second fitting portions and corresponds in position to the first assembly die. The engagement die is removably disposed at a related point of at least one first fitting portion, at a related point of at least one second fitting portion or at related points of at least one first fitting portion and at least one second fitting portion. Therefore, the assembly module is effective in fitting a component and an assembly target together, easy to operate, and conducive to quick assembly.

Abstract: A lower drill tool that is structurally configured to receive a bracket, and, to cooperate with an upper drill tool having a pair of spaced apart drill bits. The lower drill tool has part receiving surface, a pair of spaced apart drill bores, a central bore, a centering nub and a biasing member. The drill bores extend downwardly away from the part receiving surface. The central bore is between the drill bores and extends downwardly away from the part receiving surface. The centering nub is slidable within the central bore, and has an upper tip extendable beyond the part receiving surface, positionable between an extended position and a partially retracted position. The upper tip has a conical configuration. The biasing member is positioned within the central bore and biases the centering nub toward the extended position. A drill system and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing system employing a bifurcated backbone having an upper plate and lower plate, with a longitudinal slot between the upper and lower plate. A plurality of actuator groups are mounted longitudinally adjacent the slot. A carrier supports a panel for longitudinal translation into the slot and the carrier is configured to pulse longitudinally in the slot relative to the plurality of actuator groups during a sequence of fabrication operations by the plurality of actuator groups on the panel.

Abstract: A camera arm of a camera system for a vehicle comprises a first structural element connecting the camera arm to the vehicle and a second structural element comprises at least one camera. A fastening for the at least one camera offers protection against external damaging influences on the fastening, the camera arm, and on all elements, devices, and modules arranged thereon. The camera arm comprises a variable-volume fluid vessel, connecting the first and the second structural element to one another. At least one restoring element connects the first and the second structural element to one another. The restoring element exerts a force on the second structural element in the direction of the first structural element. The force is varied as a result of the amount of fluid in the fluid vessel, such that the second structural element is moved relative to the first structural element by the varying force.

Abstract: A tool for pressing at least one auxiliary joining element together with a workpiece formed separately from the auxiliary joining element, includes two tool elements which can move towards one another along a movement direction and can thereby move out of an open position into a closed position, between which the workpiece and the auxiliary joining element can be arranged, such that the auxiliary joining element can be pressed together with the workpiece in a joining region of the workpiece by moving the tool elements into the closed position. At least one spring element is retained on the tool elements, and is elastically deformable along the movement direction and thereby transferable out of an initial state into a deformation state, and adopts the initial state in the open position of the tool elements. The workpiece can be supported at least in the open position on the spring element.

Abstract: An end effector may be configured to be modular in nature such that the weight of the end effector may be adjusted for specific applications. The end effector may further be configured to accept interchangeable dollies, wherein a dolly may be configured with a jacket on a contact end of the dolly, which contact end is configured to engage a distal end of a rivet during use.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage assembling jig includes: a base provided with a plurality of frame indexes for positioning both ends of a plurality of aircraft fuselage frames; a plurality of header plates, each of which protrudes from the base so as to extend along an aircraft fuselage panel, the header plates being arranged parallel to each other in an axial direction of the aircraft fuselage panel; and a plurality of electric cylinders radially provided on each of the plurality of header plates, the electric cylinders moving respective receiving members in a radial direction of the aircraft fuselage panel, the receiving members contacting a skin included in the aircraft fuselage panel.

Abstract: A fastening tool includes a fastener-abutment part, a pin-gripping part, a motor, a driving mechanism, an input-accepting part and a motor-control part. The fastener-abutment part is configured to abut on a cylindrical part of a fastener. The pin-gripping part is configured to grip a portion of a pin of the fastener. The driving mechanism is configured to be driven by power of the motor to move the pin-gripping part rearward along a driving axis relative to the fastener-abutment part, thereby fastening a workpiece via the fastener. The input-accepting part is configured to accept setting information for a control condition of the motor inputted via an operation part configured to be externally operated by a user. The motor-control part is configured to control operation of the driving mechanism by controlling driving of the motor according to the control condition based on the setting information accepted by the input-accepting part.

Abstract: A fastening tool includes a bolt-gripping part, an anvil, a motor, and a control part. When the bolt-gripping part grips an end region of a shaft part and moves relative to the anvil in a first direction of a longitudinal-axis direction, the anvil presses a collar fitted onto the shaft part in a second direction opposite to the first direction of the longitudinal-axis direction and inward in a radial direction of the collar, so that a hollow part of the collar is crimped to a groove while the workpiece is clamped between the collar and a head part, whereby swaging of a fastener is completed while the end region remains integrated with the shaft part. The control part completes swaging of the fastener by terminating a movement of the bolt-gripping part in the first direction relative to the anvil based on driving current of the motor.

Abstract: A fastening tool using a fastener of a type which is configured such that swaging is completed while an end region of a shaft part of a bolt remains integrated with the shaft part, and more particularly, a technique that may help provide a compact device structure while facilitating output management required for swaging, in the fastening tool. The fastening tool is configured to fasten a workpiece with a bolt and a collar without breaking a shaft part of the bolt, and a control part performs swaging operation while controlling the driving current of a motor to become a specified target current value and completes the swaging operation based on rotation speed of the motor.

Abstract: In a linear displacement pump, liquid is discharged by driving a piston along at least part of a stroke length. While discharging the liquid, a linear position of the piston is sensed at a plurality of positions along the stroke length, and a plurality of output signals is produced. Based on one or more of the output signals, an operational state of the pump is determined.

Abstract: A method of operating a riveting tool includes mounting a die in an installed position, determining an actual stroke distance of the riveting tool, comparing the actual stroke distance to a predetermined stroke distance that is based on a desired rivet location, and operating or not operating the riveting tool to install a rivet into workpieces, based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A nose portion assembly of a riveting apparatus is rotatable between a first vertical position and a second angled position which is adjacent an end of a rivet feed ramp. The angled position of the nose assembly matches the angle of a rivet feed ramp from a rivet feed member positioned on the side of the riveting apparatus.

Abstract: An energy storage device includes a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector which respectively have electric conductivity and are joined to each other, and cover members. The energy storage device includes swaged joint portions which join the positive electrode current collector and the cover members to each other, and are engaged with each other by fitting engagement by a concavo-convex fitting engagement structure which projects from the positive electrode current collector toward the cover members, and swaged joint portions which join the negative electrode current collector and the cover members to each other and, are engaged with each other by fitting engagement by a concavo-convex fitting engagement structure which projects from the negative electrode current collector toward the cover members. The cover members respectively include a strip-shaped projection which forms a rigidity changing part on the side of the swaged joint portion.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet installation apparatus includes a rigid C-frame and a drive spindle translatable along a rivet installation axis through a first jaw of the rigid C-frame. An installation head has an installation head mounting end mountable to a leading end of the drive spindle. A mounting post having a mounting post root end is matingly engaged with a jaw socket defined coaxially with the rivet installation axis in a second jaw of the rigid C-frame. A coupling tube has a coupling tube mounting end. A riveting anvil is removably mounted to the coupling tube to form an anvil mounting assembly. The anvil mounting assembly is alternatively mountable on the drive spindle and the mounting post. The installation head is alternatively mountable on the mounting post and the drive spindle opposite the anvil mounting assembly.

Abstract: A method of riveting a first substrate and a second substrate with a rivet includes delivering a first ultrasonic pulse to a respective exterior surface of the first substrate at a predefined target area, via an ultrasonic device. The first ultrasonic pulse is configured to soften the first substrate at a first softening temperature. The method includes attaching a crust layer on a rivet head of the rivet. A second ultrasonic pulse is delivered to the predefined target area to soften the crust layer at a second softening temperature, via the ultrasonic device. A surface profile of the crust layer is fashioned via compression of a horn inner cavity of the ultrasonic device over the crust layer. The crust layer is cooled to harden into a seal configured to prevent entry of moisture between the rivet and the respective exterior surface of the first substrate, thereby reducing galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: A method of performing automated operations on a workpiece by at least one autonomous device is provided. The method includes sensing, by a first of the at least one autonomous devices, a guidance pattern positioned on the workpiece along a first path. The method also includes traversing, by the first autonomous device, along the first path by following the sensed guidance pattern, to a first path location that is within a detection distance of a first precision target indicator positioned on the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a metallic-composite joint comprising a metallic component having one hole in a surface thereof, and a metallic fastener having a head portion for attaching to the metallic component and a tail portion for attaching to a composite component, comprising the steps of positioning the metallic fastener such that the head portion of the metallic fastener is retained in the hole, and the tail portion of the metallic fastener extends out of the hole, arranging layered fibers of an uncured composite component on the surface of the metallic component such that the tail portion extends through a gap between adjacent fibers in each fiber layer, and curing the composite component. The invention also provides a metallic-composite joint, a structure, an aircraft structure, an aircraft, a method of manufacturing a fastener assembly, a fastener assembly and a metallic fastener.

Abstract: A device for positioning a first piece relative to a second piece. The first piece comprises a free end with a first bore and the second piece comprises an engagement part with a second bore intended to come into correspondence with the first bore. The first and second bore are drilled to the definitive diameter thereof prior to the relative positioning thereof. The device comprises one or more positioning elements, which are able to position the first bore relative to the second bore along at least one of three geometric axes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening two parts together. An initial interference fit may be created between a fastener and at least a portion of a hole extending through the two parts while maintaining a force equilibrium. A final interference fit may be created between the fastener and the hole, while maintaining a new force equilibrium.

Abstract: A system and method for a self-contained self-calibrating modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. The modular device includes a housing that has a mount configured to engage a robotic arm or other form of maneuvering actuator (such a crane or gantry). The housing provides a base by which additional modules are mounted and coupled. The modular device also includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of controlling the robotic arm. Such modules work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained self-calibrating modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing is configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system as well as use local sensors to determine aspects of an underlying manufactured items for calibration purposes.

Abstract: A method for the assembly of an aircraft fuselage, to a fuselage manufacturing station and to a construction kit includes providing a pre-assembled cockpit unit, a pre-assembled wing box, a pre-assembled tail unit and a plurality of pre-fabricated fuselage shell segments. Furthermore, the method involves positioning the cockpit unit, the wing box and the tail unit. Moreover, a first front fuselage shell segment is positioned on a front connecting region of the wing box, and a first rear fuselage shell segment is positioned on a rear connecting region of the wing box. The first front fuselage shell segment is joined to a second front fuselage shell segment, and the first rear fuselage shell segment is joined to a second rear fuselage shell segment. As a result of the above, following the assembly of the aircraft fuselage an aircraft fuselage can be provided that already comprises equipment elements or functional elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an assembly operation. A tool may be macro-positioned relative to an exterior of a fuselage assembly. The tool may be micro-positioned relative to a particular location on the exterior of the fuselage assembly. An assembly operation may be performed at the particular location on the panel using the tool.

Abstract: A screw device, for mounting within a housing, configured to fixedly connect a first portion and a second portion of the housing, includes: a driving part fixedly connected within the first portion of the housing; a screw connected with the driving part; a nut fixedly connected within the second portion of the housing and matching the screw; and a chip configured to control the driving part to drive the screw to move relative to the nut, so as to achieve engagement or separation between the screw and the nut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a positioning system for electromagnetic riveting. The apparatus comprises a plate and a biasing system physically associated with the plate. The plate is configured to be positioned relative to a first workpiece, and is further configured to electromagnetically engage an electromagnetic tool. The biasing system is configured to physically engage a second workpiece. The biasing system is further configured to hold the plate in a desired position relative to the first workpiece during a number of operations performed by the electromagnetic tool while the plate is electromagnetically engaged with the first workpiece.

Abstract: A rivet setting machine is provided. In another aspect, a linear displacement sensor directly senses and detects a position of a rivet-setting punch relative to a nosepiece of a rivet setting machine. A further aspect provides a control system and software instructions for sensing the relative position of a punch and nosepiece used by a programmable controller to determine and monitor a rivet setting position without use of a force sensor, motor current/voltage sensor, or a rotation sensor.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A hand-held rivet nut (rivet bolt) tool has a body, a sleeve, a positioning ring and a mandrel. The body includes a base and a pair of handles. The handles are respectively pivotally connected to two sides of the base. The sleeve is axially movably mounted through the base and includes an annular mounting groove. The positioning ring is seated in the annular mounting groove of the sleeve and includes an inner portion. The mandrel is rotatably mounted through the sleeve and includes an annular positioning groove allowing the inner portion of the positioning ring to engage therewith. The manufacturing process of the holding structure between the mandrel and sleeve is simplified because it only has steps of forming the annular mounting groove and then seating the positioning ring in the annular mounting groove, which increases production efficiency and reduces manufacturing time and costs.

Abstract: A hollow punch rivet is described having a flange and a rivet section. Furthermore, a method for the attachment of individual components to one another using a punch rivet is described, with at least one of the components being formed by a material of the composite material.

Abstract: A manufacturing method employing a robotic assembly system includes first and second fastener system components that are positioned by a robotic assembly on opposite sides of at least two structural pieces that are to be fastened together. The first system component includes a particular tool of a plurality of different types of tools, where the particular tool installs a particular fastener of a plurality of different types of fasteners. Each tool includes a block or base of magnetic material with a passageway opening for the fastener associated with the tool passing through the base. The robotic assembly positions the tool against one side of the structural pieces to be fastened, and positions an electromagnet assembly on the opposite side of the structural pieces. Activating the electromagnet assembly clamps the structural pieces together. With the fastener positioned in a hole through the structural pieces, the tool is activated to install the fastener between the structural pieces.

Abstract: A die for a riveting tool for implementing a punch rivet connection between at least two joined part sections is proposed, the die being used in a state provided in the riveting tool for supporting the joined part sections during a connection procedure and a die front side facing toward a movable punch of the riveting tool, using which a rivet element can be pressed in a punching manner through the joined part sections to be connected, an embossing section of the die protruding in relation to adjacent areas of the die front side and causing an embossment in the die-side joined part section, so that components of the joined part material flow into an external depression on the rivet element. According to the invention, the embossing section is implemented as divided into sections. The invention additionally relates to a riveting tool.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered fastener installation tool (2) comprising floating pull (24) and return (26) pistons which are free to move axially within the main channel (22), thereby providing compliance when transmitting pressure from a double-acting pneumatic piston (16) and intensifier rod (18) to a head piston (6) thereby to install a fastener such as a lockbolt and preventing the generation of a vacuum condition on oil loss during the pull stroke of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for feeding a connecting element into a processing position of a joining apparatus. The apparatus includes a singulation slide for separating and feeding a connecting element. The singulation slide has a through-hole running in an axial direction for accommodating the connecting element, and the through-hole is partially defined by two leg segments. The singulation slide includes a base segment and the transition from the base segment to each of the leg segments is designed so that the leg segments are flexible in a radial direction.

Abstract: A conventional blind rivet tool with modified nose housing, i.e., a rivet gun with replaceable and interchangeable nosepieces, facilitates feeding and setting of multiple diameters of blind rivets with substantially shortened exposed mandrel portions extending beyond the head flange of the rivet, all while maintaining blind rivet performance and reducing total installed blind rivet costs. A rivet with a reduced exposed mandrel protrusion relative to conventional and standardized mandrels can be enabled and more easily fed through the tool.

Abstract: A rivet setter that can efficiently and smoothly perform, and reduce the takt time for a rivet setting operation. The rivet setter can be configured to set a rivet sequentially fed from a rivet supplying means by inserting the rivet into apertures formed at predetermined positions on workpieces. The rivet setter can have delivery paths for delivering the rivet one by one by sliding the rivet down to a settable position and can have a hanging support portion formed in the settable position in the tip end of the delivery path for supporting the head of rivet and for hanging the rivet shank downward. The rivet setter can be configured to enable the rivet to be set in the apertures of the workpieces by moving the hanging support portion substantially horizontally while keeping the rivet suspended in the hanging support portion and inserted into the apertures of the workpieces.

Abstract: A method for joining at least two workpiece layers (1, 2) by introducing a connecting element (10) with a coating (15) applied externally to the connecting element (10), where the connecting element (10) is guided, in particular punched, through the first workpiece layer (1) by a ram (26), forming a cut surface (1), and penetrates at least partially into the second workpiece layer and is deformed by a die (21) such that it connects the at least two workpiece layers (1, 2) together in a form-fitting manner. The connecting element (10) is heated such that the coating (15) applied externally to the connecting element (10) melts and wets, in particular completely closes, the cut surface in the first workpiece layer (1); after a cooling process, the re-solidified coating (15) adheres to the cut surface of the first workpiece layer (1).

Abstract: A rivet guide head that guides a rivet during a rivet machine drive stroke is provided. The rivet guide head includes a rivet guide body having a rivet guide surface defined along a rivet guide bore having a guide bore axis. A first elongated guide pin is disposed in the rivet guide head that extends along a first guide pin axis and has an outer engagement surface. The guide bore axis is substantially parallel to the first guide pin axis. The rivet guide head is configured to guide the rivet along the outer engagement surface of the first elongated guide pin during the drive stroke. According to further aspects, the first elongated pin deflects laterally outwardly during the drive stroke. A first biasing member is disposed in the rivet guide head and is configured to bias the elongated guide pin in a direction toward the guide bore axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for the connection of two components indirectly or directly in an overlap joint, wherein component sections located in the overlap are pressed together for each drilling procedure by means of a clamping unit formed from a pressure application device on the drilling machine side and a guide on the component side, such that any penetration of chips between the component sections is prevented and temporary connecting elements can be dispensed with.

Abstract: A fastening device for preassembling structural members includes a hollow cylindrical body; a bearing ring provided at a proximal end of the hollow body and against which one of the structural members is intended to bear in a fastening position; a pulling threaded rod extending through the hollow body to be inserted into the structural members; a tightening means connected to the pulling threaded rod for maintaining the structural members against each other, the tightening means including a removable tubular end piece for mounting on a proximal threaded end of the pulling threaded rod that can be locally axially compacted under the action of a force applied on the pulling threaded rod in order to form a radial bead for sandwiching the structural members between the latter and the bearing ring; the fastening device including a sheath.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: A system and method for rivet setting comprising a micro-adjustable bucking bar coupled to a control system that measures the rivet head during the rivet setting process and stops the rivet gun when the rivet head achieves a desired head height above the work surface. In preferred embodiments, the control system also communicates the stage of the rivet driving cycle to the operators to expedite the rivet driving process.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a clinch-rivet connection using a rotary oscillating movement for connecting two metal components, wherein via the oscillating movement by means of forming rollers, a vertical, and simultaneously, a horizontal deformation is carried out, wherein one of the components has a preformed, flat, tab-like arc web, and the second component is provided with an at least partially V-shaped arc slot, which allows the accommodation of the preformed, flat, tab-like arc web, and via radial oscillating movement, the forming roller presses the arc web into the arced slot by superimposed axial movement, wherein the outer circumference of the forming rollers is provided with a wedge-shaped profile, and the oscillating movement of each forming roller with a specific pendulum path across the arc web does not exceed the length of the arc web

Abstract: The system includes a moving feed assembly, including a feed channel, through which a collar is moved by compressed air to a position in substantial alignment with the centerline of a swaging die tool. There is sufficient clearance between the collar and the channel to permit movement of the collar as a forward end of a die pin portion of the swaging die tool moves and engages a center opening of the collar.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for continuous fastener feeding for sequentially delivering single fasteners to a fastener installation device are disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a first fastener reel for supporting a first fastener tape securing a plurality of fasteners and a second fastener reel for supporting a second fastener tape for securing a plurality of fasteners. A fastener tape joining device positioned downstream of the first and second fastener reels receives the respective first and the second fastener tapes and selectively engage the first and second fastener tapes when one of the fastener tapes becomes depleted of fasteners.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling, with fasteners, components of a structure having an outboard side, an inboard side, and a supporting frame. The components are placed together on the frame. An electromagnet having a core with multiple openings is positioned on the outboard side. A magnetically attractive member is placed against the inboard side opposite and aligned with the electromagnet. When activated, the electromagnet is attracted towards the magnetically attractive member and the two hold the components together. Multiple drill members pass through the openings in the core of the electromagnet and multiple openings are drilled simultaneously through the components. Subsequently, multiple rivets or huck bolts are simultaneously inserted into the drilled openings. Finally, fasteners are hammered through the drilled openings and rivets are secured by bucking bars provided on the magnetically attractive member.

Abstract: A riveting tool configured to install a plurality of fasteners simultaneously is provided including a body having a generally central cavity. A strike surface is arranged at a first end of the body and a plurality of contactors extends generally outwards from a second, opposite end of the body. Each contactor includes an engagement surface configured to contact a surface of an adjacent fastener when a force is applied to the strike surface. A biasing mechanism is arranged within the cavity adjacent an upper cavity surface. A dowel is positioned within the cavity adjacent the biasing mechanism. The dowel is configured to engage a portion of an adjacent nut plate and translate within the cavity.

Abstract: A rivet machine is provided. The rivet machine employs a die including a die body that has an inner wall with a pair of retaining ribs or projections extending inwardly therefrom. In use, the rivet pushes a slug from a workpiece within which it is mounted and into an opening of the die. The projections engage and retain the slug within the inner wall. According to further aspects, the pair of retaining ribs are diametrically opposed around the inner wall. Each of the retaining ribs has two converging surfaces that form an angle of between 90 and 150 degrees. In yet another aspect, the projections can be discontinuous such that a first retaining rib is longitudinally offset on the inner wall from a second retaining rib.