A method for automated installation of a semi-tubular fastener rivet is provided. The method includes controlling a numerical control drilling and riveting machine having an upper head and a lower head, to control movement of a lower pressure bushing, to apply a clamping force to hold a workpiece against an upper pressure bushing. The method includes controlling an upper drill spindle on the upper head, to drill a rivet-receiving hole from an upper side of the workpiece and to countersink the rivet-receiving hole. The method includes controlling a lower drill spindle on the lower head, to countersink the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of the workpiece. The method includes controlling movement of an upper anvil from a retracted position to an installation position, and controlling movement of a lower anvil, to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet installed in the rivet-receiving hole.

A dual-interface coupler includes a utilities unit, a number of utility cables configured to provide a number of utilities to the utilities unit, a first coupling unit associated with the utilities unit, and a second coupling unit associated with the utilities unit. The first coupling unit is configured to mechanically couple the utilities unit to a first corresponding coupling unit and comprises a utility interface. The number of utilities are configured to flow from the utilities unit through the utilities interface. The second coupling unit is configured to mechanically couple the second coupling unit to a second corresponding coupling unit.

The invention relates to a riveting machine comprising a piercing tool (52), an upper sheet clamp (71), and a lower sheet clamp (21), mounted movable relative to each other in the direction of bringing said sheet clamps (71, 21) closer to each other, an upper riveting tool (51) and a lower riveting tool (29) for flaring a rivet disposed inside an orifice formed through the parts (8) to be riveted. The upper sheet clamp (71) has a passage opening (72) facing which the drilling tool (52) is adapted to be positioned to enable said drilling tool (52) to pierce an area of said parts (8) clamped between the upper sheet clamp (71) and the lower sheet clamp (21). The upper sheet clamp (71) and the lower sheet clamp (21) are mounted movable relative to each other along a direction transverse to the piercing axis. The invention also relates to a riveting method.

A method for automated installation of a semi-tubular fastener rivet is provided. The method includes controlling a numerical control drilling and riveting machine having an upper head and a lower head, to control movement of a lower pressure bushing, to apply a clamping force to hold a workpiece against an upper pressure bushing. The method includes controlling an upper drill spindle on the upper head, to drill a rivet-receiving hole from an upper side of the workpiece and to countersink the rivet-receiving hole. The method includes controlling a lower drill spindle on the lower head, to countersink the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of the workpiece. The method includes controlling movement of an upper anvil from a retracted position to an installation position, and controlling movement of a lower anvil, to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet installed in the rivet-receiving hole.

A process for joining fiber composite materials using self-piercing rivets. The process includes contacting first and second panels. The second panel is a fiber composite material. The process further includes elevating a temperature of only a fastening portion of the second panel. The process also includes placing the first and second panels on a die and joining the first and second panels with one or more rivets while the fastening portion is at an elevated temperature.

A system and method for rivet setting comprising an anvil having an anvil face and a plunger having a sensor coupled to a control system that measures the distance between the anvil face and the work surface during the rivet setting process and stops the rivet driver when the driven 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.

An attachment for an end effector. The attachment may include a clamp and a foot adhesively bonded to an edge of the clamp and having a set of interlocking features that form a mechanical interlock with the clamp.

A system for attaching layers of material together comprised of a self-piercing rivet, a layer having a clearance hole through which the self-piercing rivet passes on assembly, and a layer free of a clearance hole and into which the self-piercing rivet is at least partially inserted. The system may include a third layer free of a clearance hole. The system may also include three layers wherein the clearance hole is formed in the middle layer. If the clearance hole is formed in the middle layer, the width of the hole may be greater than the diameter of the self-piercing rivet to avoid contact between the rivet and the middle layer. The layer having the clearance hole may be a hard material such as steel. One or more of the layers may be material that is difficult to pierce or can be damaged if pierced.

An assembly line (40) includes a transport system having pallets (70), a riveting machine (100) with a stop device (1005) and a riveting device (1010), and a crushing head (1011). The stop device (1005) and the riveting device (1010) flank the pallet (70) on opposite sides, while a stop (1006) of the stop device (1005) and the crushing head (1011) are translatable to approach the article from opposite sides during assembly.

An assembly line (40) includes a transport system having pallets (70), a riveting machine (100) with a stop device (1005) and a riveting device (1010), and a crushing head (1011). The stop device (1005) and the riveting device (1010) flank the pallet (70) on opposite sides, while a stop (1006) of the stop device (1005) and the crushing head (1011) are translatable to approach the article from opposite sides during assembly.