Fastener packaging tool and usage method for laser projection positioning in closed areas

The fastener sealing tool, which uses laser projection positioning, solves the problems of precise positioning and vertical control in sealing non-open areas, achieving efficient and stable sealing operations and improving the quality and efficiency of aircraft manufacturing.

CN119680827BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28AVIC XIAN AIRCRAFT IND GRP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411898669.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-23
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the aircraft manufacturing process, it is difficult to accurately position and control the verticality of the glue outlet when sealing fasteners in closed areas, resulting in low sealing efficiency, positional deviations and non-compliant appearance dimensions, which affects the corrosion resistance and sealing performance of the aircraft structure.

Method used

The fastener sealing tool using laser projection positioning utilizes a laser emitter to project positioning mark patterns, combined with a glue container and a limiting block, to achieve precise positioning and vertical sealing of the fastener head.

Benefits of technology

It improves the accuracy and stability of sealing, reduces human error, ensures the pass rate of package appearance and dimensions, improves work efficiency, reduces rework and sealant waste, and reduces the labor intensity of operators and the economic burden on enterprises.

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Abstract

This invention provides a fastener sealing tool and its usage method for laser projection positioning in a closed area. The tool includes: a handle (1), a first column (2), a sheet metal bending piece (4), a base plate (6), a second column (9), a laser emitting device (13), a pattern projection device (14), and an adhesive container (15); the first column (2) and the second column (9) are arranged in parallel, and the handle (1) and the base plate (6) are fixedly connected to them; the sheet metal bending piece (4) is arranged between the handle (1) and the base plate (6), and can move up and down along the axial direction of the first column (2) and the second column (9). The extension ends of the sheet metal bending part (4) and the base plate (6) are provided with concentric positioning holes. The two concentric positioning holes are used to install the pattern projection device (14) and the glue container (15) respectively. The laser emitting device (13) is connected to the pattern projection device (14). After the laser emitting device (13) projects the positioning mark pattern generated by the pattern projection device (14) onto the center point of the head of the fastener that is not sealed, the glue container (15) is positioned at the sealing position of the fastener. The operating handle (1) drives the glue container (15) to move to the head of the fastener to be sealed, thereby realizing the sealing. This improves the sealing efficiency, reduces the cost of glue, reduces the labor intensity of operators, and ensures the normal production and manufacturing progress.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of adhesive coating technology in aircraft manufacturing, specifically to a fastener sealing tool and its method of use for laser projection positioning of non-open areas. Background Technology

[0002] Fastener encapsulation is a crucial manufacturing step in aircraft production. Fastener encapsulation typically involves wrapping the fastener head with sealant to create a relatively sealed protective space. The encapsulation is typically a symmetrical cone shape with a flattened, rounded top, preventing corrosion from water, vapor, and other foreign substances, and ensuring good sealing of enclosed areas. However, according to aircraft design requirements, some non-open areas also require fastener encapsulation. Due to limited space, traditional fastener encapsulation methods are difficult to implement, often resulting in incomplete seals and inconsistent surface quality. This can lead to failures in the aircraft's structural corrosion resistance and sealing, potentially causing flight safety accidents.

[0003] Currently, the sealing of fasteners in non-open areas of aircraft is mainly done manually. The conventional method involves manually applying a small amount of sealant using a scoop, repeatedly applying it to the fastener head to form a seal. However, due to the high viscosity of the sealant, manual application makes it difficult to precisely control the amount applied, easily leading to inaccurate control over the final seal's dimensions. Another method is using a bent-tube applicator, which provides better sealing, but is only suitable for relatively semi-open areas that are visually visible. For particularly closed areas, manual experience and feel are required for positioning and application. Because it's impossible to visually center the fastener head and ensure the sealant nozzle is perpendicular to the fastener during sealing, the sealing efficiency is low, and problems such as positioning errors and non-compliant dimensions after sealing are common. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a precise, stable, and efficient fastener sealing tool and method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a fastener sealing tool and method for laser projection positioning in closed areas. It solves the problems of low sealing efficiency, sealing position deviation, and non-compliant appearance dimensions after sealing caused by the inability to visually position the center of the fastener head and the difficulty in controlling the glue outlet to be perpendicular to the fastener during the sealing process. These problems lead to unnecessary rework. The invention aims to improve sealing efficiency, reduce glue costs, reduce the labor intensity of operators, and ensure normal production and manufacturing progress.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention provides a fastener sealing tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area, comprising: a handle 1, a first column 2, a sheet metal bending part 4, a base plate 6, a second column 9, a laser emitting device 13, a pattern projection device 14, and an adhesive container 15.

[0006] The first column 2 and the second column 9 are arranged in parallel, and parallel handles 1 and base plates 6 are fixedly connected to them.

[0007] The sheet metal bending component 4 is located between the handle 1 and the base plate 6, and can move up and down along the axis of the first column 2 and the second column 9;

[0008] The extended ends of the sheet metal bending part 4 and the base plate 6 are provided with concentric positioning holes. The two concentric positioning holes are used to install the pattern projection device 14 and the glue container 15 respectively. The laser emitting device 13 is connected to the pattern projection device 14.

[0009] After the laser emitting device 13 projects the positioning mark pattern generated by the pattern projection device 14 onto the center point of the head of the fastener that is not sealed, the glue container 15 is positioned at the sealing position of the fastener. The operating handle 1 drives the glue container 15 to move to the head of the fastener to be sealed, thereby achieving sealing.

[0010] Optionally, a spring 8 is fitted onto the second column 9 and is located between the sheet metal bending part 4 and the handle 1.

[0011] Optionally, the length of spring 8 at its maximum stroke shall not exceed 60mm;

[0012] The compression stroke of spring 8 is more than 3mm greater than the height of the fastener package.

[0013] Optionally, the sheet metal bending part 4 and the base plate 6 are respectively provided with a first limiting block 11 and a second limiting block 12 that are positioned opposite each other;

[0014] The height of the first limiting block 11 is 5-10 mm greater than the height of the non-encapsulated head of the fastener;

[0015] The height of the second limiting block 12 is greater than the height of the glue container 15.

[0016] Optionally, a first bushing 3 is provided in the through hole on the sheet metal bending part 4 through which the first column 2 and the second column 9 pass; the sheet metal bending part 4 is glued to the first bushing 3.

[0017] A second bushing 7 is provided in the through hole on the base plate 6 through which the first column 2 and the second column 9 pass;

[0018] The first column 2, the second column 9, the base plate 6 and the second bushing 7 are glued together;

[0019] Handle 1 is glued to the first post 2 and the second post 9;

[0020] The first limiting block 11 is glued to the sheet metal bending part 4, and the second limiting block 12 is glued to the base plate 6.

[0021] Optionally, a reinforcing plate 5 is glued to the top of the base plate 6;

[0022] The reinforcing plate 5 is installed on the first column 2 and the second column 9.

[0023] Optionally, the sheet metal bending part 4 is provided with a handle section, which is bent toward the handle 1.

[0024] Optionally, a lateral support plate 10 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the sheet metal bending part 4.

[0025] One end of the lateral support plate 10 is connected to the hand-held section, and the other end is connected to the extension end of the sheet metal bending part 4.

[0026] Optionally, the glue container 15 is made of polyethylene material, and the inner volume and shape of the glue container 15 match the outer dimensions of the fastener after sealing. The bottom rod of the glue container 15 is hollow.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for using a fastener encapsulation tool for laser projection positioning of a closed area as described in the first aspect, comprising:

[0028] Step 1: Fill the glue container 15 with a specified volume of sealant 18, and then fix it in the concentric positioning hole on the base plate 6. Turn on the laser emitting device 13 so that it projects the positioning mark pattern onto the glue container 15 through the pattern projection device 14, ensuring that the center of the projected pattern is concentric with the upper surface of the glue container 15.

[0029] Step 2: Hold handle 1 and sheet metal bending part 4 by hand and pull sheet metal bending part 4 towards handle 1; then place the extended end of base plate 6 into the head of fastener 16 to be glued on workpiece 17.

[0030] Step 3: After the positioning mark projection pattern is transferred to the surface of the workpiece 17, adjust the positioning mark projection pattern so that its center is concentric with the center of the non-sealing head of the fastener 16, that is, simultaneously ensure that the center of the glue container 15 is concentric with the center of the head of the fastener 16 to be sealed.

[0031] Step 4: Manually press the first limiting block 11 on the sheet metal bending part 4 against the surface of the workpiece 17 and then slowly and evenly release the gripping force so that the base plate 6 drives the glue container 15 to approach the head of the fastener 16 to be sealed at a vertical and slow and even speed. After the second limiting block 12 on the base plate 6 contacts the surface of the workpiece 17, the sealing is completed.

[0032] Step 5: Slowly and evenly grip the sheet metal bending part 4, so that the base plate 6 drives the glue container 15 vertically and slowly away from the fastener 16. After it is away from the top of the fastener 16, remove the fastener sealing tool.

[0033] This invention provides a fastener packaging tool and its method for laser projection positioning in a closed area. The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0034] This invention requires no complex equipment, is simple and convenient to manufacture and operate, and is easy to master. Utilizing laser projection technology, it precisely positions the center of the fastener head in the closed area, improving the accuracy and stability of the sealing process. Furthermore, laser projection is unaffected by ambient light, reducing human error and ensuring the appearance and dimensions of the sealed coating, as well as the sealing pass rate, thus improving product assembly quality. This sealing tool can quickly assist in positioning and completing the fastener sealing operation, improving work efficiency. The increased sealing pass rate avoids unnecessary rework, reduces worker workload, saves sealant waste, reduces the economic burden on enterprises, and enhances their competitiveness. This invention has a wide range of applications and can be used for sealing fasteners of different specifications and types in the closed area, exhibiting strong versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the fastener packaging tool of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage scenario of the fastener packaging tool of the present invention;

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1. Handle; 2. First column; 3. First bushing; 4. Sheet metal bending part; 5. Reinforcing plate; 6. Base plate; 7. Second bushing; 8. Spring; 9. Second column; 10. Side support plate; 11. First limiting block; 12. Second limiting block; 13. Laser emitting device; 14. Pattern projection device; 15. Adhesive container; 16. Fastener; 17. Workpiece; 18. Sealant. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] See Figure 1 and Figure 2This invention provides a fastener sealing tool and its method for laser projection positioning in a closed area. The main structure of the laser projection-assisted positioning fastener sealing tool (hereinafter referred to as the sealing tool) consists of a handle, a column, a bushing, a sheet metal bending part, a reinforcing plate, a base plate, a spring, a limiting block, a laser emitting device, a pattern projection device, and a glue container. The sealing tool structure is divided into a handle end and an extension end. Its technical feature is that, utilizing the mirror principle, a concentric positioning hole is made on the end area of ​​both the sheet metal bending part and the extension end of the base plate of the sealing tool. A pattern projection device and a glue container are respectively installed on these holes. After installation, the centers of the pattern projection device and the glue container are concentric and coaxial. The laser emitting device projects the positioning mark pattern onto the center point of the non-sealed head of the fastener. Based on the mirror principle, the glue container is also accurately positioned at the fastener sealing position. Then, the sealing tool is held by the handle end for sealing operations. Specific technical features of the invention include:

[0041] 1) The length of the base plate of the sealing tool and the extension end of the sheet metal bending part is greater than the depth of the fastener position in the non-open area of ​​the workpiece, so as to ensure that the sealing tool can deliver the glue container on it to the head position of the fastener.

[0042] 2) The handle, base plate and sheet metal bending part on the sealing tool are parallel to each other and are connected and fixed by two columns. The sheet metal bending part in the middle can move vertically up and down through the columns.

[0043] 3) The height of the upper limit block of the sheet metal bending part of the sealing tool is 5-10mm greater than the height of the non-sealing head of the fastener on the same side of the workpiece, ensuring no interference with the fastener head and guaranteeing visual projection marking. The limit block is used to position the entire sealing tool. After positioning by contacting the workpiece surface, it makes the central axis of the glue container on the base plate perpendicular to the normal direction of the fastener's central axis, ensuring that the subsequent sealing shape is centered, symmetrical, and does not shift.

[0044] 4) A spring is added to the intermediate column connecting the sheet metal bending part and the handle on the sealing tool to facilitate manual control and reduce the intensity of manual operation. The length of the spring at its maximum stroke does not exceed 60mm to ensure that it can be held with one hand; the spring compression stroke is more than 3mm greater than the sealing height of the fastener to ensure that the workpiece does not interfere with the glue container on the sealing tool during operation.

[0045] 5) The laser emitting device and the pattern projection device on the sheet metal bending part of the sealing tool are connected by threads. The center of the pattern projection device is concentric with the center hole of the opening for installing the glue container on the base plate.

[0046] 6) The laser emitting device is a small mobile laser emitting device. The positioning mark pattern projected onto the fastener surface by the pattern projection device is a pattern such as concentric multi-rings that can be visually identified at the center of the fastener head. The maximum diameter of the pattern is not greater than the outer diameter edge of the fastener head.

[0047] 7) The height of the limiting block on the base plate of the sealing tool is greater than the height of the glue container. Ensure that after the limiting block is positioned on the surface of the workpiece structure, there is a gap of 1-3mm between the glue container and the surface of the workpiece structure to avoid the problem of sealant flaking at the edge of the fastener during sealing.

[0048] 8) The glue container is made of polyethylene material. The inner volume and shape of the glue container match the outer dimensions of the fastener after sealing. The amount of glue applied is controlled to ensure that the outer dimensions of the sealed product meet the requirements of the technical documents. The small end of the glue container is hollow to facilitate the discharge of excess sealant and gas during sealing. The shape of the rod is slightly tapered, and the diameter at the root is in an interference fit with the opening of the bottom plate of the sealing tool, which facilitates loading and unloading and prevents the glue container from falling off during glue application.

[0049] See Figure 1 This invention discloses a fastener sealing tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area. The manufacturing method involves matching the hole positions and spacing of the first column 2 and the second column 9 with the hole positions and spacing on the handle 1, the sheet metal bending part 4, the reinforcing plate 5, and the base plate 6. The depth positions on the fastener 16 and the workpiece 17 determine the extension length of the base plate 6 and the sheet metal bending part 4, thereby determining the positions of the center holes on the sheet metal bending part 4 and the base plate 6 for mounting the pattern projection device 14 and the glue container 15. Holes are drilled in the base plate 6, and the reinforcing plate 5 and the second bushing 7 are glued together. The second limiting block 12 and the temporary glue container 15 are installed; holes are drilled in the sheet metal bending part 4 to glue the first bushing 3, the first limiting block 11 and the pattern projection device 14, and the side support plate 10 is fixedly connected. Then the laser emitting device 13 is screwed to the pattern projection device 14; the handle 1 is glued to the first column 2 and the second column 9, and the spring 8 is placed in the second column 9. The sheet metal bending part 4 is then installed on the first column 2 and the second column 9. Finally, the first column 2 and the second column 9 are glued to the second bushing 7 on the bottom plate 6.

[0050] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The specific implementation steps of the method provided by this invention are as follows. Before implementation, the cleaning and other related work of the area of ​​the fastener to be sealed have been completed.

[0051] Step 1: Fill the glue container 15 with the specified volume of sealant 18, then fix it in place on the matching mounting hole on the base plate 6, and turn on the laser emitting device 13 so that the positioning mark pattern is projected onto the glue container 15 through the pattern projection device 14, ensuring that the center of the projected pattern is concentric with the upper surface 15 of the glue container.

[0052] Step 2: Hold handle 1 and sheet metal bending part 4 by hand and pull sheet metal bending part 4 towards handle 1; then place the fastener sealing tool near the head of the fastener 16 to be glued on the workpiece 17.

[0053] Step 3: After the positioning mark projection pattern is transferred to the workpiece surface, adjust the positioning mark projection pattern so that its center is concentric with the center of the non-sealing head of the fastener 16, that is, simultaneously ensure that the center of the glue container 15 is concentric with the center of the head of the fastener 16 to be sealed.

[0054] Step 4: Manually press and fix the first limiting block 11 on the sheet metal bending part 4 against the surface of the workpiece 17, and then slowly and evenly release the gripping force so that the base plate 6 drives the glue container 15 to approach the fastener 16 head to be sealed vertically and slowly. After the second limiting block 12 on the base plate 6 contacts the surface of the workpiece 17, the sealing is completed.

[0055] Step 5: Slowly and evenly grip the sheet metal bending part 4, causing the base plate 6 to move the glue container 15 vertically and slowly away from the fastener 16. Once it is away from the top of the fastener 16's sealing head, remove the fastener sealing tool. If there is excess sealant at the top of the fastener 16's sealing head, reshape it according to technical requirements.

Claims

1. A fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area, characterized in that, include: Handle (1), first column (2), sheet metal bending part (4), base plate (6), second column (9), laser emitting device (13), pattern projection device (14) and glue container (15); The first column (2) and the second column (9) are set in parallel, and parallel handles (1) and base plates (6) are fixedly connected to them. The sheet metal bending part (4) is set between the handle (1) and the base plate (6), and can move up and down along the axis of the first column (2) and the second column (9); The extended ends of the sheet metal bending part (4) and the base plate (6) are provided with concentric positioning holes. The two concentric positioning holes are used to install the pattern projection device (14) and the glue container (15) respectively. The laser emitting device (13) is connected to the pattern projection device (14). After the laser emitting device (13) projects the positioning mark pattern generated by the pattern projection device (14) onto the center point of the head of the fastener that is not sealed, the glue container (15) is positioned at the sealing position of the fastener. The operating handle (1) drives the glue container (15) to move to the head of the fastener to be sealed, thereby achieving sealing.

2. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spring (8) is fitted on the second column (9) and is located between the sheet metal bending part (4) and the handle (1).

3. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the spring (8) at its maximum stroke does not exceed 60mm; The compression stroke of the spring (8) is more than 3mm greater than the height of the fastener package.

4. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sheet metal bending part (4) and the base plate (6) are respectively provided with a first limiting block (11) and a second limiting block (12) in opposite positions; The height of the first limiting block (11) is 5-10 mm greater than the height of the non-encapsulated head of the fastener; The height of the second limiting block (12) is greater than the height of the glue container (15).

5. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first bushing (3) is provided in the through hole on the sheet metal bending part (4) through which the first column (2) and the second column (9) pass; the sheet metal bending part (4) is glued to the first bushing (3); A second bushing (7) is provided in the through hole on the base plate (6) through which the first column (2) and the second column (9) pass; The first column (2), the second column (9), the base plate (6) and the second bushing (7) are glued together; The handle (1) is glued to the first post (2) and the second post (9); The first limiting block (11) is glued to the sheet metal bending part (4), and the second limiting block (12) is glued to the base plate (6).

6. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reinforcing plate (5) is glued to the top of the base plate (6); The reinforcing plate (5) is fitted onto the first column (2) and the second column (9).

7. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning of a closed area according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sheet metal bending part (4) is provided with a handle section, which is bent toward the handle (1).

8. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area according to claim 6, characterized in that, A lateral support plate (10) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the sheet metal bending part (4); One end of the lateral support plate (10) is connected to the hand-held section, and the other end is connected to the extension end of the sheet metal bending part (4).

9. The fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning in a closed area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glue container (15) is made of polyethylene material. The inner volume of the glue container (15) matches the outer dimensions of the fastener after sealing. The bottom rod of the glue container (15) is hollow.

10. A method of using a fastener packaging tool for laser projection positioning of a closed area as described in claim 4, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Fill the glue container (15) with a specified volume of sealant (18), and then fix it in the concentric positioning hole on the base plate (6). Turn on the laser emitting device (13) so that the positioning mark pattern is projected onto the glue container (15) through the pattern projection device (14), ensuring that the center of the projected pattern is concentric with the upper surface of the glue container (15). Step 2: Hold the handle (1) and the sheet metal bending part (4) by hand and pull the sheet metal bending part (4) towards the handle (1); then place the extended end of the base plate (6) into the head of the fastener (16) to be glued on the workpiece (17); Step 3: After the positioning mark projection pattern is transferred to the surface of the workpiece (17), adjust the positioning mark projection pattern so that its center is concentric with the center of the non-sealing head of the fastener (16), that is, simultaneously ensure that the center of the glue container (15) is concentric with the center of the head to be sealed of the fastener (16). Step 4: Manually press the first limiting block (11) on the sheet metal bending part (4) against the surface of the workpiece (17) and then slowly and evenly release the gripping force so that the base plate (6) drives the glue container (15) to approach the head of the fastener (16) to be sealed vertically and slowly. After the second limiting block (12) on the base plate (6) contacts the surface of the workpiece (17), the sealing is completed. Step 5: Slowly and evenly grip the sheet metal bending part (4) so ​​that the base plate (6) drives the glue container (15) to move away from the fastener (16) vertically and slowly. After moving away from the top of the fastener (16) sealing head, remove the fastener sealing tool.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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