Systems and tools for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts

Abstract

An installation tool adapted to install fasteners onto a U-bolt is provided. The installation tool includes a frame, a tool mount attached to the frame, and a pair of arms pivotally attached to the tool mount, each having a locking tool disposed at a proximal end and a distal end. Each locking tool includes a grooved portion configured to secure to a corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt, a limit switch configured to indicate when the grooved portion is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove, and a crimping anvil. The installation tool also includes a hydraulic system configured to pull the grooved portion of the locking tool and cause the crimping anvil to engage a sleeve with the locking grooved portion of the U-bolt, and a controller configured to operate the hydraulic system based on the state of the limit switch.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tools and, more particularly, to an attachment system for attaching advanced fasteners to U-bolts. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of fasteners for fastening structures together are known and well understood in the relevant art. Among the various types of fasteners are threaded fasteners such as nuts, bolts, and screws; deformable fasteners such as rivets and deformable screws; adhesives and welding operations, among many other types of fasteners. In certain applications, it is desirable for certain fasteners to have highly specific properties. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] An installation tool according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure is suitable for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts. The installation tool includes a frame, a tool mount secured to the frame by a secondary actuator, and a pair of arms, each having a proximal end pivotally secured to the tool mount and a locking tool disposed at a distal end. Each locking tool includes a grooved portion configured to lock into a corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt, a limit switch configured to indicate when the grooved portion is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove, and a crimping anvil. The installation tool also includes a hydraulic system configured to pull the grooved portion of the locking tool and cause the crimping anvil to engage a sleeve with the locking grooved portion of the U-bolt, and a controller configured to operate the secondary actuator and the hydraulic system based at least in part on the state of the limit switch of each of the pair of arms.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the controller is configured to prevent the hydraulic system from operating unless each limit switch on each of the pair of arms indicates that the grooved portion of the associated arm is aligned with a corresponding annular pull groove on the U-bolt.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the secondary actuator is a linear actuator, and the controller is configured to move the tool mount via the linear actuator based on a determination that the at least one limit switch indicates that the grooved portion is not aligned with the annular pull groove.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the installation tool further includes a user interface configured to receive user input, and the controller is further configured to operate the secondary actuator and the hydraulic system based at least in part on the user input.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the user input includes a command to activate the hydraulic system.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, in the foregoing embodiment, the controller is configured to activate the hydraulic system in response to a user input based on a determination that each limit switch of each of the pair of arms indicates that the grooved portion of the associated arm is aligned with a corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the installation tool further comprises a limiting plate configured to limit the horizontal movement of each of the pair of arms.

[0010] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a control system for an installation tool for fasteners onto a U-bolt, the control system including a first actuator configured to adjust the position of the installation tool relative to the U-bolt, a second actuator configured to adjust the vertical position of a tool mount disposed within a body of the installation tool, a plurality of limit switches each configured with a corresponding annular pull groove on the U-bolt to indicate an alignment state of an associated grooved portion of the installation tool, a hydraulic system configured to pull the grooved portion of the installation tool and cause a crimping anvil of the installation tool to engage a sleeve with the locking grooved portion of the U-bolt, and a controller configured to operate the first actuator, the second actuator, and the hydraulic system based at least in part on a user input and the state of the plurality of limit switches.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, in the foregoing embodiment, the controller is configured to prevent the hydraulic system from activating unless each of the plurality of limit switches indicates that the associated grooved portion is aligned with a corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the controller is configured to move the tool mount via the second actuator based on a determination that (a) at least one of the plurality of limit switches indicates that the associated grooved portion is not aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove, and (b) at least one of the plurality of limit switches indicates that the associated grooved portion is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, user input is received by the controller from a user interface.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the user input includes a command to activate the hydraulic system.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, in the aforementioned embodiment, the controller is configured to activate the hydraulic system in response to a user input based on determining that the limit switch of each of the pair of arms has the associated grooved portion aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove.

[0016] The aforementioned configurations and elements can be combined in various combinations without excluding other configurations unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements, and their operation, will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative in nature and not limiting.

[0017] Various configurations will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings that accompany the detailed description follows. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1A] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are cross-sectional views of an advanced fastener for use in a mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are cross-sectional views of an advanced fastener for use in a mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are cross-sectional views of an advanced fastener for use in a mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are cross-sectional views of an advanced fastener for use in a mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1E] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are cross-sectional views of an advanced fastener for use in a mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a U-bolt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 5A and 5B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 5A and 5B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a top view of a limiting plate of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system for controlling the operation of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E show cross-sectional views of an advanced fastener 100 at various stages of fastening. The advanced fastener 100 generally includes a pin 104 and a sleeve 110. The pin 104 is configured to be inserted into a hole in one or more pieces of material 102 to fasten the one or more pieces of material 102 together. The pin 104 has a head, a first grooved portion 108, and a second grooved portion 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the first grooved portion 108 is larger than the outer diameter of the second grooved portion 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the first grooved portion 108 has a series of grooves, which may be annular or spiral grooves, and the second grooved portion 106 has a series of annular grooves. The sleeve 110 has a body portion 111 and a collar portion 112, which has one or more indicators 114 on its upper surface.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening tool 120 is configured to fasten the advanced fastener 100 using the following procedure: First, the fastening tool 120 is placed on the pin 104 so that the bottom surface 121 of the fastening tool 120 abuts the top surface of the first grooved portion 108, as clearly shown in FIG. 1B. Next, the grooved portion 122 of the fastening tool 120 is engaged with the second grooved portion 106 of the advanced fastener 100, as clearly shown in FIG. 1C.

[0021] After engaging the fastening tool 120 with the second grooved portion 106, as best shown in FIG. 1D, a hydraulic puller (not shown) is activated to draw the pin 104 into the tool, causing the crimping anvil 124 to push the sleeve 110 while compressing the one or more pieces of material 102. With a predetermined force, as best shown in FIG. 1E, the crimping anvil 124 wedges the sleeve 110 into the first grooved portion 108 of the pin 104. Continued crimping elongates the sleeve 110 relative to the pin 104, creating a precise preload between the pin and sleeve. Once crimping of the sleeve 110 onto the first grooved portion 108 of the pin 104 is complete, the fastening tool 120 ejects the fastener 100 and releases the puller to complete the sequence. In this disclosure, the term crimping means to press in, and biting the sleeve 110 into the first groove portion 108 of the pin 104 means forcing the sleeve into the first groove portion 108.

[0022] 2A illustrates a U-bolt 200 for use with the advanced locking system described herein to secure a structure, such as a rod 201. As shown, the U-bolt 200 has a body portion 202, two locking groove portions 204, and two pull groove portions 206. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the locking groove portions 204 is larger than the outer diameter of the pull groove portions 206. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking groove portions 204 include a series of spiral grooves, and the pull groove portions 206 include a series of annular grooves. A sleeve 210 is disposed over the locking groove portions 204 and is configured to bite into the locking groove portions 204 during locking.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, installing the advanced fasteners onto the U-bolt requires installing both fasteners substantially simultaneously. Attempting to install the fasteners one at a time on one end of the U-bolt can lead to deformation of the U-bolt.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a tool 220 for installing advanced fasteners on a U-bolt 200, such as that shown in FIG. 2A, is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool 220 is configured to install fasteners on both ends of the U-bolt 200 substantially simultaneously. As shown, the tool 220 includes a body portion 222 including a user interface 224 configured to allow a user to control the operation of the tool 220. The tool 220 has at least a pair of arms 226, each having a distal end 228 configured to engage with the pull groove portion 206 of the U-bolt 200. The tool 220 further includes a handle 230 that allows a user to adjust the position of the at least pair of arms 226. In one embodiment, the handle 230 includes one or more buttons 232 that can be used to initiate an installation cycle. In one embodiment, both buttons must be pressed simultaneously to initiate the installation cycle. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool 220 includes one or more hooks 234 configured to connect the tool to a primary actuator (not shown) used to control the position of the tool 220.

[0025] 3, a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tool 300 for installing an advanced fastener on a U-bolt is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, each of the arms 302 has a locking tool 303 at its distal end. The locking tool 303 has a grooved portion 304 configured to engage with a pull groove portion 306 of the U-bolt. The locking tool 303 further has a crimping anvil 308 configured to sever a sleeve 320 into a lock groove portion 307 of the U-bolt when the tool 300 is actuated.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, each arm 302 of tool 300 has a rod 310 secured at its proximal end to a limit switch 312. Rod 310 extends inside arm 302, with the distal end of rod 310 configured to contact the top of pull groove portion 306 of the U-bolt. In the exemplary embodiment, the length of arm 302 is configured such that limit switch 312 is activated only when grooved portion 304 of locking tool 303 is aligned with pull groove portion 306 of the U-bolt. In one embodiment, determining that grooved portion 304 of locking tool 303 is aligned with pull groove portion 306 of the U-bolt is made based on determining that grooved portion 304 of locking tool 303 overlaps the entire pull groove portion 306 of the U-bolt. In another embodiment, the determination that the grooved portion 304 of the fastening tool 303 is positioned in alignment with the pull groove portion 306 of the U-bolt is made based on a determination that the grooved portion 304 of the fastening tool 303 overlaps a threshold percentage of the pull groove portion 306 of the U-bolt. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool 300 is configured to not activate unless, for each arm 302, each limit switch 312 indicates that its associated grooved portion 304 of the locking tool 303 is aligned with the corresponding pull groove 306 of the U-bolt. Once the tool is properly positioned, i.e., all limit switches 312 are in the ON position, the tool can be activated. When activated, the tool 300 is configured to simultaneously engage each of the grooved portions 304 of the locking tool 303 with the corresponding pull groove 306 of the U-bolt. Next, the tool 300 uses a hydraulic system (not shown) to raise the pull groove 306, which pulls the locking groove 307 into the locking tool 303, forcing the crimping anvil 308 against the sleeve 320 to ensure there are no gaps in the material being clamped. At a predetermined force, the crimping anvil 308 begins to wedges the sleeve 320 into the locking groove 307. The continuous crimping elongates the sleeve 320 relative to the locking grooved portion 307, creating a precise clamp.

[0027] Once the sleeve 320 has completely engaged the locking grooved portion 307, the tool ejects the clamping tool 303 and releases the grooved portion 304 of the clamping tool 303 to complete the sequence. In an exemplary embodiment, the determination that the staking process is complete is based on the force of the hydraulic system operating the tool 300 reaching a threshold level. In an exemplary embodiment, the threshold level is based on characteristics of the U-bolt and / or the sleeve 320.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional view of another portion of a tool 400 for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the tool 400 includes a frame 402 having one or more hooks 404 attached to an upper surface of the frame 402. In the exemplary embodiment, the one or more hooks 404 are configured to connect the tool 400 to a primary actuator (not shown) used to control the position of the tool 400. The tool 400 also includes a tool mount 408 connected to the frame 402 by a secondary actuator 406, also referred to herein as a linear actuator 406. The secondary actuator 406 is configured to move the tool mount 408 up and down between side walls 414 of the tool 400 in the direction shown. The tool 400 further includes one or more pairs of arms 412 each pivotally secured to the tool mount 408 at a joint 410. In the exemplary embodiment, the secondary actuator 406 is used to position the arm 412 so that a fastening tool at a distal end of the arm engages the U-bolt.

[0029] 5A and 5B , perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a tool 500 for installing advanced fasteners on a U-bolt are shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the tool 500 has one or more arms 510 pivotally secured to a tool mount 502 by joints 504. In the exemplary embodiment, the joints 510 are configured to allow the arms 510 to freely pivot in multiple directions, allowing a user to align a fastening tool at the distal end of the arms 510 with the U-bolt. In the exemplary embodiment, each arm 510 includes a spring 506 that allows the arms to move vertically relative to one another to compensate for variations in the movement of the tool 500 and the fastener's set speed. In some embodiments, the tool 500 includes a limit plate 508 configured to limit the amount that each arm 510 can pivot in any direction to prevent the arms from colliding with one another.

[0030] 5C is a top view of a limit plate 508 of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, limit plate 508 includes openings 512 corresponding to each arm 510 of tool 500. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of openings 512 is configured to allow only a desired amount of freedom of movement for arms 510.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6 , a block diagram of a system 600 for controlling the operation of a tool for installing advanced fasteners on U-bolts is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, system 600 includes a user interface 602 configured to receive input from a user. User interface 602 may comprise one or more buttons, a touchscreen device, or the like. System 600 also includes a controller 610 configured to receive input from user interface 602 and responsively control the operation of a primary actuator 604, a secondary actuator 606, and a hydraulic system 612. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 610 may be any suitable processing device, such as a general-purpose processor, a flexible programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, primary actuator 604 is configured to move the tool to install advanced fasteners on a U-bolt in response to commands from controller 610 based on user input received from user interface 602. In the exemplary embodiment, controller 610 is configured to determine the state of one or more limit switches 608 when controller 610 receives a command from user interface 602 instructing it to activate the tool via hydraulic system 612. Based on a determination that all limit switches have been activated, controller 610 activates the tool using hydraulic system 612. In the exemplary embodiment, each arm of the tool includes a limit switch that is activated when a grooved portion of the arm is positioned in alignment with a corresponding pull groove portion of the U-bolt.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, based on a determination that some, but not all, of the limit switches have been activated, the controller 610 activates the secondary actuator 606, which responsively moves one or more arms that are not receiving a limit switch signal toward the U-bolt to assist in aligning the corresponding pull groove portion of the U-bolt with the associated grooved portion of the appropriate arm. Once all limit switch signals have been received by the controller 610, the controller 610 activates the tool via the hydraulic system 612.

[0034] Effects and benefits associated with the installation tool and system include the ability to simultaneously install advanced fasteners on both sides of a U-bolt that has a set on the annular pull groove. In an exemplary embodiment, the use of an annular pull groove reduces the complexity of the installation tool because the installation tool does not need to have a rotating member, as opposed to a helical pull groove.

[0035] Although the present disclosure will be described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, various modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the present disclosure to a particular situation, application, and / or material without departing from the essential scope thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the particular examples disclosed herein, but includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 100 Fasteners 102 Material pieces 104 pins 106 Second grooved portion 108 First grooved portion 110 Sleeve 111 Main body part 112 Collar part 114 Indicator 120 Fastening Tools 121 bottom 122 Grooved part 124 Crimping anvil 200 U-bolts 201 Rod 202 Main body part 204 Lock groove part 206 Pull groove part 220 Tools 222 Main body part 224 User Interface 226 Arm 228 Distal end 230 Handle 232 buttons 234 Hook 300 Tools 302 Arm 303 Fastening Tools 304 Grooved part 306 Pull groove part 307 Lock grooved part 308 Crimping Anvil 310 Rod 312 Limit Switch 320 Sleeve 400 Tools 402 frames 404 Hook 406 Secondary Actuator 408 Tool Mount 410 Joint 412 Arm 414 Side wall 500 Tools 502 Tool Mount 504 Tools 506 Spring 508 Restriction Plate 510 Arm 512 Opening 600 System 602 User Interface 604 Primary Actuator 606 Secondary Actuator 608 Limit Switch 610 Controller 612 Hydraulic System

Claims

1. 1. An installation tool adapted to install a fastener onto a U-bolt, comprising: The frame and a tool mount secured to the frame by a secondary actuator; a pair of arms, each of the pair of arms having a proximal end pivotally secured to the tool mount and a locking tool disposed at a distal end, each locking tool comprising: a grooved portion configured to secure to a corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt; a limit switch configured to indicate when the grooved portion is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove; a pair of arms each having a crimping anvil; a hydraulic system configured to pull the grooved portion of the fastening tool and cause the crimping anvil to bite a sleeve into the locking grooved portion of the U-bolt; a controller configured to operate the secondary actuator and the hydraulic system based at least in part on a state of the limit switch of each of the pair of arms.

2. 2. The installation tool of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the hydraulic system from operating unless each limit switch of each of the pair of arms indicates that the grooved portion of the associated arm is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt.

3. 2. The installation tool of claim 1, wherein the secondary actuator is a linear actuator, and the controller is configured to move the tool mount via the linear actuator based on a determination that at least one limit switch indicates that the grooved portion is out of alignment with the annular pull groove.

4. 10. The installation tool of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to receive user input, the controller further configured to operate the secondary actuator and the hydraulic system based at least in part on the user input.

5. The installation tool of claim 1 , wherein the user input comprises a command to activate the hydraulic system.

6. 6. The installation tool of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to activate the hydraulic system in response to the user input based on a determination that a respective limit switch of each of the pair of arms indicates that the grooved portion of an associated arm is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt.

7. The installation tool of claim 1 , further comprising a limit plate configured to limit horizontal movement of each of the pair of arms.

8. 1. A control system for an installation tool for fasteners onto U-bolts, comprising: a first actuator configured to adjust the position of the installation tool relative to the U-bolt; a second actuator configured to adjust the vertical position of a tool mount disposed within a body of the installation tool; a plurality of limit switches each configured to indicate an alignment state of a corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt and an associated grooved portion of the installation tool; a hydraulic system configured to pull the grooved portion of the installation tool to cause a crimping anvil of the installation tool to bite a sleeve into the locking grooved portion of the U-bolt; a controller configured to operate the first actuator, the second actuator, and the hydraulic system based at least in part on user input and the states of the plurality of limit switches.

9. 9. The control system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the hydraulic system from activating unless each of the plurality of limit switches indicates that the associated grooved portion is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove of the U-bolt.

10. 9. The control system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to move the tool mount via the second actuator based on a determination that (a) at least one of the plurality of limit switches indicates misalignment with the corresponding annular pull groove, and (b) at least one of the plurality of limit switches indicates alignment of the associated grooved portion with the corresponding annular pull groove.

11. The control system of claim 8 , wherein the user input is received by the controller from a user interface.

12. The control system of claim 8 , wherein the user input includes a command to activate the hydraulic system.

13. 13. The control system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to activate the hydraulic system in response to the user input based on a determination that the limit switch of each of a pair of arms indicates that the associated grooved portion is aligned with the corresponding annular pull groove.

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