Components for monitoring operation of electric tools and methods of fastening

Abstract

Components for monitoring operation of electric tools and methods of fastening are provided. A non-limiting embodiment of a component comprises a housing, a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal, a current sensor, and a control circuit. The housing comprises a first side and a second side. The first electrical terminal is disposed on the first side of the housing. The first electrical terminal is capable to form a removable electrical connection with an electrical terminal of the electric tool. The control circuit is capable to measure, with the current sensor, an electrical current applied by a power source, when electrically connected to the second electrical terminal, to the electrical tool, when connected to the first electrical terminal, and during operation of the tool. The control circuit is capable to determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was operated successfully, and generate a result signal.

Description

TITLECOMPONENTS FOR MONITORING OPERATION OF ELECTRIC TOOLS AND METHODS OF FASTENINGFIELD OF USE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to components for monitoring operation of electric tools and methods of fastening.BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle frames, storage racks, solar panel sub-structures, aircraft parts, and other structures can include numerous mechanical fasteners. For example, a pin of a structural fastener can be installed in a bore of a structural component and a collar can be swaged on the pin to secure parts together. Ensuring proper installation of a structural fastener presents challenges.SUMMARY

[0003] According to one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a component for monitoring operation of an electric tool is provided. The component comprises a housing, a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal, a current sensor, and a control circuit. The housing comprises a first side and a second side. The first electrical terminal is disposed on the first side of the housing. The first electrical terminal is capable to form a removable electrical connection with an electrical terminal of the electric tool. The second electrical terminal is capable to form an electrical connection with an electrical terminal of a power source. The current sensor is in electrical communication with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal. The control circuit is capable to measure, with the current sensor, an electrical current applied by the power source, when electrically connected to the second electrical terminal, to the electrical tool, when connected to the first electrical terminal, and during operation of the tool. The control circuit is capable to determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was operated successfully, and generate a result signal.1#321743073.2

[0004] According to another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a method for fastening a fastener into a structure is provided. The method comprises forcibly contacting a pull region of a pin of the fastener with a collet of an electric tool. The method comprises applying, with an actuator of the electric tool, a load to the collet of the electric tool and thereby a pull region of a pin of the fastener. The method comprises measuring, with a component for monitoring operation of the electrical tool, an electrical current provided by the power source to the electric tool to apply the load to the collet with the actuator. The component comprises a housing, a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal, a current sensor, and a control circuit. The housing comprises a first side and a second side. The first electrical terminal is disposed on the first side of the housing. The first electrical terminal is capable to form a removable electrical connection with an electrical terminal of the electric tool. The second electrical terminal is capable to form an electrical connection with an electrical terminal of a power source. The current sensor is in electrical communication with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal. The control circuit is capable to measure, with the current sensor, an electrical current applied by the power source, when electrically connected to the second electrical terminal, to the electrical tool, when connected to the first electrical terminal, and during operation of the tool. The control circuit is capable to determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was operated successfully, and generate a result signal. The method comprises determining, based on the measured electrical current, whether installation of the fastener into the structure was successful, and generating a result signal.

[0005] It will be understood that the inventions disclosed and described in this specification are not limited to the aspects summarized in this Summary. The reader will appreciate the foregoing details, as well as others, upon considering the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to this specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Features and advantages of the examples presented herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the examples will be better understood, by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. IB is a detailed cross-sectional side view of area IB of the system of FIG. 1A;

[0009] FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional side view of area 1C of the system of FIG. 1A;

[0010] FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a fastener installed in a bore of a structure and a portion of the system of FIG. 1 A, shown with the collet of the electric tool engaged with the pull region of the fastener;

[0011] FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the fastener and the system of FIG.2A, shown with the fastening collar deformed onto the shank of the pin of the fastener;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a non-limiting prophetic example of a graph plotting the measured electric current over time during various applications according to the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a non-limiting embodiment of a method for fastening according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate certain embodiments, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any manner.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Various examples are described and illustrated herein to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed component, electric tool, system, and methods of operation. The various examples described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Thus, the invention is not limited by the description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples disclosed herein. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims. The features and characteristics illustrated and / or described in connection with various examples may be combined with the features and characteristics of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this specification. As such, the claims may be amended to recite any features or characteristics expressly or inherently described in, or otherwise expressly or inherentlysupported by, this specification. Further, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims to affirmatively disclaim features or characteristics that may be present in the prior art. The various embodiments disclosed and described in this specification can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the features and characteristics as variously described herein.

[0016] Any references herein to “various embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or like phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or like phrases in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present embodiments.

[0017] As used herein, “intermediate” means that the referenced element is disposed between two other elements but is not necessarily in contact with those other elements. Accordingly, unless stated otherwise herein, an element that is “intermediate” a first element and a second element may or may not be adjacent to or in contact with the first and / or second elements and additional elements may be disposed between the intermediate element and the first and / or second elements.

[0018] Ensuring an operator is correctly operating an electric tool can enhance the quality of products produced with the electric tool. For example, when a structural fastener, such as, a lockbolt is installed into a bore of a structure, it may be desirable to determine if the fastening collar has been swaged correctly onto the pin and achieves a desired clamp force within the structure. If the lockbolt has not been properly swaged so as to achieve a desired clamp force, the fastener may prematurely fail. Operators may be reluctant to buy new electric tools while their current tools still operate, or they may be reluctant to buy new electric tools from non-preferred manufacturers. For example, an operator may currently use a set of battery-powered electric tools that can interchange batteries, and it may be a burden to begin using a battery-powered electric tool with a different battery configuration that is incompatible withtheir current tools. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a component that can be retrofitted onto electric tools and can enable the operator to determine if the electric tool was operated properly. Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to a component that can be retrofitted onto electric tools and can enable the operator to determine if the electric tool was operated properly to install a fastener into a structure.

[0019] For example, the present disclosure is directed to components for monitoring operation of electric tools and to methods of fastening which comprise monitoring operation of electric tools. In various non-limiting embodiments, a component according to the present disclosure comprises a housing, a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal, a current sensor, and a control circuit. The housing comprises a first side and a second side. The first electrical terminal is disposed on the first side of the housing. The first electrical terminal is capable to form a removable electrical connection with an electrical terminal of the electric tool. The second electrical terminal is capable to form an electrical connection with an electrical terminal of a power source. The current sensor is in electrical communication with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal. The control circuit is capable to measure, with the current sensor, an electrical current applied by the power source, when electrically connected to the second electrical terminal, to the electrical tool, when connected to the first electrical terminal, and during operation of the tool. The control circuit is capable to determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was operated successfully, and generate a result signal.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 A, a system 100 is provided comprising an electric tool 101, a component 170 that can monitor operation of the electric tool 101, and a power source 190 that can provide an electric current to the electric tool 101. During operation, the component 170 can be electrically coupled to the electric tool 101 and the power source 190. In various non-limiting embodiments, the component 170 can be removably coupled to the electric tool 101 and / or the power source 190.

[0021] The electric tool 101 can comprise various types of tools, such as, for example, a fastener installation apparatus, a fastener removal apparatus, and / or a cutting apparatus. For example, the electric tool 101 can be a lockbolt installation apparatus, an impact driver, a drill, a rotary tool, a saw, a crimping tool, a grinder, a rivet tool, a nail gun, an oscillating tool, or a combination thereof. In accompanying FIGs. 1 A-1C and 2A-2B, without limitation, the electric tool 101 is shown as a fastener installation apparatus and describedwith reference to a fastener installation apparatus herein. However, it will be understood that the electric tool 101 is not limited to the form of a fastener installation tool, and the discussion herein also applies to types of electric tools other than a fastener installation apparatus.

[0022] Referring to FIG. IB, the electric tool 101 can comprise an electric component that can draw electric current from the power source 190, where operation of the electric tool is related to the electric current demand from the electric component. For example, referring to non-limiting embodiments wherein the fastener installation tool is a fastener installation apparatus, the electric tool 101 can comprise a housing 106 defining a housing cavity 108, an anvil 104, a collet 102, and an actuator 114. The anvil 104 and the collet 102 can be slidably engaged and define a longitudinal axis, Ai, of the electric tool 101. The actuator 114 can be capable to move the anvil 104 and the collet 102 relative to one another and along the longitudinal axis, Ai.

[0023] The electric tool 101 can be capable to perform a certain function. For example, referring to non-limiting embodiments wherein the electric tool 101 is a fastener installation apparatus, the electric tool 101 can be configured to install a pin of a fastener into a structure and, for example, can be capable to deform a fastening collar of the fastener onto a shank of the pin of the fastener and / or deform a sleeve of a fastener with a head portion of the fastener. For example, the anvil 104 can be capable to selectively forcibly contact at least a portion of a fastening collar of a fastener (e.g., fastening collar 242 of fastener 200 in FIG. 2A) and / or at least a portion of a structure (e.g., structure 220 in FIG. 2A). In various non-limiting embodiments, the anvil 104 can be annular shaped and comprise an annular cavity 104a sized to enable a pin to pass through the anvil 104 (e.g., at least a clearance fit).

[0024] The collet 102 comprises a first collet end 102a adjacent to the anvil 104 and in communication with the annular cavity 104a. The collet 102 can be annular shaped and can comprise an annular cavity 102b suitable to receive a pin of a fastener and enable contact with the first collet end 102a during installation of a fastener. For example, the first collet end 102a can be capable to forcibly contact at least a portion of a pull region of a shank in the annular cavity 102b. In various non-limiting embodiments, the collet 102 may comprise jaws, and the jaws may move along the longitudinal axis, Ai, to grip a pull region of a shank of a fastener during installation of the fastener. The collet 102 can retract within the housing106 and thereby cause forcible contact between a shank of a fastener and a structure, and / or between the anvil 104 and a fastening collar of the fastener.

[0025] The actuator 114 can be capable to move the collet 102 within the housing cavity 108 and / or the anvil 104 within the housing cavity 108. For example, the actuator 114 can be mechanically coupled to the collet 102 and urge the collet 102 to move along the longitudinal axis, Ai, of the electric tool 101. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the actuator 114 can be mechanically coupled to the anvil 104 and urge the anvil 104 to move along the longitudinal axis, Ai, of the electric tool 101. In various embodiments, the actuator 114 can comprise a motor, a ram, or a combination thereof. The actuator 114 can be, for example, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the actuator 114 can be an electronic actuator that utilizes electric current in relation to the quantity of load applied to the collet 102.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1C, the electric tool 101 can comprise an electrical terminal 126 suitable for connecting to the power source 190 and / or the component 170. For example, the electrical terminal 126 can be a battery terminal connector. The electrical terminal 126 may be configured as, for example, a female or male connector depending on the application.

[0027] The power source 190 can comprise an electrical terminal 182 suitable for connecting to the electric tool 101 and / or the component 170. For example, the electrical terminal 182 can be a battery terminal connector. In various non-limiting embodiments, the power source 190 can comprise a battery, line power, and / or a combination thereof.

[0028] In various non-limiting embodiments, the power source 190 may be disposed within a housing 172 of the component 170. For example, the power source 190 and the component 170 may be integral. In certain non-limiting embodiments where the power source 190 comprises a battery, the electrical terminal 182 can be positioned on an external surface 190a of the power source 190, and the housing 172 and the component 170 are separate modular pieces.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1C, the component 170 can be capable to monitor operation of the electric tool 101. The component 170 can comprise the housing 172, a first electrical terminal 174, a second electrical terminal 176, a current sensor 178, and a control circuit 180.

[0030] The housing 172 can be capable to support and / or protect parts of the component 170, such as, for example, the current sensor 178 and / or the control circuit 180. The housing can comprise a first side 172a and a second side 172b. The first side 172a can be configured to operatively couple to the electric tool 101. The second side 172b can be disposed opposite the first side 172a. The second side 172b can be configured to operatively couple to the power source 190.

[0031] The first electrical terminal 174 can be disposed on the first side 172a of the housing 172. The first electrical terminal 174 can be capable to form a removable electrical connection with the electrical terminal 126 of the electric tool 101. For example, the first electrical terminal 174 can be a battery terminal connector. The first electrical terminal 174 may be configured as, for example, a female or male connector depending on the application.

[0032] Optionally, the second electrical terminal 176 can be disposed on the second side 172b of the housing 172. The second electrical terminal 176 can be capable to form an electrical connection with an electrical terminal 182 of the power source 190. The second electrical terminal 176 can be capable to form a removable electrical connection with the electrical terminal 182 of the power source 190. For example, the second electrical terminal 176 can be a battery terminal connector. The second electrical terminal 176 may be configured as, for example, a female or male connector depending on the application.

[0033] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first electrical terminal 174 can have a configuration that is opposite a configuration of the second electrical terminal 176. For example, the first electrical terminal 174 can be a male connector and the second electrical terminal 176 can be a female connector, or the first electrical terminal 174 can be a female connector and the second electrical terminal 176 can be a male connector. The particular arrangement utilized can be selected so that the component 170 can be installed efficiently between the power source 190 and the electric tool 101 and operatively couple the three components together into the system 100.

[0034] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the power source 190 can be positioned within the housing 172 and the second electrical terminal 176 and electrical terminal 182 can be integral and / or permanently connected. In certain non-limiting embodiments wherein the power source 190 is positioned external to the housing 172, the second electrical terminal 174 can be positioned on the second side 172b of the housing 172.

[0035] The current sensor 178 can be in electrical communication with the first electrical terminal 174 and the second electrical terminal 176. For example, electrical current provided by the power source 190 may have to pass through the current sensor 178 prior to being provided to the electric tool 101. In various non-limiting embodiments, the current sensor 178 can comprise a current sense resistor capable to measure a voltage drop in an electrical current passing through the current sensor 178.

[0036] The control circuit 180 can be capable to (e.g., comprises sensors and / or circuitry capable to) measure, with the current sensor 178, an electrical current applied by the power source 190 to the electric tool 101, when electrically connected to the second electrical terminal 176 and when electrically connected to the first electrical terminal 174 during operation of the electric tool 101.

[0037] The control circuit 180 can determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool 101 was operated successfully. Operating the electric tool 101 successfully may be a simplistic binary determination whether or not electrical current flowed to the electric tool 101 above a predetermined threshold. In other embodiments, determining whether the electric tool 101 has been operated successfully may comprise analyzing the type, quality, and / or quantity of electrical current that flowed to the electric tool 101 during its operation. For example, the control circuit 180 may determine voltage, amperage, power, or other parameter of the electrical current that flowed to the electric tool 101 from the power source 190.

[0038] In various non-limiting embodiments, the control circuit 180 can be capable to plot or otherwise develop a curve of time versus measured electrical current (e.g., amperage) and determine whether the curve passes through a predefined characteristic region or at least two predefined characteristic regions. The predefined characteristic region can be preset during manufacture of the component 170, dynamically updated based on use of the component 170, and / or set manually by an operator.

[0039] FIG. 3 provides a chart illustrating a prophetic example of a curve 360 of a measured electrical current over time during successful operation of the electric tool 101, and a curve 362 of a measured electrical current over time during unsuccessful operation of the electric tool 101. As illustrated, referring to the embodiment of a fastener installation tool, the curve 362 can indicate that a desired load was not achieved by the actuator 114 on the collet 102and thus, a fastener engaged with the collet 102 may not have achieved a desirable clamp force. The curve 360 can indicate that a desired load was achieved by the actuator 114 on the collet 102 and, thus, a fastener engaged with the collet 102 may have achieved a desirable clamp force and may be installed correctly.

[0040] The control circuit 180 can determine whether the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a first predetermined current threshold at a first predetermined time. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the control circuit 180 can determine if the measured electrical current equals or exceeds predetermined electric current threshold 366 before a time threshold 368.

[0041] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the control circuit 180 can determine whether the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a second predetermined current threshold at a second predetermined time. For example, referring again to FIG. 3, the control circuit 180 can determine if the measured electrical current equals or exceeds predetermined electric current threshold 366 as the time threshold 368 is met.

[0042] Determining whether the electric tool 101 was operated successfully can be a single determination, or it may include multiple determinations. For example, the determination can be an absolute electrical load (e.g., amperage, voltage) at a predetermined time, a slope of a curve, an integral of a curve, another parameter, or a combination thereof. In various nonlimiting embodiments, the determination performed by the control circuit 180 can proceed according to FIG. 4 described below.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 1C, the determination of successful operation of the electric tool 101 can be based on various other methods as well. For example, the determination can be based on total power used, a machine learning model, direct numerical analysis, error analysis, comparison to a prior operation, and / or other technique.

[0044] Based on whether the electric tool 101 was operated successfully, the control circuit 180 can generate a result signal. The result signal can be different if the electric tool 101 is determined to have been successfully operated than if the electric tool 101 is determined to have been unsuccessfully operated. In various non-limiting embodiments, the result signal can indicate a degree of success and / or an analysis of the type, quality, and / or quantity of electrical current that flowed to the electric tool 101.

[0045] In various non-limiting embodiments, the control circuit 180 comprises a processor operatively coupled to a memory (e.g., non-transitory memory). The control circuit 180 can be capable to store the result signal in the memory. In various non-limiting embodiments, the control circuit 180 can be capable to cumulatively store result signals in the memory thereby producing cumulative results. For example, the cumulative results can comprise at least one of a total quantity of operations attempted, a total quantity of successful operations, a total quantity of unsuccessful operations, and a total quantity of retried operations.

[0046] The control circuit 180 can be capable to store the curve of an operation of a tool in the memory and / or the data used to generate the curve. The cumulative results, curve, and / or other data can be retrieved later as desired by a recall function and / or through a data connector.

[0047] The component 170 can optionally comprise a display 184 that can be in signal communication with the control circuit 180. The display 184 can be capable to exhibit an indicia indicating the result signal. The display 184 can be capable to display at least one of a first indicia indicating that electric tool 101 was successfully operated and / or a second indicia indicating that electric tool 101 was not successfully operated.

[0048] In various non-limiting embodiments, the display 184 can comprise at least one of a light, a screen, or a combination thereof. In various non-limiting embodiments, the component 170 can comprise a light 184a, and the light 184a can emit light if the operation of the electric tool 101 was successful. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the light 184a can emit a green light if the operation of the electric tool 101 is successful or a red light if the operation of the electric tool 101 is unsuccessful. In various non-limiting embodiments, the display 184 can be a screen.

[0049] The component 170 can optionally comprise an input device 186 capable to detect a gesture. For example, the input device 186 can comprise a button, a switch, a touch screen, an inertial measurement unit, and / or another input component. As illustrated, the input device 186 comprises an inertial measurement unit. The control circuit 180 can be capable to at least one of reduce power consumption, reset cumulative data stored in a memory, and enter a retry mode based on a detected gesture. For example, in response to tilting of the system 100 including the component 170, the control circuit 180 can enter a retry mode.

[0050] The component 170 can comprise optional parts, such as, for example, a secondary display, a data connector (e.g., USB port 188), and / or other part.

[0051] In various non-limiting embodiments, the component 170 can be powered by the power source 190 and / or can comprise a secondary internal power source.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2A, an example fastener 200 capable to be installed in a bore in a structure by the electric tool 101 according to the present disclosure is provided. The fastener 200 can comprise at least two components (e.g., a multi-piece fastening system), such as, for example, the fastening collar 242 and the pin 260 as illustrated in FIG. 2A, or in some nonlimiting embodiments, at least three components (not shown). In various non-limiting embodiments, the fastener 200 can comprise a two-piece assembly including the fastening collar 242 and the pin 260. In some embodiments, the fastener 200 can be a lockbolt or a blind fastener. For example, the lockbolt can be a structural lockbolt fastener, such as, for example, a structural rivet, a structural bolt, or a structural stud.

[0053] The fastening collar 242 can comprise a first collar end 244, a second collar end 246, an elongate portion 248 disposed intermediate the first collar end 244 and the second collar end 246, and a cavity 250 extending through the elongate portion 248 from the first collar end 244 to the second collar end 246. The elongate portion 248 can define a longitudinal axis of the fastening collar 242. A surface 256 of the elongate portion 248 adjacent to the cavity 250 can comprise at least one of a substantially cylindrical region, a threaded region, an annular shoulder, and a groove, depending on the desired application. In various non-limiting embodiments, the fastening collar 242 can be generally cylindrical.

[0054] In various non-limiting embodiments, the fastening collar 242 can comprise a flange 258. The fastening collar 242 can be capable to engage and / or be received by the anvil 104 of the electric tool 101, while the flange diameter of the flange 258 can inhibit the fastening collar 242 from traversing through a bore in a structure beyond a predetermined distance.

[0055] The pin 260 can comprise a first pin end 268, a second pin end 270, and the shank 262. The shank 262 can comprise a shape suitable to be received by the cavity 250 of the fastening collar 242 and / or a bore of a structure, such as, for example, a generally cylindrical shape. The shank 262 can extend intermediate the first pin end 268 and the second pin end 270 and can be dimensioned so as to be disposed at least partially through the cavity 250. When the shank 262 is inserted in the cavity 250, the first pin end 268 can be disposedadjacent to the second collar end 246, and the second pin end 270 can be disposed adjacent to the first collar end 244. In various non-limiting embodiments, the pin 260 can comprise a head portion 276 configured to inhibit the pin 260 from traversing through a bore in a structure beyond a predetermined distance. In various other non-limiting embodiments, the pin 260 may not comprise a head portion (not shown).

[0056] The first pin end 268 can comprise a pull region 264 configured to be engaged by the electric tool 101. The pull region 264 can comprise an axial length and in various nonlimiting embodiments may not comprise a taper. In other non-limiting embodiments, the pull region 264 can comprise a taper or a reverse taper. For example, as one moves along the pull region 264 away from the head portion 276 along a longitudinal axis of the pin 260, the diameter of the pull region 264 can decrease. In certain other non-limiting embodiments, the pull region 264 can comprise a reverse taper in which, as one moves along the pull region 264 away from the head portion 276 along the longitudinal axis of the pin 260, the diameter of the pull region 264 increases. In various embodiments, the pull region 264 can be generally conical.

[0057] The pull region 264 can comprise at least one of a generally smooth region, an annular shoulder, a groove, and a bore, and / or can comprise another feature configured to be engaged by the electric tool 101. For example, in certain non-limiting embodiments the pull region 264 can comprise grooves 272, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, that can be engaged by an installation apparatus.

[0058] The shank 262 can define a longitudinal axis of the pin 260. The shank 262 can be configured to engage the fastening collar 242 in order to secure the shank 262 to the fastening collar 242. Upon engagement, the longitudinal axis of the pin 260 and the longitudinal axis of the fastening collar 242 can be substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis, A2, of the fastener 200.

[0059] The cavity 250 of the fastening collar 242 can be configured to at least partially receive the shank 262 of the pin 260 therein. For example, the cavity 250 can comprise a shape suitable to receive the shank 262 of the pin 260, such as, for example, a generally cylindrical shape. During and / or after introduction of the shank 262 into the cavity 250, the elongate portion 248, including at least a portion of surface 256, can be at least partially deformed onto the shank 262 responsive to forcible contact between the elongate portion 248and the electric tool 101, as described below. The deformation of the elongate portion 248 can secure the fastening collar 242 to the shank 262. In various non-limiting embodiments, the pin 260 can comprise a breakneck groove 280 or other feature configured to fracture upon installation of the fastener 200, and the pull region 264 may detach after installation.

[0060] The shank 262 comprises structural features 274, such as, for example, one or more annular shoulders, one or more grooves, one or more threads, and combinations thereof. The structural features 274 can engage the surface 256 of the fastening collar 242. The structural features 274 can be external structures on one or more regions of the shank 262. In various non-limiting embodiments, all or a region of the shank 262 includes grooves. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the structural features 274 are grooves. In various non-limiting embodiments, all or a portion of the shank 262 includes annular shoulders. In various nonlimiting embodiments, all or a region of the shank 262 includes threads. In certain nonlimiting embodiments, all or a region of the shank 262 includes one or more grooves and one or more threads.

[0061] The shank 262 can comprise an interference portion 282 capable to form an interference fit with a bore of a structure. For example, the interference portion 282 can be substantially cylindrical and can comprise a diameter, (pi, greater than a diameter of a bore of a structure into which the fastener will be installed, such as, for example, at least 0.01% greater, at least 0.02% greater, at least 0.03% greater, at least 0.05% greater, or at least 0.1% greater than a diameter of a bore into which the fastener will be installed. The diameter, (pi, may be a size suitable to be installed in a bore of a structure with the electric tool 101. In various non-limiting embodiments, the diameter, (pi, of the interference portion 282 is in a range of 0.06 inch to 4 inches.

[0062] The fastener 200 can comprise at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or another suitable material. For example, in various embodiments, the fastener 200 can comprise at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and a carbon fiber composite material.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGs. 2A, the pin 260 of the fastener 200 can be installed into a bore 222 of a structure 220. As illustrated, the bore 222 can extend through the structure 220 from a first side 224 to a second side 226. In various embodiments, the bore 222 may comprise threads, while in other non-limiting embodiments the bore 222 does not comprise threads.

[0064] The fastener 200 and the bore 222 can be capable to form an interference fit. For example, the diameter, epi, can be greater than a diameter, cp2, of the bore 222, such as, for example, at least 0.01% greater, at least 0.02% greater, at least 0.03% greater, at least 0.05% greater, or at least 0.1% greater than the diameter, cp2, of the bore 222. In various other nonlimiting embodiments, the fastener 200 and the bore 222 can be capable to form a clearance fit such that the diameter, epi, can be less than the diameter, cp2, of the bore 222.

[0065] The structure 220 can comprise, for example, at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or another suitable material. For example, in certain embodiments, the structure 220 can comprise at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and a carbon fiber composite material. In various embodiments, the structure 220 into which the fastener 200 is assembled comprises aluminum and / or an aluminum alloy, such as, for example, 7075 aluminum alloy. With reference to the accompanying figures, in various non-limiting embodiments the structure 220 can be configured as at least one of an aerospace component or structure, an automotive component or structure, a transportation component or structure, a building and construction component or structure, or another component or structure.

[0066] The structure 220 can comprise a single layer of material or at least two layers of material. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the structure 220 can comprise a first material layer 220a and a second material layer 220b. The second material layer 220b can be intermediate the first material layer 220a and the first pin end 268 of the pin 260 of the fastener 200 after installation. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second material layer 220b is adjacent to the head portion 276 of the pin 260 of the fastener 200 after installation.

[0067] To facilitate alignment of the fastener 200 and the bore 222, a size and / or shape of the first pin end 268 can be configured to readily enter into and move through the bore 222. For example, the first pin end 268 can comprise a diameter, cp3, less than the diameter, cp2, of the bore 322. In various embodiments, a diameter, cp4, of the head portion 276 can be greater than the diameter, cp2, of the bore 222 in order to inhibit the pin 260 from further advancing into the bore 222.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first pin end 268 of the pin 260 was positioned in alignment with the second side 226 of the bore 222 before being inserted through the bore222. Next, the first pin end 268 of the pin 260 was passed through the bore 322. The fastening collar 242 was positioned over the first pin end 268, and the first pin end 268 has been inserted into and through the cavity 250 of the fastening collar 242. The second collar end 246 of the fastening collar 242 has contacted the first material layer 220a of the structure 220. In various non-limiting embodiments in which the pin 260 and the fastening collar 242 comprise threads, inserting the first pin end 268 into the cavity 250 of the fastening collar 242 may require rotation of the fastening collar 242.

[0069] The fastening collar 242 can be in forcible contact with the structure 220. The forcible contact between the fastening collar 242 and the structure 220 can limit further axial movement of the fastening collar 242 relative to the pin 260 along the longitudinal axis, Ai.

[0070] Referring again to FIG. 2B, the collet 102 of the electric tool 101 has engaged the pull region 264 of the shank 262 of the pin 260 of the fastener 200. Upon engagement, the collet 102 can apply an axial force to the pull region 264 of the pin 260 along the longitudinal axis, Ai, which can decrease a gap, if present, between the first material layer 220a and the second material layer 220b of the structure 220 and create forcible contact between the fastening collar 242 and the structure 220.

[0071] The anvil 104 can at least partially deform the fastening collar 242 onto the shank 262 of the pin 260, thereby securing the fastening collar 242 to the shank 262. For example, the collet 102 can retract within the electric tool 101 and move the pin 260 as the collet 102 retracts due to the contact between the pull region 264 and the collet 102. As the collet 102 retracts, the anvil 104 forcibly contacts the fastening collar 242. After a predetermined force is achieved, the elongate portion 248 can be at least partially deformed responsive to the forcible contact between the anvil 104 and the fastening collar 242. For example, the elongate portion 248 can be at least partially swaged onto at least a portion of the structural features 274 on the shank 262.

[0072] The actuator 114 can apply the force to the collet 102 to achieve the installation of the fastener. The actuator 114 can receive electrical current from the power source 190 via the component 170 to apply the force. The force applied by the collet 102 can vary throughout the installation process, and the electrical current from the power source can vary based on the force applied by the actuator 114.

[0073] During the retraction of the collet 102, the electrical current provided to the electric tool from the power source 150 can be determined by the control circuit 180. The electrical current over time from installing the pin 260 into the structure 220 by deforming the fastening collar 242, as illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2B, can be represented by curve 360 in FIG. 3. The control circuit 180 can be capable to determine whether the operation of the electric tool 101 including the installation of the fastener 200 was successful. For example, the control circuit 180 can determine whether or not the electric tool 101 successfully installed the fastening collar 242 onto the shank 262 of the pin 260 of the fastener 200, and generate a result signal.

[0074] The deformation of the elongate portion 248 can secure the fastening collar 242 to the pin 260 and thereby secure the fastener 200 to at least a portion of the structure 220. In that way, for example, the first material layer 220a and the second material layer 220b of the structure 220 are secured together (e.g., inhibited from axial movement along the longitudinal axis, Ai, of the fastener 200). After installation of the fastener 200 into the structure 220, the fastening collar 242 and the head portion 276 of the pin 260 can apply a clamping force to the structure 220, thereby securing the two-piece fastener 200 to the structure 220.

[0075] In various non-limiting embodiments, the electric tool 101 can be a puller tool, as illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2B, or a squeezer tool (not shown). For example, as is known in the art, a squeezer tool can simultaneously apply a compressive force to the fastening collar 242 and the second pin end 270 of the pin 260. The compressive force can deform the fastening collar 242 onto the shank 262 of the pin 260, thereby securing the fastening collar 242 onto the shank 262.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, in various non-limiting embodiments, a method for fastening is provided. At step 402, the pull region 264 of the pin 260 of the fastener 200 can be forcibly contacted with the collet 102 of the electric tool 101. At step 404, a load can be applied to the collet 102 with the actuator 114 of the electric tool 101 and thereby to the pull region 264 of the shank 262 of the pin 260 of the fastener 200.

[0077] In various non-limiting embodiments wherein the method includes a lockbolt such as fastener 200, the method at steps 402 and 404 can optionally comprise forcibly contacting the fastening collar 242 of the fastener 200 with the anvil 104 of the electric tool 101 and moving the pull region 264 distal from the fastening collar 242, thereby deforming the fasteningcollar 242 onto the shank 262 of the pin 260 and securing at least a portion of the fastener 200 in the structure 324.

[0078] In various non-limiting embodiments wherein the method includes a blind fastener, the method at steps 402 and 404 can optionally comprise forcibly contacting a head portion of the pin of the blind fastener with a sleeve of the blind fastener and moving the pull region distal from the sleeve of the blind fastener, thereby deforming the sleeve and securing at least a portion of the fastener in the structure.

[0079] At step 406, an electric current provided by the power source 190 to the electric tool 101 is measured (i.e., measured electric current) during application of the load. For example, the electrical current can be measured while the fastener 200 is being drawn into the bore 222, during deformation of the fastening collar 242, during fracture of the pull region 264, and / or other time.

[0080] At step 408, the method comprises determining whether the operation of the electric tool 101 was successful. For example, the method can comprise determining whether or not installation of the fastener 200 into the structure 220 was successful based on the measured electrical current. In various non-limiting embodiments, the determination may be a binary determination whether or not electrical current flowed to the electric tool 101 above a predetermined threshold. In other embodiments, determining whether the electric tool 101 has been operated successfully may comprise analyzing the type, quality, and / or quantity of electrical current that flowed to the electric tool 101 during its operation.

[0081] At step 410 a result signal is generated. Optionally, the result signal can be stored in non-transitory memory of the component 170 or secondary device and / or the result signal can be displayed on the display 184 and / or light 184a of the component 170.

[0082] At step 412, a gesture can be detected by the input device 186 of the component 170. Based on the detected gesture, the power consumption of the component 170 and / or electric tool 101 can be reduced, cumulative data stored in a memory can be reset, and / or a retry mode can be entered. For example, when operation of the electric tool 101 is determined to be unsuccessful, based on the detected gesture, the control circuit 180 can enter a retry mode such that the method returns to step 402 and the previous result signal is overwritten with a new result signal.

[0083] Various aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to, the aspects listed in the following numbered clauses.

[0084] Clause 1. A component for monitoring operation of an electric tool, the component comprising: a housing comprising a first side and a second side; a first electrical terminal disposed on the first side of the housing, the first electrical terminal capable to form a removable electrical connection with an electrical terminal of the electric tool; a second electrical terminal capable to form an electrical connection with an electrical terminal of a power source; a current sensor in electrical communication with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal; and a control circuit capable to measure, with the current sensor, an electrical current applied by the power source, when electrically connected to the second electrical terminal, to the electrical tool, when connected to the first electrical terminal, and during operation of the tool, and determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was operated successfully, and generate a result signal.

[0085] Clause 2. The component of clause 1, wherein the component further comprises non-transitory memory and the control circuit is capable to store the result signal in the non-transitory memory.

[0086] Clause 3. The component of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the component further comprises non-transitory memory and the control circuit is capable to cumulatively store result signals in the non-transitory memory thereby producing cumulative results, wherein the cumulative results comprise at least one of a total quantity of operations attempted, a total quantity of successful operations, a total quantity of unsuccessful operations, and a total quantity of retried operations.

[0087] Clause 4. The component of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the component further comprises a display in signal communication with the control circuit, the display capable to exhibit an indicia indicating the result signal.

[0088] Clause 5. The component of clause 4, wherein the display comprises at least one of a light, a screen, or a combination thereof.

[0089] Clause 6. The component of any of clauses 1-5, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated comprises the control circuit capable to plot a curve of time versus measured electrical current.

[0090] Clause 7. The component of clause 6, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated comprises the control circuit capable to determine whether the curve passes through a predefined characteristic region.

[0091] Clause 8. The component of any of clauses 1-7, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated comprises the control circuit capable to determine whether the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a first predetermined current threshold at a first predetermined time.

[0092] Clause 9. The component of clause 8, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated further comprises the control circuit capable to determine whether the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a second predetermined current threshold at a second predetermined time.

[0093] Clause 10. The component of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the current sensor is a current sense resistor capable to measure a voltage drop in an electrical current passing through the current sensor.

[0094] Clause 11. The component of any of clauses 1-10, further comprising an input device capable to detect a gesture, wherein the control circuit is capable to at least one of reduce power consumption, reset cumulative data stored in a memory, and enter retry mode based on a detected gesture.

[0095] Clause 12. The component of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the power source is a battery and further comprising the battery disposed within the housing.

[0096] Clause 13. The component of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the power source is a battery, the second electrical terminal is positioned on the second side of the housing, and the battery is disposed external to the housing.

[0097] Clause 14. A method for fastening a fastener into a structure, the method comprising: forcibly contacting a pull region of a pin of the fastener with a collet of an electric tool; applying, with an actuator of the electric tool, a load to the collet of the electric tool and thereby a pull region of a pin of the fastener; measuring, with the component of clause 1, an electrical current provided by the power source to the electric tool to apply the load to thecollet with the actuator; and determining, based on the measured electrical current, whether installation of the fastener into the structure was successful, and generating a result signal.

[0098] Clause 15. The method of clause 14, further comprising: forcibly contacting a fastening collar of the fastener with an anvil of the electric tool and moving the pull region distal from the fastening collar, thereby deforming the fastening collar onto a shank of the pin and securing at least a portion of the fastener in the structure.

[0099] Clause 16. The method of any of clauses 14-15, forcibly contacting a head portion of the pin of the fastener with a sleeve of the fastener and moving the pull region distal from the sleeve of the fastener, thereby deforming the sleeve and securing at least a portion of the fastener in the structure.

[0100] Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 14-16, further comprising storing the result signal in non-transitory memory of the component.

[0101] Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 14-17, further comprising indicating the result signal on a display in signal communication with the control circuit.

[0102] Clause 19. The method of any of clauses 14-18, further comprising, after determining the installation of the fastener into the structure was unsuccessful, detecting a gesture with an input device of the component and entering retry mode such that a previous result signal is overwritten.

[0103] Clause 20. The method of any of clauses 14-19, wherein determining, based on the measured electrical current, whether the installation of the fastener into the structure was successful comprises determining if the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a predetermined current threshold at a first predetermined time.

[0104] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters are to be understood as being prefaced and modified in all instances by the term “about,” in which the numerical parameters possess the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should at least beconstrued in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0105] Also, any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1 to 10” includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification, unless otherwise stated, is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification, unless otherwise stated, is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

[0106] The grammatical articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated, even if “at least one” or “one or more” is expressly used in certain instances. Thus, the foregoing grammatical articles are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to “at least one”) of the particular identified elements. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise.

[0107] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and / or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of electrical circuits referred to herein as a control circuit. Consequently, as used herein an “electrical circuit” includes, but is not limited to, a control circuit having at least one discrete electrical circuit, a control circuit having at least one integrated circuit, a control circuit having at least one application specific integrated circuit, a control circuit forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and / or devices described herein), a control circuit forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and / or a control circuit forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

[0108] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various forms of the devices and / or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and / or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and / or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof, collectively referred to herein as a control circuit. In one form, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via ASIC, FPGA, DSP, or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuit and / or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative form of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and / or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

[0109] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described fasteners, structures, operations / actions, and objects, and the discussion accompanying them, are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modificationsare contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific examples / embodiments set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components, devices, apparatus, operations / actions, and objects should not be taken as limiting. While the present disclosure provides descriptions of various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the present disclosure and / or its potential applications, it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention or inventions described herein should be understood to be at least as broad as they are claimed and not as more narrowly defined by particular illustrative aspects provided herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A component for monitoring operation of an electric tool, the component comprising:a housing comprising a first side and a second side;a first electrical terminal disposed on the first side of the housing, the first electrical terminal capable to form a removable electrical connection with an electrical terminal of the electric tool;a second electrical terminal capable to form an electrical connection with an electrical terminal of a power source;a current sensor in electrical communication with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal; anda control circuit capable tomeasure, with the current sensor, an electrical current applied by the power source, when electrically connected to the second electrical terminal, to the electrical tool, when connected to the first electrical terminal, and during operation of the tool, anddetermine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was operated successfully, and generate a result signal.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the component further comprises non-transitory memory and the control circuit is capable to store the result signal in the non-transitory memory.

3. The component of claim 1, wherein the component further comprises non-transitory memory and the control circuit is capable to cumulatively store result signals in the non-transitory memory thereby producing cumulative results, wherein the cumulative results comprise at least one of a total quantity of operations attempted, a total quantity of successful operations, a total quantity of unsuccessful operations, and a total quantity of retried operations.

4. The component of claim 1, wherein the component further comprises a display in signal communication with the control circuit, the display capable to exhibit an indicia indicating the result signal.

5. The component of claim 4, wherein the display comprises at least one of a light, a screen, or a combination thereof.

6. The component of claim 1, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated comprises the control circuit capable to plot a curve of time versus measured electrical current.

7. The component of claim 6, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated comprises the control circuit capable to determine whether the curve passes through a predefined characteristic region.

8. The component of claim 1, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated comprises the control circuit capable to determine whether the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a first predetermined current threshold at a first predetermined time.

9. The component of claim 8, wherein determine, based on the measured electrical current, whether the electric tool was successfully operated further comprises the control circuit capable to determine whether the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a second predetermined current threshold at a second predetermined time.

10. The component of claim 1, wherein the current sensor is a current sense resistor capable to measure a voltage drop in an electrical current passing through the current sensor.

11. The component of claim 1, further comprising an input device capable to detect a gesture, wherein the control circuit is capable to at least one of reduce power consumption, reset cumulative data stored in a memory, and enter retry mode based on a detected gesture.

12. The component of claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery and further comprising the battery disposed within the housing.

13. The component of claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery, the second electrical terminal is positioned on the second side of the housing, and the battery is disposed external to the housing.

14. A method for fastening a fastener into a structure, the method comprising: forcibly contacting a pull region of a pin of the fastener with a collet of an electric tool;applying, with an actuator of the electric tool, a load to the collet of the electric tool and thereby a pull region of a pin of the fastener;measuring, with the component of claim 1, an electrical current provided by the power source to the electric tool to apply the load to the collet with the actuator; and determining, based on the measured electrical current, whether installation of the fastener into the structure was successful, and generating a result signal.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:forcibly contacting a fastening collar of the fastener with an anvil of the electric tool and moving the pull region distal from the fastening collar, thereby deforming the fastening collar onto a shank of the pin and securing at least a portion of the fastener in the structure.

16. The method of claim 14, forcibly contacting a head portion of the pin of the fastener with a sleeve of the fastener and moving the pull region distal from the sleeve of the fastener, thereby deforming the sleeve and securing at least a portion of the fastener in the structure.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising storing the result signal in non-transitory memory of the component.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising indicating the result signal on a display in signal communication with the control circuit.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising, after determining the installation of the fastener into the structure was unsuccessful, detecting a gesture with an input device of the component and entering retry mode such that a previous result signal is overwritten.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein determining, based on the measured electrical current, whether the installation of the fastener into the structure was successful comprises determining if the measured electrical current equals or exceeds a predetermined current threshold at a first predetermined time.

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