Barrel Nut Positioning Frame With Bore Engagement for Auto Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barrel nuts in aerospace applications are challenging to align due to their ability to rotate and translate freely when not attached to a fastener, leading to inefficiencies in assembly times and unsuitability for automated assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A barrel nut assembly comprising a barrel nut positioned within a barrel nut positioning frame, which includes a frame body with a spine and circumferential prongs to retain the barrel nut, and a bore engagement element that restricts movement within a bore by engaging with a positioning feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a barrel nut is placed into a bore without a positioning frame, then the assembly structure is simple, but the barrel nut is free to rotate and translate making alignment difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning frame is introduced as an intermediary component between the barrel nut and the bore. The frame includes a frame body that receives the barrel nut and a bore engagement element that engages with a positioning feature in the bore, thereby mediating the connection and providing stable positioning without requiring direct complex interaction between the barrel nut and bore
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning frame pre-establishes the correct orientation and position of the barrel nut within the bore before the fastener is inserted. The bore engagement element engages with the positioning feature in advance to restrict movement, so that when assembly occurs, the barrel nut is already properly aligned, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If a barrel nut is used in modular sub-assemblies for transport, then modular assembly is enabled, but the barrel nut can rotate and translate leading to re-alignment needs or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning frame with bore engagement element pre-restricts the barrel nut's movement in the modular sub-assembly before transport. The engagement element engages with the positioning feature in the bore to prevent rotation and translation, ensuring the barrel nut maintains its position and orientation during handling and transport of the modular sub-assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning frame acts as a mediator that provides stable positioning of the barrel nut within the modular sub-assembly. The frame body receives the barrel nut while the bore engagement element connects to the positioning feature, creating a reliable intermediate structure that prevents movement during transport and assembly operations
3Extent of automation
If a barrel nut is used in automated assembly lines, then automation efficiency can be improved, but the free rotation and translation of the barrel nut causes delays requiring human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning frame with bore engagement element pre-establishes the barrel nut's correct position and orientation before automated assembly begins. By restricting movement in advance through engagement with the positioning feature, the system eliminates the need for automated stopping and human intervention, allowing continuous automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning frame serves as a mediator that enables automated assembly by providing stable, pre-positioned barrel nuts. The frame body receives and holds the barrel nut while the bore engagement element connects to the positioning feature, creating a reliable interface that automated systems can handle without human intervention, thereby maintaining high productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A barrel nut positioning frame for maintaining a barrel nut in a desired position in a bore of a component, the frame comprising: a frame body configured to receive a barrel nut therein, the frame body being adapted to fit, together with a received barrel nut, within a bore; and a bore engagement element configured to engage with a positioning feature in the bore so as to restrict movement of the frame within the bore.