Blind Fastener Adapter for One-Sided Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blind fasteners require specialized components and tools, making them costly and inconvenient for applications where access is limited, as they need to be installed from one side through a hole.
Innovation Solution
A blind fastener adapter comprising a collar, a segmented ring with a tapered interface, and a spring to bias the collar and ring into mutual engagement, allowing for axial movement and preventing angular movement, which can be used with standard screw-threaded nuts and screws, enabling one-sided installation without the need for specialized components or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional blind fasteners are used, then one-sided installation is achieved, but specialized components and tools are required increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that connects standard screw-threaded fasteners to blind fastening applications. The adapter includes a body with a blind side head receiving portion that accepts standard fasteners, and a ring with engagement features that interface with the blind side hole. This intermediary device enables one-sided installation using common fasteners without requiring specialized blind fastener components or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design provides universality by enabling standard screw-threaded fasteners to function in blind fastening applications. The adapter body can accommodate various standard fastener types (screws, bolts, studs) while providing the one-sided installation capability typically reserved for specialized blind fasteners. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized blind fastener components.
2Ease of operation
If specialized blind fastener components are used, then one-sided installation is enabled, but cost increases due to specialized components and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a relatively simple, inexpensive component that can be mass-produced using standard manufacturing processes. Rather than using expensive specialized blind fastener components, the adapter serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables one-sided installation with common fasteners. The adapter's simple geometry and use of standard materials make it economically viable for widespread application.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the adapter as an intermediary, the patent allows standard inexpensive fasteners to be used in blind fastening applications. The adapter itself is a simple component that bridges the gap between common fasteners and specialized blind fastening requirements, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard screw-threaded fasteners are used, then cost is reduced and common tools can be used, but one-sided installation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as the intermediary that restores one-sided installation capability to standard screw-threaded fasteners. The adapter body receives the standard fastener with its head, while the ring portion with engagement features provides the one-sided anchoring mechanism. This allows users to benefit from both the cost advantages of standard fasteners and the operational advantages of one-sided installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of standard screw-threaded fasteners with the one-sided installation capability of blind fasteners through the adapter assembly. The adapter combines a fastener-receiving body with an engagement ring that anchors in the blind side hole, effectively combining the advantages of both fastener types into a single integrated solution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adapter allows for the conversion of standard screws into blind fasteners, enabling secure one-sided installation without the need for specialized components or tools, reducing costs and improving usability in restricted access scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a spring adapted to bias the collar and ring into mutual engagement
Implementation Method 2
the ring and collar having a tapered interface wherein relative axial movement results in a change of diameter of the ring
Implementation Method 3
Such a further spring provides frictional bias to provide anti-rotational force for the collar, in use
Data Source
AI summary
A blind fastener adapter for a conventional screw-threaded nut and screw comprises a collar and a segmented ring over the collar, the ring and collar having a tapered interface wherein relative axial movement results in a change of diameter of the ring. The adapter further includes a spring adapted to bias the collar and ring into mutual engagement; the collar and ring include means to prevent substantial relative angular movement thereof. The collar is adapted for engagement by a blind side head of the screw in use, and the ring is adapted for blind side engagement of the perimeter of a hole.