Blind Fastener Adapter With Tapered Segmented Ring
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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 without a standard screw-threaded nut and screw.
Innovation Solution
A blind fastener adapter comprising a collar and segmented ring with a tapered interface, a coil compression spring for axial bias, and anti-rotational features, allowing standard machine screws to be converted for blind installation using existing tools and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional blind fasteners are used, then blind fastening function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to specialized components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that converts a standard screw into a blind fastener. The adapter includes a collar with internal threads that engage the screw, and a segmented ring with tapered outer surface that expands into the blind hole. This intermediary device enables blind fastening functionality using conventional screws, thereby reducing the need for specialized blind fastener components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design allows a universal standard screw to perform both through-hole fastening and blind fastening functions by simply adding the adapter component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different types of specialized fasteners for different applications, reducing overall device complexity and inventory requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional blind fasteners are used, then blind fastening function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to specialized components and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a cost-effective intermediary that transforms inexpensive standard screws into functional blind fasteners. By using readily available standard screw components and adding a relatively simple adapter assembly, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced compared to producing entirely specialized blind fastener components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter replicates the essential functionality of specialized blind fasteners using simplified geometry and conventional materials. The segmented ring design with tapered surface copies the expansion mechanism of complex blind fasteners but implements it through a simpler, more manufacturable structure that can be produced using standard machining processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard machine screws are converted using the adapter, then cost is reduced, but ensuring resistance to rotational forces becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple segments that can expand radially independently. This segmentation allows the ring to conform to the blind hole geometry and distribute locking forces more effectively, enhancing resistance to rotational forces despite using a converted standard screw configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer surface of the ring is made tapered and curved, allowing it to expand radially and create frictional engagement with the blind hole walls. This curved geometry provides mechanical interlocking that resists rotational forces, compensating for the lack of specialized blind fastener head design.
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
Enables retro-fitting of standard machine screws for blind fastening without the need for special components, reducing costs and simplifying installation, while maintaining secure attachment and resistance to rotational forces.
Implementation Method 1
said adapter further including a spring adapted to bias said collar and ring into mutual engagement
Implementation Method 2
the spring is a coil compression spring that axially biases said collar and ring into mutual engagement in use
Implementation Method 3
the ring and collar having a tapered interface wherein relative axial movement results in a change of diameter of said ring
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4(a)~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention provides blind fastener adapter for a conventional screw-threaded nut (12) and screw (11). The adapter comprises a collar (13) and a segmented ring (14) over the collar (13), the ring (14) and collar (13) having a tapered interface wherein relative axial movement results in a change of diameter of said ring (14). The adapter further includes a spring (15) adapted to bias said collar (13) and ring (14) into mutual engagement, said collar (13) and ring (14) including means to prevent substantial relative angular movement thereof. The collar (13) is adapted for engagement by a blind side head of said screw (11) in use, and said ring (14) is adapted for blind side engagement of the perimeter of a hole.