Blind Fastener Assembly with Pivoting Paddle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industries such as aerospace, there is a need for blind installation of components like fasteners in confined or inaccessible spaces, where conventional tools cannot access the installation location, requiring innovative mounting solutions to secure components without specialized tools or complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a pin with a channel, a fastener with a head, and paddles that can be translated and pivoted to secure the pin in place, allowing blind installation by rotating the fastener to protrude paddles from the pin, preventing withdrawal or vibration, and enabling secure engagement without needing tools at the distal end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fasteners are used in blind installation situations, then the installation location must be accessible by conventional tools, but this restricts application to open spaces and cannot accommodate confined or inaccessible areas
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into multiple components: a pin with channel, a separate fastener, and a paddle. The pin serves as the base structure with an integrated channel, while the fastener and paddle are separate elements that assemble together. This segmentation allows the pin to be installed in confined blind locations using simple tools, while the paddle mechanism provides the fastening function without requiring tool access at the distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel within the pin acts as an intermediary structure that guides and contains the paddle mechanism. The channel provides a pathway for the paddle to move and lock into position, enabling the fastening action to occur at the distal end without requiring direct tool access. The channel mediates between the remotely applied fastener and the local fastening action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized tools are used for blind installation, then fasteners can be installed in confined spaces, but this increases cost and complexity of the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the rotation of the fastener. As the fastener rotates and translates, it directly drives the paddle to pivot and engage with the second element through the channel. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for specialized installation tools or complex assembly procedures, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining blind installation capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pin structure is simplified for easy installation, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the pin cannot prevent withdrawal or vibration in installed position
Solution Approach 1:
The pin structure incorporates a dynamic paddle mechanism that transitions from a retracted state during installation to an engaged state during operation. The paddle pivots within the channel as the fastener rotates, moving from a non-protruding position to a protruding position that engages with the second element. This dynamic transformation allows the pin to maintain structural simplicity for easy manufacture while achieving secure engagement through the activated paddle mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a pin, a fastener, a first element, and a paddle. The pin includes a first channel. The fastener extends within the pin and has a head extending from a first end of the pin. The first element is mounted to the fastener and is capable of translation relative to the pin with rotation of the fastener. The paddle is movably connected to the first element and disposed within the first channel. At least a portion of the paddle extends from the first channel to protrude from the pin with translation of the first element.