Blind Fastener Installation Tool With Single-Sequence Pull and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a manual installation tool that can efficiently and robustly install blind fasteners of the 'pull-torqued' type, which requires both pulling and rotational movements to deform a portion of the fastener and secure it to a structure from a single side.
Innovation Solution
A manual installation tool with a body of revolution, featuring a first sleeve movable axially and rotationally, and a second sleeve movable axially but not rotationally, driven by a rotational drive mechanism with free wheels and a helical link, allowing for sequential pulling and rotational movements to install the fastener, including a spring device for tension and release mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual installation tool is designed to install blind fasteners requiring both pulling and rotational movements, then the installation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pulling movement mechanism and rotational movement mechanism into a single integrated installation tool. The first sleeve handles axial pulling movement while the second sleeve handles rotational movement, both driven by a common rotational drive means. This merging approach enables the tool to perform both required movements without needing separate tools, thereby improving installation capability while controlling device complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a body, a first sleeve for pulling movement, a second sleeve for rotational movement, and a rotational drive means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system integration. The modular structure enables the tool to achieve complex installation capabilities through coordinated simple components.
2Reliability
If the installation tool uses a robust mechanical architecture with multiple sleeves and drive mechanisms, then the reliability of fastener installation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational drive means serves as a combined control mechanism that simultaneously drives both the first sleeve (for pulling) and the second sleeve (for rotation). This merging of drive functions into a single operational interface simplifies user interaction while maintaining reliable mechanical engagement through the coordinated action of free wheels and helical links.
Solution Approach 2:
The free wheels act as intermediary elements between the rotational drive means and the two sleeves. These intermediaries translate rotational input into the appropriate axial and rotational movements of the sleeves, providing reliable mechanical transmission while simplifying the user's operational input to a single rotational action.
3Manufacturing precision
If the installation tool incorporates sequential pulling and rotational movements through multiple sleeves, then the manufacturing precision of fastener installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into sequential movements: axial pulling by the first sleeve followed by rotational tightening by the second sleeve. Each sleeve is designed with specific geometric features and engagement mechanisms that ensure precise movement control. This segmentation of the installation process into distinct precision-controlled stages enables accurate fastener installation while managing device complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the precision control mechanisms for both pulling and rotational movements into a coordinated system driven by the same rotational drive means. The free wheels and helical links provide synchronized control, ensuring that the sequential movements occur with the correct timing and precision requirements, thereby achieving high installation precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 simple and robust installation of 'pull-torqued' blind fasteners by forming a bulb against the rear face of a structure and fracturing the gripping element, ensuring secure fastening with minimal components and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device arranged to be tensioned during rotation of the shaft in the second direction and to return, upon stopping and/or reversal of the rotation of the shaft, to the driving element in its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
An installation tool for a fastener of the “pull screw” type, comprising a breakable gripping element includes a body, a first sleeve movable axially and rotationally in the body that can drive the gripping element, a second sleeve movable axially in the body and immovable in rotation, and a driving device provided with a turning shaft.The shaft comprises a first free wheel for driving the first sleeve in rotation, a second free wheel, and a driving element positioned coaxially around the second free wheel. The driving element cooperates using a helical link with the second sleeve. The first free wheel drives the first sleeve in rotation in a first rotation direction of the shaft. The second free wheel brings the driving element in rotation in a second rotation direction of the shaft to move the second sleeve axially, allowing full setting in a single operating sequence.