Blind Fastener Pulling Fingers for Angled, Sealant-Safe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind fastener installation tools are complex and limited in applications involving non-normal angles and sealant, often resulting in inefficiencies and manufacturing downtime due to sealant jamming.
Innovation Solution
A blind fastener tool with pulling fingers and an internal drive mechanism that simplifies tooling, enhances control, and prevents sealant accumulation, allowing for improved installation at non-normal angles and increased reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex mechanical structure is used for blind fastener installation, then the tool can perform basic fastening functions, but the tooling complexity increases and control over the fastener is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the fastener engagement function into separate stationary fingers and pulling fingers. The stationary fingers provide structural support and positioning, while the pulling fingers independently engage and pull the fastener collar, enabling precise control without complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling fingers act as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the fastener collar. They translate linear actuator motion into controlled pulling force on the collar, providing mechanical advantage and precise control without requiring complex direct-drive mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional blind fastener tools are used at non-normal angles, then fastener installation can be attempted, but tooling control and visual access to the fastener are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling fingers are designed with dynamic engagement capabilities that allow them to maintain proper orientation and grip on the fastener collar regardless of the tool's angular position. The fingers can adapt their engagement point to maintain optimal pulling geometry at various installation angles
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design incorporates angular flexibility by allowing the pulling fingers to operate effectively in multiple dimensional orientations. The fingers engage the collar in a way that maintains control even when the tool axis is not perpendicular to the fastener installation plane
3Reliability
If sealant is used with traditional blind fastener tools, then sealing function is provided, but sealant accumulation and jamming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the sealant application function from the internal tool mechanism to the external environment. Sealant is applied to the fastener or hole rather than being introduced into the tool's internal drive mechanism, eliminating the source of accumulation and jamming while maintaining sealing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of sealant contamination into a benefit by configuring the pulling fingers and stationary fingers to naturally deflect sealant away from internal mechanisms. The finger arrangement creates a protective geometry that uses the sealant application process itself to prevent contamination
Data Source
AI summary
A blind fastener tool with pulling fingers is provided. One embodiment is a tool for installing a blind fastener in a hole. The tool includes stationary fingers having tips protruding from a front end of the housing to contact a rim of a sleeve of the blind fastener. The tool also includes pulling fingers in the housing arranged longitudinally in spaces between the stationary fingers. Ends of the pulling fingers proximate to the front end are configured to radially expand to receive a drive element of the blind fastener, and to radially collapse to grip a collar of the drive element. The pulling fingers are configured to translate inside the housing to pull the drive element away from the sleeve as the stationary fingers contact the rim of the sleeve to form a bulb with the sleeve at a blind side of the hole.