Blind Fastener with Pusher and Translating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for securing workpieces to machining fixtures have protruding bolt heads that interfere with machining processes, necessitating a solution that eliminates protrusions and enhances operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A blind fastener system comprising a housing, pusher member, and translating elements that securely clamp a workpiece to a fixture without a protruding head, utilizing a radially extending groove in the workpiece tool hole to apply clamping force when the pusher member moves from an extended to a retracted position, allowing for secure mounting and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard hexagonal bolt heads are used to secure workpiece to fixture, then workpiece can be securely fastened, but protruding bolt heads present obstacles in machining process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protruding head from the fastening system by using a blind fastener with a countersunk design that sits flush with or below the workpiece surface. The fastener body is received within a recess in the workpiece, eliminating the need for a protruding hexagonal head while maintaining secure fastening capability through threaded engagement with the fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the fastener head protrude outward to provide engagement surfaces, the invention inverts the approach by having the fastener body recessed into the workpiece with the engagement surfaces located on the fixture side. The threading and clamping mechanism are inverted so that the fastener engages the fixture from the workpiece interior rather than from the exterior.
2Ease of operation
If blind fastener with translating elements is used to eliminate protruding head, then machining accessibility is improved, but fastener structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blind fastener is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing that receives the fastener body, translating elements that convert rotational motion to linear motion, and a clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling the overall system to achieve the flush-mount appearance without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates dynamic translating elements that automatically convert the rotational tightening motion into linear clamping force. These translating elements move dynamically during installation and operation, providing automatic adjustment and secure clamping without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms or multiple separate components.
3Force
If pusher member is used to actuate translating elements, then clamping force can be applied through groove engagement, but fastener assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher member is merged with the translating elements and clamping mechanism into an integrated assembly. The pusher member directly actuates the translating elements which in turn engage the workpiece groove, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to apply substantial clamping force through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher member serves multiple functions: it transmits the tightening force from the threaded portion, actuates the translating elements to convert rotational to linear motion, and directly engages the workpiece groove to apply clamping force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall assembly while achieving effective clamping.
Data Source
AI summary
A blind fastener for securing a workpiece to a machining fixture includes an externally threaded housing, a pusher member and translating elements. The pusher member translates relative to the housing from an extended position to a retracted position. As the pusher member retracts, it urges the translating elements from an inboard position to an outboard position. The fixture has a closed ended tool hole that is threaded to receive the blind fastener. The workpiece has a corresponding tool hole with a radial groove. The workpiece tool hole receives the upper end of the blind fastener and the radial groove receives the translating elements when they extend. When the blind fastener is threaded into the fixture tool hole, the pusher member retracts and causes the translating elements to extend. The translating elements engage the radial groove of the workpiece tool hole and clamp the workpiece to the fixture.