Blind Fastener Grip Features for Robotic Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional removable blind fasteners face challenges in being efficiently gripped and removed, especially by robotic equipment, due to sticking issues and lack of surface area for positive engagement, leading to potential damage and increased complexity in assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a fastener system with grip features, such as undercut and projection mechanisms, allows for mechanical locking with a tool, enabling reliable installation and removal without misalignment or dropping, and maintains a low profile to avoid interfering with robotic equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional blind fasteners are used without grip features, then the fastener can be inserted into the aperture, but the fastener cannot be reliably gripped or removed by robotic equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener head is segmented into functional zones: a gripping zone with external protrusions for tool engagement, a recessed zone for receiving the threaded member, and a bearing zone for clamping force distribution. This segmentation allows the fastener to be reliably gripped by robotic equipment through the external protrusions while maintaining its clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
External protrusions on the fastener head act as intermediaries between the robotic tool and the fastener body. These protrusions provide positive engagement points that enable robotic equipment to reliably grip, insert, and remove the fastener without direct contact with the threaded member or clamping surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If the fastener head is made larger to provide grip surface area, then the fastener can be handled more easily, but the fastener profile increases and may interfere with robotic equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener head incorporates local quality variations through external protrusions that concentrate grip surface area at specific locations rather than uniformly increasing the entire head size. This allows robotic tools to engage with localized grip features while the overall fastener profile remains compact and compatible with robotic equipment clearance requirements.
3Shape
If the fastener head is made flush with the work-piece surface, then the profile is minimized, but there is no surface area for positive engagement by tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener head transitions from a two-dimensional flush surface to a three-dimensional structure with external protrusions that extend radially outward. This dimensional change provides positive engagement features for tool grip while maintaining the overall compact profile, as the protrusions are localized features rather than a uniformly enlarged head.
4Strength
If adhesive is used between work-pieces to prevent sticking, then the work-pieces are securely bonded, but the fastener may become stuck in the aperture and cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design segments the clamping function from the removal function. The clamping surfaces provide strong bonding between work-pieces through adhesive, while the external protrusions on the head provide a separate removal interface that allows robotic tools to grip and extract the fastener even when adhesive is present in the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The external protrusions act as intermediaries that enable force transmission from the robotic tool to the fastener body for removal, bypassing the adhesive barrier in the aperture. This allows the fastener to be extracted even when adhesive prevents direct pulling on the shank or threaded member.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with improvements to removable fasteners and particularly relates to removable and re-usable fasteners with features that allow them to be gripped and handled positively. The present invention therefore provides a fastening system comprising a fastener and a tool, the tool being suitable for installing and removing the fastener from an aperture in a work-piece, wherein the fastener has a main body and a head at one end, and wherein the head of the fastener and the tool have grip features that allow the fastener to be releasably locked to the tool to prevent separation of the fastener and tool during installation and removal of the fastener. This allows the fastener to be handled positively without fear of the fastener becoming misaligned, or dropping off the tool.