Blind Fastener Installation Tool for Box-Type Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing fasteners in box-type structures, such as aircraft wings, are inefficient due to the need for accessibility from both sides of the structure, which is not possible with blind-type fasteners under high loads. This limits the use of one-shot assembly methods and increases assembly time and on-board mass.
Innovation Solution
A method and tooling system that allows for the installation of fasteners with two parts in a box-type structure by using a first tool with a flexible or semi-rigid link to position and secure the first part of the fastener from the external region, enabling assembly even when the internal region is not accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If blind-type fasteners are used to connect added-on elements to the front longitudinal wall, then the number of fasteners is reduced, but the applied loads are too great and accessibility from both sides is required which is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate parts: a first part installed from the external region and a second part installed from the internal region. This segmentation allows each part to be installed independently from accessible sides, resolving the contradiction between reducing fastener quantity and maintaining installability.
Solution Approach 2:
A tooling system acts as an intermediary to facilitate the installation of the fastener parts. The tooling enables precise positioning and securing of the fastener parts from the external region, making the installation process feasible despite the restricted accessibility requirements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional assembly methods with multiple fittings are used, then accessibility requirements are met, but assembly time increases and on-board mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening operation is merged with the assembly operation. By integrating the fastener installation into the single-shot assembly process, the method eliminates the need for separate fitting installations, thereby reducing assembly time and on-board mass while maintaining accessibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener parts are pre-positioned and prepared during the assembly operation before final fastening. This preliminary action allows the fasteners to be in place ready for connection, eliminating subsequent separate assembly steps and reducing overall assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If traditional assembly methods with multiple fittings are used, then accessibility requirements are met, but on-board mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening operation is merged with the assembly operation. By integrating the fastener installation into the single-shot assembly process, the method eliminates the need for separate fitting installations, thereby reducing assembly time and on-board mass while maintaining accessibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary fittings are extracted from the assembly process. By using direct fastening through the front longitudinal wall, the method removes the need for intermediate fittings, thereby reducing on-board mass while maintaining structural integrity and accessibility.
4Productivity
If one-shot assembly methods are used, then assembly time is reduced and on-board mass is decreased, but fastener installation is difficult or impossible from one end
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate parts: a first part installed from the external region and a second part installed from the internal region. This segmentation allows each part to be installed independently from accessible sides, resolving the contradiction between reducing fastener quantity and maintaining installability.
Solution Approach 2:
A tooling system acts as an intermediary to facilitate the installation of the fastener parts. The tooling enables precise positioning and securing of the fastener parts from the external region, making the installation process feasible despite the restricted accessibility requirements.
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
This solution enables the efficient assembly of box-type structures by reducing the number of fasteners required, thereby decreasing assembly time and on-board mass, while allowing for single-operation assembly of aircraft wing components.
Implementation Method 1
the link being flexible or semi-rigid in order to be able to bend elastically in order to slide into the internal region as far as the end of the box-type structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a screw in at least one through-orifice of a box-type structure, including inserting a body of a first tool into the through-orifice from an external region of the box-type structure, moving the body in an internal region of the box-type structure, towards an end of the box-type structure, securing the screw to the body, the first tool comprising a link connected to the body which remains accessible from the external region during the inserting, moving and securing steps, pulling on the link from the external region until the shank of the screw is positioned in the through-orifice, and separating the body from the screw.