One-Sided Fastener Installation Tool for Blind-Side Sleeve Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual installation of one-sided fasteners is difficult and labor-intensive, requiring significant strength and time, especially when installing multiple fasteners, and there is a challenge in achieving precise alignment and real-time control during automated installation due to the lack of visibility on the blind side of the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method and tool that automatically displace and rotate the pin of a fastener by using a linear actuator to deform the sleeve radially outward and a rotary actuator to shear the pintail from the shaft, allowing for efficient and precise installation of one-sided fasteners with reduced manual effort and improved alignment control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but installation difficulty and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical installation with an automated installation tool that uses a motor-driven pin to deform the sleeve tail. The tool automatically performs the deformation process by rotating the pin, eliminating the need for manual force application while maintaining precise control over the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener installation tool is designed to perform the deformation process autonomously once positioned. The motor-driven pin automatically rotates to deform the sleeve tail without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to complete the installation task with minimal human involvement.
2Productivity
If automated installation tools are used, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool is designed with a motor-driven pin that serves multiple functions: it rotates to deform the sleeve tail, provides structural support during installation, and can be integrated with various fastener types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized tools, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into distinct functional components: a motor-driven pin for deformation, a positioning mechanism for alignment, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and replacement, managing overall device complexity.
3Strength
If high installation strength is required, then fastener reliability is improved, but manual installation becomes prohibitively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual force application with a motor-driven pin that rotates to deform the sleeve tail. This mechanical substitution provides consistent, controlled force that achieves the required retention strength without the variability and physical limitations of manual installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation process uses periodic rotation of the motor-driven pin to gradually deform the sleeve tail. This periodic action allows the material to deform controllably, achieving high retention strength through cumulative deformation rather than a single high-force impact.
4Manufacturing precision
If time-consuming manual processes are used, then precision control is maintained, but labor intensity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning and deformation with an automated tool that integrates positioning and installation functions. The motor-driven pin provides precise rotational control for deformation while the tool structure maintains alignment precision, eliminating the time required for manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool combines positioning, alignment, and deformation functions into a single integrated system. The motor-driven pin simultaneously maintains alignment during insertion and provides controlled rotation for deformation, merging multiple manual steps into one automated operation that reduces time while maintaining precision.
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
The solution enables faster, less labor-intensive installation of fasteners with improved alignment and real-time control, reducing the effort required and enhancing the efficiency of the assembly process while maintaining robustness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
deforming a tail of the sleeve radially outward relative to a centerline axis of the fastener by automatically displacing the pin longitudinally along the centerline axis relative to the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
rotationally shearing the pintail of the pin from a shaft of the pin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A method is provided for installing a fastener into an opening of a structure. The fastener includes a sleeve and a pin threadably received into the sleeve. The method includes inserting the fastener into the opening, grabbing a pintail of the pin, and deforming a tail of the sleeve radially outward relative to a centerline axis of the fastener by automatically displacing the pin longitudinally along the centerline axis relative to the sleeve. The method also includes rotationally shearing the pintail of the pin from a shaft of the pin. (Fig. 6)