Cam-Actuated Fastener Tool for Ergonomic FOD Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for installing and removing fasteners, such as Cleco fasteners, are limited by operational inefficiencies, require lubrication, and are difficult to use in tight or inaccessible areas, posing ergonomic challenges and risking foreign object debris.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a body, grips, lugs, and a cam mechanism that allows for radial movement of grips and rotation to securely engage and disengage fasteners, enabling efficient installation and removal without lubrication and preventing debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hand-operated pliers or pneumatic power tools are used for spring-type fasteners, then fastener installation and removal can be achieved, but the tools require lubrication and are not designed for repeated removal and reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeated removal and reinstallation capabilityVSAvoidtool design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into separate functional modules: a body, multiple radially movable grips, lugs for limiting movement, and a cam mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling repeated use without degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grips are designed to be radially movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during fastener engagement and disengagement. The lugs provide controlled limitation to this movement, creating a dynamic system that adapts to repeated operation while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If hand-operated ratchet tool is used for threaded-type fasteners, then fastener installation and removal can be achieved, but the user's hand, wrist, and arm are placed at awkward angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic comfortVSAvoidtool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool transitions from traditional hand-operated rotation to a body-mounted mechanism where grips move radially inward and outward. This dimensional change in the operation mechanism eliminates awkward arm angles by allowing the user to apply force in a more natural orientation while the cam and lugs handle the complex motion transformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hand tools are used for fastener installation and removal, then basic fastening function can be achieved, but it becomes increasingly difficult to install and remove fasteners in tight or inaccessible areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to tight or inaccessible areasVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple grips are arranged concentrically within the body, allowing them to operate in a nested configuration. This nested arrangement enables the tool to access tight spaces where traditional linear tools cannot reach, while the radial movement mechanism provides the necessary operational leverage in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional tools are used for fastener installation and removal, then basic operation can be performed, but foreign object debris is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign object debris generationVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool design eliminates the need for external lubrication and reduces wear that generates debris. The radial movement mechanism with lugs provides self-contained operation that minimizes foreign object generation, making the tool safer for use in clean environments where FOD could compromise reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 tool facilitates easy and ergonomic fastener installation and removal, reducing ergonomic strain and minimizing foreign object debris, while being adaptable for various fastener types and environments.

Implementation Method 1

Rotation of the cam about the central axis in a first rotational direction relative to the body moves the at least one of the grips radially inward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS20250262733A1Fastener tools and methods

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A tool for installing and/or removing a fastener includes a body having an opening having a center axis. The tool includes a plurality of grips coupled to the body and angularly spaced apart from each other around the opening. At least one of the grips is radially movable relative to the opening. The tool includes a plurality of lugs coupled to the body. The lugs limit radially inward movement of the at least one of the grips. The tool includes a cam coupled to the body. Rotation of the cam about the central axis in a first rotational direction relative to the body moves the at least one of the grips radially inward. Pins and lugs serve to prevent escapement of the grips, which constitute a foreign object debris that may cause mechanical or electrical damage.