Cam-Lock Swaging End Effector for Captive Fastener Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of locking captive fasteners into place using a captive ring is laborious and time-consuming, requiring manual screwing and unscrewing of fasteners with pneumatic tools, which is inefficient for large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A captive fastener quick-release end effector with a body, clamping member, and cam lock that allows for quick attachment and detachment to a swaging tool, utilizing stationary and moving threads secured by a cam lock mechanism for efficient swaging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual screwing and unscrewing of fasteners with pneumatic tools is used, then the fastener can be securely locked into place, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into separate functional components: a body with stationary threads, a clamping member with moving threads, and a cam lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the clamping member to be quickly positioned and secured without manual threading, while maintaining reliable fastener locking through the combined action of stationary and moving threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary threads are pre-formed on the body, and the cam lock mechanism is pre-configured to control the moving threads. When the cam lock is actuated, the moving threads are already positioned to engage with the stationary threads, enabling immediate clamping action without requiring manual threading operations during the swaging process.
2Reliability
If captive fasteners are screwed into pneumatic tools, then secure attachment is achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector acts as an intermediary device between the pneumatic tool and the captive fastener. It provides a simplified interface where the cam lock mechanism mediates the attachment process, replacing complex manual threading operations with a simple cam actuation that secures the fastener reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism enables the operator to secure the fastener through a self-contained action. When the cam lock is actuated, it automatically positions and clamps the moving threads against the stationary threads, creating a self-securing attachment without requiring manual screwing operations.
3Reliability
If traditional swaging methods are used, then fastener installation is complete, but productivity decreases in large-scale applications
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping member is designed with moving threads that can dynamically adjust and engage with the stationary threads through cam actuation. This dynamic mechanism allows rapid securing and releasing of fasteners, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining complete and reliable fastener installation through proper clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism enables rapid change in the clamping parameter. By actuating the cam, the clamping force is quickly applied or released, allowing the system to transition between secured and released states in seconds. This parameter change capability maintains installation completeness while dramatically increasing production speed for large-scale applications.
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
Reduces the time required for swaging captive fasteners by allowing quick insertion and removal without threading, enhancing production efficiency in applications involving hundreds or thousands of fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The cam lock of the quick-release end effector is configured to operate between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, a locking edge of the cam lock causes threads of the fastener to be clamped between the moving threads of the clamping member and the stationary threads of the body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A system (100) for swaging an end of a fastener (130) includes a pneumatic swaging tool (110) and a quick-release end effector (120) configured to couple to the pneumatic swaging tool (110). The quick-release end effector (120) includes a body (122), a clamping member (126), and a cam lock (124). The body (122) of the quick-release end effector (120) includes a plurality of stationary threads (128), and the clamping member (126) of the quick-release end effector (120) includes a plurality of moving threads (121). The cam lock (124) of the quick-release end effector (120) is configured to operate between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, a locking edge of the cam lock (124) causes threads of the fastener (130) to be clamped between the moving threads of the clamping member (126) and the stationary threads of the body (122), thereby securing the fastener (130) during swaging operations by the pneumatic swaging tool (110).