Blind Side Fastener Collet Screw With Free-Spin Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind side fasteners with hard stop bushings can cause undesired disassociation of components during removal operations and may result in irreparable damage, as they do not effectively decouple the drive tool from the fastener.
Innovation Solution
The use of a rotationally constrained collet body with a captive threaded screw and a free-spin zone that decouples the drive tool from the fastener, allowing for translational movement without inducing unwanted rotation, utilizing a two-part anti-rotation and translation arresting mechanism within a housing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hard stop bushing is used to constrain the collet body, then the collet body is rotationally constrained, but the drive tool and fastener remain physically connected causing component disassociation and damage during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a free-spin feature as an intermediary element between the drive tool and the fastener. This feature allows the drive tool to rotate independently without transferring rotational force to the fastener components during removal operations. The free-spin feature acts as a mediator that decouples the physical connection while maintaining operational functionality, preventing the hard stop bushing from causing component disassociation and damage.
2Ease of operation
If the drive tool is physically connected to the fastener, then torque can be applied for fastening, but continuous operation during removal causes undesired disassociation of fastener components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the connection between the drive tool and fastener changes based on the operational phase. During fastening, the threads engage to transmit torque. During removal, the free-spin feature engages to allow independent rotation. This dynamic switching prevents continuous physical connection from causing harmful effects while maintaining ease of operation for both fastening and removal phases.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the collet body is rotationally constrained by a hard stop bushing, then rotation is prevented, but the structure does not allow for free spinning during removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotational constraint function into two distinct mechanisms: a hard stop bushing for preventing rotation during fastening operations, and a free-spin feature for allowing independent rotation during removal operations. This segmentation allows the system to exhibit different rotational behaviors depending on the operational phase, providing both rotational stability when needed and operational flexibility when required.
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 prevents component disassociation and damage during removal operations by ensuring continuous operation of the drive tool does not cause unwanted rotation, maintaining the integrity of the fastener components.
Implementation Method 1
a captive threaded screw for rotationally engaging with the collet body to transform rotational movement into translational movement
Implementation Method 2
substantial arresting of collet body rotation by way of an anti-rotation means
Data Source
AI summary
Fastener embodiments of the invention comprise a freely translatable collet body, which at least partially translates within an auxiliary structure, and further comprise a captive threaded screw for rotationally engaging with the collet body to transform rotational movement into translational movement through substantial arresting of collet body rotation by way of an anti-rotation means. The screw comprises a free-spin feature that functionally, but not physically, decouples a drive tool from the collet body.