Expandable Clamp Blade Fastener for Mismatched Pilot Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping fasteners have limitations such as being accessible from only one side of a multi-layer assembly, limited expansion capability, and often require additional fasteners and operators to secure multiple layers, especially when dealing with mismatched pilot holes.
Innovation Solution
A temporary clamping fastener with an extendable clamp blade that rotates from a stowed to a deployed position, utilizing a pull shaft and bushing configuration, allowing for through-hole clamping without the need for additional load-bearing washers and enabling securement of mismatched pilot holes with enhanced radial expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional clamping fasteners are used, then single-side accessibility is maintained, but additional fasteners and operators are required for mismatched pilot holes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp blade is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides clamping force through its engagement surface and simultaneously spans mismatched pilot holes between layers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate load-bearing washers, allowing a single fastener to handle both clamping and pilot hole mismatch issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp blade extends radially outward from the pull shaft in a direction perpendicular to the fastener's longitudinal axis. This dimensional extension allows the engagement surface to reach across mismatched pilot holes, providing clamping capability without requiring additional fasteners or operators.
2Length of moving object
If conventional clamping fasteners are used, then simple structure is maintained, but limited expansion occurs when clamping pins are separated
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp blade is designed to rotate dynamically from a retracted position to an extended position as the pull shaft translates. This dynamic movement allows the engagement surface to extend radially outward, providing enhanced expansion capability while maintaining a compact structure when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is segmented into the pull shaft for linear translation and the clamp blade for radial extension. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, enabling significant radial expansion without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional clamping fasteners are used, then single-side operation is maintained, but load-bearing washers require backside access
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp blade's engagement surface serves dual purposes: it provides clamping force and simultaneously accommodates mismatched pilot holes. This eliminates the need for separate load-bearing washers that would require backside access, maintaining single-side operation while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary clamping fastener is disclosed, and includes a bushing having an inner cavity, an upper open end, and a lower open end. The temporary clamping fastener also includes a pull shaft having an elongated body and a slot extending through the elongated body. A portion of the pull shaft is disposed in the inner cavity of the bushing, and the pull shaft is configured to linearly translate relative to the bushing. The temporary clamping fastener also includes a clamp blade disposed within the slot of the pull shaft and rotatable between a stowed position where the clamp blade is housed within the slot and a deployed position and a portion of the clamp blade extends from the slot of the pull shaft to create an engagement surface for through-hole clamping.