Multi-Piece Fastener Pull Region Formed During Collar Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing structural fasteners into bores of structural components is challenging due to difficulties in forming gripping features on the pull section of the pin during the rolling process, which increases manufacturing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece fastener system comprising a fastening collar and a pin, where the pull region is initially smooth and forms gripping features like annular shoulders or threads upon forcible contact with a fastening collar installation apparatus, and a tool that includes an anvil and a collet to deform the fastening collar onto the pin, securing it within the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gripping features are pre-formed on the pull section during manufacturing, then installation reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is manufactured with a smooth pull section without pre-formed gripping features. The gripping features (annular shoulder, groove, or thread) are formed in-situ during the installation process by the collet, eliminating the need for preliminary manufacturing steps while ensuring proper formation at the correct location and time
Solution Approach 2:
The installation apparatus's collet automatically forms the gripping features on the pin's pull section during the fastening process. The system serves itself by creating the necessary engagement features without requiring separate manufacturing operations, reducing both time and cost while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If gripping features are pre-formed on the pull section, then engagement reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping feature formation operation is extracted from the manufacturing process and transferred to the installation process. The collet in the installation apparatus performs the feature formation, separating manufacturing from installation and simplifying the manufacturing of the pin itself while maintaining engagement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The collet acts as an intermediary tool that forms the gripping features during installation. Instead of complex manufacturing processes, a simple smooth pull section is used, and the collet mediates the creation of engagement features, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring proper formation
3Ease of manufacture
If the pull region is smooth without pre-formed features, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is prepared in advance with a smooth pull section that is ready to receive gripping features during installation. This preliminary preparation simplifies manufacturing while the subsequent installation process automatically creates the necessary features through the collet's action
Solution Approach 2:
The installation apparatus automatically forms the gripping features on the smooth pull section during the fastening operation. The system self-adjusts and self-forms the engagement features without requiring complex manual operations or pre-formed features, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and installation ease
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 system allows for efficient installation without pre-formed gripping features, reducing manufacturing time and cost while providing a visual indication of completion, and enhances the engagement and reliability of the fastener.
Implementation Method 1
The pull region is generally cylindrical and smooth and is configured to form at least one of an annular shoulder, a groove, a thread, and other feature thereon responsive to forcible contact from a fastening collar installation apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The fastening collar is forcibly contacted with an anvil of the fastening collar installation apparatus, and the pull region is moved distal from the fastening collar utilizing the collet of the fastening collar installation apparatus, thereby deforming the fastening collar onto the shank of the pin
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-piece fasteners, fastening collar installation apparatus, and methods of fastening are provided. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and a collar cavity. The collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end comprising a head portion, a second pin end comprising a pull region, and a shank. The pull region is generally cylindrical and smooth and is configured to form at least one of an annular shoulder, a groove, a thread, and other feature responsive to forcible contact from a fastening collar installation apparatus. The shank extends intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank.