Temporary Fastener Radial Float Absorbs Lateral Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temporary fasteners used in aircraft assembly, especially when securing components to curved surfaces, often break or deform under lateral loading, leading to time-consuming and costly replacements and disruptions in the construction process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a temporary fastener with a collet, prongs, a mandrel, and float caps that allow radial translation within defined float regions, enabling movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to absorb lateral loads without breakage or deformation, while optional configurations restrict translation to specific directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional temporary fasteners are used to secure components to curved surfaces, then the fasteners can be installed and perform their securing function, but they break or deform under lateral loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by allowing the collet and fastener body to move radially relative to each other through defined float regions. This dynamic capability enables the fastener to absorb lateral loads through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance, preventing breakage or deformation while maintaining securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameter of the fastener by introducing float caps and float regions that permit radial translation. This parameter change transforms the fastener from a rigid structure to one with controlled flexibility, allowing it to withstand lateral loading without failure.
2Reliability
If numerous temporary fasteners are used to secure components to curved surfaces, then adequate securing coverage is achieved, but the complexity of installation and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling each fastener to dynamically adjust its position through radial float movement, the patent reduces the need for numerous fasteners to compensate for individual failures. Each fastener can independently accommodate lateral loads, maintaining reliable securing coverage with fewer components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional temporary fasteners are subjected to lateral loading, then they maintain fixed position, but they experience breakage or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing controlled dynamics - the collet and fastener body can move radially within defined float regions while maintaining overall stability. This allows the fastener to respond to lateral loading through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance, preventing breakage while maintaining positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The float caps act as intermediary elements between the collet and fastener body, mediating the lateral loads. These intermediaries permit controlled radial translation while maintaining the securing function, allowing the fastener to absorb lateral forces without compromising the connection.
4Reliability
If temporary fasteners break or deform under lateral loading, then the securing function is compromised, but replacement is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing float regions that anticipate and absorb lateral loads before they can cause breakage or deformation. The float caps and defined float regions act as pre-configured cushioning mechanisms that protect the fastener from lateral loading failures, eliminating the need for replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary fastening device comprises a collet and mandrel connected to a temporary fastener body. The device comprises a first float cap, a second float cap, a third float cap, and a temporary fastener body which may be axially connected. The lateral clearance between the collet and a first aperture defines a first radially extending float region. The lateral clearance between the second float cap and the first float cap define a second radially extending float region. The collet and temporary fastener body may radially translate within the first and second radially extending float regions.