Fastener Retention Device with Spring-Loaded Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener installation tools face limitations in holding fasteners securely during installation, particularly under axial and bending moment forces, and often require direct manipulation, which hinders productivity and can lead to misalignment and disengagement issues.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that securely hold fasteners using a mechanical mechanism with stored energy release to position retention elements, allowing for secure axial and bending moment resistance without direct user manipulation, enabling efficient alignment and torque transmission with an adjustable clutch mechanism for consistent installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drive tools are used to hold fasteners, then the tool structure remains simple, but the fastener easily disengages and requires manual manipulation during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-positions retention elements (jaws or clamps) in a ready state before fastener installation begins. When the fastener is loaded, the retention elements automatically engage to secure it, eliminating the need for manual manipulation during the installation process. This preliminary positioning of retention mechanisms ensures the fastener is held securely from the moment of loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener itself triggers the engagement of retention elements through its insertion motion. As the fastener is loaded into the drive tool, it automatically activates the retention mechanism (such as spring-loaded jaws closing or clamps engaging), making the system self-regulating without requiring operator intervention to secure the fastener during installation.
2Ease of operation
If magnets are used to hold fasteners axially, then loading is simplified, but the fastener cannot resist forces normal to the axis or moments about other axes
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines axial retention (from magnets or spring pressure) with radial retention (from jaws or clamps that contact the fastener head or shaft). This merging of axial and radial retention mechanisms creates a comprehensive holding system that resists both axial forces and lateral forces/moments, overcoming the limitations of magnet-only solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides axial holding force to prevent the fastener from falling off the tool, and simultaneously provides radial constraint to resist lateral forces and moments. This multi-functional retention system ensures the fastener remains securely positioned throughout the installation process regardless of the direction of applied forces.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual manipulation is required to position and secure fasteners, then alignment can be achieved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual manipulation with an automated mechanical retention system. Spring-loaded jaws, clamps, or clutches automatically engage to secure and align the fastener when it is loaded, eliminating the need for the operator to manually position and hold the fastener. This mechanical automation maintains precise alignment while significantly improving installation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention elements are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the fastener upon loading. This preliminary setup ensures that alignment and securing actions occur automatically as part of the loading process, rather than requiring separate manual manipulation steps, thereby maintaining precision while accelerating productivity.
4Ease of operation
If fasteners are loosely applied by hand before tool engagement, then initial positioning is possible, but disengagement occurs under installation forces
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates retention elements that are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage and secure the fastener as it is being loaded. This preliminary engagement prevents disengagement under installation forces by maintaining continuous holding pressure throughout the installation process, eliminating the problem of loose application followed by disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener's insertion motion automatically triggers the engagement of retention elements, creating a self-securing mechanism. As the fastener is pushed into the drive tool, it activates the spring-loaded jaws or clamps to grip the fastener, ensuring it remains securely held without requiring the operator to manually maintain positioning against installation forces.
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 solution enhances productivity by securely retaining fasteners during installation, reducing misalignment and disengagement risks, and allowing for efficient sequential fastener installation and removal without manual intervention, particularly beneficial in high-volume applications like construction.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to position the retention elements radially
Implementation Method 2
one or more magnets to impart an axial pull on the fastener, urging it towards the drive mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device seek to improve productivity of the installation of fasteners. Improved productivity is targeted by holding a fastener to a driving tool with mechanical components for a substantial portion of an installation sequence to prevent nuisance disengagement between fasteners and their driving tool including dropping of fasteners early in an installation cycle. The productivity of this fastener holding approach is best realized by allowing a streamlined operation with little interaction between the device and an operator. Specifically, a fastener installation device is described which requires no direct manipulation of the device during the sequence of loading a fastener, installation of the fastener, disengagement of the device from the fastener to allow complete installation of the fastener, and loading a subsequent fastener.