Fastening Socket Assembly With Internal Flats for High-Torque Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temporary fasteners in the aeronautical industry face issues with secure locking during high torque applications and inadequate gripping by automation, leading to insufficient blocking and handling challenges, especially when putty has polymerized in through-holes.
Innovation Solution
A fixing sleeve with radially projecting flats on its internal surface and an elongated element with a threaded rod and hooking mechanism, combined with a nose piece that allows axial locking and easy transport, ensures secure rotation and removal of fasteners even with polymerized putty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-shaped notches are made in the socket head, then the sleeve can be locked in rotation, but the blocking is insufficient when high torque is exerted on the screw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the symmetric cross-shaped notches with asymmetric radially projecting flats on the internal cylindrical surface. These flats are positioned at specific angles and depths to provide asymmetric engagement with the elongated element, creating more effective mechanical interlocking that resists high torque loads while maintaining rotational locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the cylindrical curvature of the internal surface and the radially projecting flats to create a geometric engagement system. The curved cylindrical geometry provides continuous contact surfaces that better distribute stress and resist torque compared to the sharp edges of cross-shaped notches, improving both locking reliability and torque resistance.
2Reliability
If cross-shaped notches are made in the socket head, then the sleeve can be locked in rotation, but the gripping by automaton is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The radially projecting flats serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide rotational locking engagement with the elongated element, resist high torque loads through their geometric configuration, and create accessible external features that facilitate gripping by automation systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gripping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates external gripping features on the socket body that replicate the engagement geometry of the internal flats, allowing automation systems to grip and manipulate the fastener through the same geometric principles that provide internal locking, simplifying the automation design.
3Strength
If the fastener is designed for secure locking, then high torque can be withstood, but the removal from through-holes with polymerized putty becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the engagement between the radially projecting flats and the elongated element to be dynamically adjustable. The geometric configuration allows the flats to flex and adapt during insertion and removal, providing strong mechanical interlocking during torque application while enabling easy extraction when the fastener needs to be removed, even from holes with polymerized putty.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a fastening socket (112) for assembling at least two previously drilled structures, said socket comprising a substantially cylindrical body (34) and an enlarged head (35); said enlarged head comprising first mounting surfaces (42, 46) suitable for being assembled to a first installation component and for preventing said first installation component from rotating about the main axis. The socket comprises a first substantially cylindrical recess (40) extending along the main axis from the first end, said first recess ending at a planar shoulder (44) substantially perpendicular to said main axis, the first recess and the planar shoulder being received inside the enlarged head, the first mounting surfaces (42, 46) being formed by an inner surface of the first recess.