Fastening Socket Inner Flats for High-Torque Machine Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Temporary fasteners with cross notches in the socket head provide insufficient locking and gripping for automatic machines, especially under high torque and when mastic has cured in the holes, requiring additional gripping means.
Innovation Solution
A fastening socket with radially projecting or recessed flats in the inner surface of a cylindrical recess, combined with an elongated element and a setting nose that includes a tubular blocking element and a hooking element with tabs, allowing secure rotational locking and easy handling by automatic machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cross notches are arranged in the socket head, then the socket can be gripped by mounting tools, but the locking is insufficient when large torque is exerted on the screw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces symmetric cross notches with asymmetric radially projecting or recessed flats on the cylindrical inner surface. These flats create an asymmetric geometry that provides both mounting surfaces for tool engagement and enhanced locking capability through the radial projection/recession feature, which prevents rotation under torque while maintaining ease of gripping.
2Ease of operation
If cross notches are used in the socket head, then mounting tools can grip the socket, but additional gripping means are required for automatic machines
Solution Approach 1:
The radially projecting or recessed flats serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mounting surfaces for manual tool gripping, enable automatic machine gripping through the same feature, and provide rotational locking. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate gripping means for automatic machines, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the socket is locked firmly during screwing, then the screw can be driven rotationally, but the socket cannot be easily removed by automatic machine when mastic has cured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the radially projecting or recessed flats provide firm locking during the screwing operation, but the same feature allows for controlled release during removal. The geometry enables the socket to be firmly held during installation while permitting extraction by automatic machines even when mastic has cured, as the flats provide a defined interface for tool engagement during both phases.
Data Source
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.