Geared Crowfoot Wrench for Aircraft B-Nut Torque Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools face challenges in reaching and accurately tightening or loosening B-nuts in aircraft fuel line couplings, especially when obstructed by other components, and there is a need to ensure torque application meets regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a crowfoot, clasp, and gear mechanism that allows for engaging and rotating B-nuts, with a gear train to control torque application, enabling secure engagement and precise tightening or loosening of B-nuts in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a human operator uses a wrench to tighten B-nuts in obstructed areas, then the coupling can be assembled, but the operator cannot accurately count the number of turns and calculate the required torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the gear system with gear teeth) between the operator's input and the B-nut. This intermediary translates the operator's rotational input into precise torque application while providing visual feedback through the gear tooth engagement, eliminating the need for the operator to manually count turns in obstructed areas.
2Ease of operation
If a standard wrench is used to tighten B-nuts in confined spaces, then the tool can apply torque, but the wrench cannot reach couplings located in obstructed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a crowfoot portion for engagement with the B-nut, a clasp with gear teeth for torque control, and a shaft for operator input. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness for access to confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from a simple linear wrench design to a multi-dimensional configuration with the crowfoot extending perpendicular to the shaft, allowing access to B-nuts in obstructed areas that would be inaccessible to a standard linear wrench.
3Reliability
If the operator manually counts turns to calculate torque, then torque can be estimated, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone in difficult-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The gear teeth on the clasp provide visual feedback to the operator about the number of rotations and torque application progress. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual counting and calculation, reducing time loss and errors while improving reliability through direct observation of the torque application process.
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 tool effectively tightens or loosens B-nuts in obstructed areas by maintaining secure engagement and controlled torque application, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The first gear engages the gear teeth such that turning the first gear causes the clasp to turn to rotate the second nut
Implementation Method 2
A tool comprising a crowfoot, clasp, and gear mechanism that allows for engaging and rotating B-nuts, with a gear train to control torque application
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a tool for tightening or loosening nuts (e.g., B-nuts that couple aircraft fuel lines). An apparatus includes a crowfoot, a clasp, and a first gear. The crowfoot defines a first opening sized to engage a first nut. The clasp closes such that the clasp defines a second opening sized to engage a second nut. The clasp includes gear teeth positioned along a portion of an outer perimeter of the clasp. The first gear engages the gear teeth such that turning the first gear causes the clasp to turn to rotate the second nut such that the second nut engages the first nut when the crowfoot is engaged with the first nut and when the clasp is engaged with the second nut.