Holding Plate Assembly for Tight-Clearance Stud Bolting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical and inverted bolting applications with tight clearances pose challenges in terms of operator safety, increased maintenance and repair time, and reduced efficiency due to the limitations of existing torque tools and driver designs.
Innovation Solution
The development of holding plate assemblies that allow torque tools with pass-through sockets to be used in vertical, inverted, and tight clearance bolting applications, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple tools and accommodating long or protruding studs, thereby enhancing bolting speed, safety, efficiency, reliability, and repeatability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional torque tools and off-set links are used in vertical and inverted bolting applications with tight clearances, then operator safety is compromised and maintenance time increases, but the tools can still tighten and loosen threaded fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The holding plate assembly is nested within the torque tool structure, with the threaded assembly integrated into the tool housing. This nesting allows the tool to maintain a compact form factor while incorporating multiple functional components (holding plate, threaded assembly, drive mechanism) that enable operation in tight clearance spaces without compromising operator safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional lateral/off-set linkage mechanisms to a vertical/axial threaded engagement system. By utilizing the axial dimension for fastening rather than lateral linkage, the tool achieves compact lateral profile suitable for tight clearances while maintaining operational effectiveness
2Productivity
If traditional torque tools are used in tight clearance applications, then access to nuts is limited and bolting speed decreases, but the tools can still perform tightening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The torque tool is segmented into modular components including a separate holding plate assembly that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the tool to navigate tight clearance spaces by positioning only the necessary components near the fastener, improving access and bolting speed without requiring the entire tool assembly to fit in confined spaces
3Reliability
If off-set links are used with regular clearance square drive torque tools, then tightening can be achieved but operator safety is sacrificed and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding plate assembly acts as an intermediary component between the torque tool and the threaded fastener. This intermediary provides a stable, integrated mounting structure that eliminates the need for external off-set links while maintaining proper tool alignment and operator safety, thereby reducing maintenance time associated with complex linkage systems
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for use in operations of tightening and/or loosening threaded fasteners of the kind having a nut and stud about an axis are disclosed and include: a threaded assembly threadedly engageable with exposed threads of the stud above the nut and either a nut, a tool socket and/or a tool housing engagement assembly. Torque tools of the kind having a pass-through socket including the apparatus are disclosed. And systems including the torque tools of the kind having a pass-through socket including the apparatus and threaded fasteners are disclosed. Advantageously holding plate assemblies of the present invention: allow torque tools and/or drive extension links with through sockets to be used in vertical, inverted and/or tight clearance bolting applications; allow for simultaneous operation of multiple such tools on such bolting applications to achieve Parallel Joint Closure™; account for bolting application having long and/or protruding studs; and increase bolting speed and safety, efficiency, reliability and repeatability.