Interlocking Fastener Tool for Swing Bolt Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industries such as aerospace, it is challenging to efficiently and ergonomically loosen and tighten specialized fasteners like swing bolts, which often require manual tensile force application, leading to ergonomic issues and difficulty in accessing hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a gripping region, fastener receptacle, and interlock structure is designed to securely engage with fasteners, allowing for tensile force application and rotation, facilitating easier loosening and tightening through an additive manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loosening of swing bolts is performed by hand, then the fastener can be loosened, but it is difficult to reach and hand-loosen swing bolts in certain installations
Solution Approach 1:
The tool extends the operator's reach into tight spaces by creating a lever arm that projects from a distal end through the fastener receptacle to a proximal end that can be gripped by the user. This dimensional extension allows application of tensile force and rotation torque to fasteners that are otherwise inaccessible to manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the fastener, with the interlock structure engaging the fastener's locking structure. This intermediary mechanism transfers the operator's manual input forces through the fastener receptacle to effectively loosen or tighten the fastener.
2Productivity
If repeated tightening and loosening of swing bolts is performed manually, then the fasteners can be secured, but repetitive stress and ergonomic issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tool provides dynamic mechanical advantage through its lever arm configuration, where the proximal end can be gripped and rotated with minimal effort while the distal end applies amplified force to the fastener. This dynamic leverage reduces repetitive stress on the operator's hands and wrists during repeated fastener operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional regions: a gripping region at the proximal end for operator input, a fastener receptacle at the distal end for fastener engagement, and an interlock structure connecting them. This segmentation allows the operator to apply force at the optimal point while the tool's structure handles the stress transmission.
3Ease of operation
If a tool is designed to reach tight spaces, then accessibility to fasteners is improved, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener receptacle is designed with a universal geometry that can accommodate multiple types of fasteners including swing bolts, cam locks, and other retaining mechanisms. The interlock structure engages with the fastener's locking structure in a standardized manner, allowing the same tool to perform multiple fastening operations without requiring tool changes or complex adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Tools for rotating fasteners, methods of utilizing the tools, and methods of manufacturing the tools. The tools include a gripping region, a fastener receptacle, and an interlock structure. The gripping region is configured to be gripped by a user of the tool. The fastener receptacle is shaped to receive the fasteners and includes a fastener-receiving opening on a fastener-facing side of the tool. The fastener-facing side faces in a fastener-facing direction. The fastener-receiving opening is sized to permit the fastener to enter the fastener receptacle from the fastener-facing side of the tool. The interlock structure is configured to interlock with the fastener while the fastener is received within the fastener receptacle. The interlock structure also is configured to prevent motion of the tool away from the fastener in a fastener-opposed direction, which is opposed to the fastener-facing side of the tool, while the interlock region is interlocked with the fastener.