Key Locking Stud Installation Tool for Controlled Key Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for installing key locking studs into workpieces face limitations, such as manual tools causing key damage due to uneven striking forces and improper support, and pneumatic tools lacking control over the angular position of keys, which restricts reuse of existing holes and increases the risk of improper installation.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic tool with a mandrel that threads onto the stud, featuring a piston-driven anvil and washer to protect the keys, allowing for controlled angular positioning and even force distribution, along with interchangeable nosepieces for various stud sizes, enabling precise installation of key locking studs into new or existing holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tools are used to install key locking studs, then the operator can control the angular position of keys, but the keys may be damaged due to uneven striking forces and improper support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized installation tool as an intermediary between the hammer and the keys. This tool includes a support surface that contacts the workpiece and provides proper support, and a striking surface that delivers controlled force to the keys. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the direct harmful interaction between manual hammering and the keys, resolving the contradiction between manual control and key protection
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is positioned and aligned with the workpiece before the actual key installation. The support surface is placed against the workpiece to establish proper alignment and support, and the striking surface is positioned to ensure even force distribution. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the keys are struck, they receive proper support and even force, preventing damage while maintaining angular position control
2Reliability
If pneumatic tools are used to install key locking studs, then the forces are well aligned and key damage is reduced, but the angular position of keys cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a rotatable component that allows the operator to dynamically adjust the angular position of the keys during installation. The support surface can be rotated to different orientations, and the striking surface follows this rotation. This dynamic adjustability enables precise angular position control while maintaining the force alignment benefits of pneumatic tools
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool is divided into separate functional components: a support surface for positioning, a striking surface for force application, and a rotatable connection between them. This segmentation allows the support surface to be positioned at the desired angular orientation while the striking surface delivers aligned forces, resolving the contradiction between force alignment and angular control
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing holes are reused with angularly offset keys, then the number of reusable holes increases, but the risk of improper installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual estimation and alignment methods with a mechanical indexing system. The tool includes reference features and positioning mechanisms that ensure precise angular orientation relative to existing broach slots. This mechanical substitution eliminates the risk of improper installation when reusing holes, as the tool physically guides the keys to the correct angular position
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates reference features that provide feedback on the angular position relative to existing broach slots. The support surface and positioning mechanisms are designed to align with known reference features in the workpiece, providing feedback that confirms correct orientation. This feedback mechanism ensures that when reusing existing holes with offset keys, the installation is performed correctly
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 enables efficient and precise installation of key locking studs with controlled key positioning and even force distribution, reducing the risk of key damage and allowing reuse of existing holes, while being adaptable to different stud sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic tool with a mandrel that threads onto the stud, featuring a piston-driven anvil and washer to protect the keys
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (40) for installing a stud (18) having a plurality of locking keys (16) into a workpiece bore includes a main body (42), an actuator (46) within the main body, a nosepiece (44) adjacent the main body and having an anvil portion (88), and a mandrel (80) disposed within the nosepiece. The actuator includes a movable piston (50), a shaft (60) extending axially from the piston, and a coupler (78) on a shaft end opposite the piston. The mandrel includes a threaded head portion (82) and a body portion (84), and is releasably secured to the coupler.