Lockbolt Collar Alignment at the Swage Nose for Low Clearance Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated fastener installation systems face challenges in aligning collars with lockbolts, particularly in low clearance environments and when holes are not optimally positioned, leading to misalignment and inefficiencies in the swaging process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a pair of fingers with an inclined ramp and arcuate cut-out at a swage nose to align and place a lockbolt collar flush against a part before driving the lockbolt through, ensuring accurate alignment and swaging without air gaps, even in low clearance conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a collar is placed onto a lockbolt after the lockbolt has been driven through a hole, then the swaging process can be performed, but misalignment between the collar and lockbolt may occur, particularly in low clearance environments or when holes are not optimally positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is placed onto the lockbolt before the lockbolt is driven through the hole. The delivery mechanism positions the collar on the lockbolt shank in advance, ensuring proper alignment is established before the lockbolt enters the hole, thereby preventing misalignment issues during swaging
Solution Approach 2:
A collar delivery mechanism acts as an intermediary between the collar supply and the lockbolt. This mechanism includes a delivery arm with positioning features that guide and align the collar with the lockbolt shank, ensuring accurate placement before the lockbolt is installed
2Manufacturing precision
If the collar is placed before the lockbolt installation, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the delivery mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar delivery mechanism is integrated into the existing fastener installation system, serving multiple functions: storing collars, delivering them to the lockbolt, positioning them for alignment, and releasing them for installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated alignment devices
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery mechanism is divided into modular components including a delivery arm, positioning features, and release mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier integration with existing systems and simplifies maintenance while maintaining alignment accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If the collar delivery system is designed for low clearance environments, then the swaging operation can be performed in tight spaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery arm is designed with movable and adjustable components that can adapt to different clearance conditions. The arm can be repositioned and resized to accommodate various hole positions and clearance limitations, enabling operation in tight spaces without requiring completely different equipment for each scenario
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for fastening via a swage tool. One examples is a method for fastening via a swage tool, the method including selecting a hole located at a part; aligning an axis of a lockbolt collar with a center of the hole; placing the lockbolt collar flush against the part at a first end of the hole; and swaging the lockbolt collar onto a lockbolt that has been driven through the hole.