Low Force Temporary Fastener with Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping devices in the aviation industry lack a quick and efficient means to apply a moderate clamping force temporarily without damaging the work pieces, and they often provide a variable force that depends on the thickness of the work piece, which is not suitable for all assembly needs, leading to increased manufacturing time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a body, fastener system, and biasing mechanism that allows for axial movement and rotation to apply a consistent clamping force, featuring a rod with threading and tangs that transition between extended and compressed positions to engage the work piece, and a clutch mechanism to control the clamping force, ensuring the force is not dependent on the work piece thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If current clamping devices are used to temporarily join parts, then the parts can be joined together, but the clamping force may be too large causing damage to the work piece surface
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp allows changing the clamping force parameter independently from work piece thickness. The biasing mechanism with spring and adjustment mechanism enable the operator to set a specific moderate clamping force (e.g., 10 pounds) that is sufficient for temporary joining but low enough to prevent surface damage, regardless of whether the work piece is thin or thick.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from static variable force (dependent on thickness) to dynamic adjustable force. The adjustment mechanism allows real-time modification of the clamping force during the assembly process, enabling the operator to optimize the force level for each specific task while preventing excessive force that could damage the work piece surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current clamping devices provide variable clamping force based on work piece thickness, then the clamp adapts to different sizes, but this variable force is not suitable for all assembly needs requiring consistent moderate force
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp separates the functions of accommodating different work piece sizes from controlling clamping force. The body and fastener system can accommodate various thicknesses, while the biasing mechanism with adjustment mechanism independently controls the clamping force parameter, allowing consistent moderate force application across all work piece sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator's input force and the final clamping force applied to the work piece. This intermediary system (spring and adjustment mechanism) translates and regulates the input force to produce a consistent, controlled clamping force that is independent of work piece thickness, while still allowing the clamp to accommodate different sizes through the fastener system.
3Reliability
If traditional clamping methods are used for temporary fastening, then parts can be joined, but the process takes more time and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be self-adjusting through the biasing mechanism that automatically applies the set clamping force once the adjustment mechanism is engaged. This eliminates the need for continuous manual adjustment or complex control systems, allowing operators to quickly set the desired force level and maintain it consistently throughout the assembly process, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliable temporary fastening.
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 solution enables efficient and consistent temporary clamping of aircraft components with a controlled force, reducing the risk of surface damage and inconsistencies, while allowing for precise alignment and assembly operations without the need for excessive force, thus reducing manufacturing time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing mechanism may be configured to apply a force on the fastener system to cause the second end of the fastener system and the body to engage the work piece at a desired level of force
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for clamping a work piece at a maximum force may include a body, a rod, a cap, a biasing mechanism, and a pair of tangs. A first end of the body may be configured to engage a first surface of the work piece. The rod may be configured to move along the axial length of the body. Rotating the cap may cause the cap to move axially along the rod along threads. A biasing mechanism may be connected to the rod such that axial movement of the rod beyond a desired point may engage the biasing mechanism. Rotation of the cap may be configured to compress the biasing mechanism. The tangs may be configured to engage a second surface of the work piece at a desired level of force at different levels of extension of the tangs and rod.