Multi-Fastener Torque Tool With Independent Limiters

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Solution Overview

Problem

The miniaturization of electronic components complicates module removal and installation, especially in locations that are difficult to access, and the use of low-profile grounding schemes and blind-mating captive fasteners can lead to mis-mated connectors and potential breakage due to rocking motion during torque application.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a gear system and torque limiters that allows independent torqueing of multiple fasteners, eliminating rocking motion and ensuring proper torque is applied to each fastener, using a single input to drive the tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple blind-mating captive fasteners are torqued independently, then the module can be securely installed, but rocking motion occurs during torque application which may compress spring fingers beyond allowable limits and cause mis-mated connectors or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure installationVSAvoidrocking motion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool divides the torque application function into multiple independent output channels, each with its own torque limiter. This segmentation allows each fastener to be torqued independently without affecting others, eliminating rocking motion while maintaining secure installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Torque limiters are introduced as intermediary components between the gear system outputs and the fasteners. These limiters prevent excessive torque transmission that could cause rocking motion, while still allowing sufficient torque for secure fastener installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a single input drives multiple fasteners through a gear system, then installation efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to ensure each fastener receives the precise required torque independently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidtorque precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gear system is segmented into multiple independent output channels, each equipped with its own torque limiter. This maintains the efficiency of a single input drive while ensuring each fastener receives precise, independent torque control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each output channel of the gear system is equipped with locally-specific torque limiters tailored to the requirements of individual fasteners. This allows different torque precision levels at different locations while maintaining overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If modules are arranged closely in a chassis with difficult-to-access locations, then device density is improved, but module removal and installation becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice densityVSAvoidmodule accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastener operations are merged into a single tool operation. The multi-output gear system allows all fasteners to be torqued simultaneously from one access point, making installation feasible even in difficult-to-access locations while maintaining high device density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle multiple fasteners of different types and orientations through a single device. This enables installation in cramped spaces where traditional single-function tools would be inadequate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures precise and efficient installation of electronic modules by preventing mis-mating and breakage, reducing installation time, and minimizing damage to components.

Implementation Method 1

an input to a gear system; a first output from the gear system, the first output along a first axis; a second output from the gear system, the second output along a second axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a first torque limiter attached to the first output along the first axis; a second torque limiter attached to the second output along the second axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque limiting: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS12544869B2Tool for scalable multi-fastener torqueing

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A tool includes a first output from a gear system, the first output along a first axis and a second output from the gear system, the second output along a second axis. A first torque limiter is attached to the first output along the first axis and a second torque limiter is attached to the second output along the second axis. A first tool bit is attached to the first torque limiter along the first axis and a second tool bit attached to the second torque limiter along the second axis.