Nut Element Installation Tool Shuttle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nut plate assemblies in closed structures, such as aircraft components, face challenges in replacing nut elements due to limited access, leading to time-consuming and damaging rework processes when traditional methods require disassembly of large portions of the structure.
Innovation Solution
A nut element installation tool with a holder and shaft system that allows the nut element and retaining clip to be loaded, maneuvered, and released into a nut plate basket from within a closed structure, utilizing a shuttle mechanism to expand and secure the retaining clip, enabling replacement without significant structural alteration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual installation methods are used for nut elements in closed structures, then the installer can directly access and install the nut element, but the structure must be opened or large portions removed to access the interior, which is time-consuming and may damage the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to the installation tool, extending it through the closed structure from an accessible exterior location to the interior nut plate location. This dimensional extension allows the installer to operate from the exterior while the tool reaches through to the interior, eliminating the need to open the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool acts as an intermediary device between the installer (outside the structure) and the nut element (inside the structure). The tool transmits the installer's manual operations through the closed structure wall to the interior components, enabling installation without direct access or structure modification.
2Ease of operation
If the structure is opened to access the interior for nut element installation, then direct access is achieved, but the structure requires rework and may suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool serves as a mediator that allows interaction with interior components without compromising the integrity of the closed structure. The tool passes through or interfaces with the structure in a controlled manner that avoids damage to surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the installation function from the structure itself, creating a separate tool that performs the installation operation independently. This separation allows the structure to remain closed and intact while the tool handles the interior installation task.
3Reliability
If the retaining clip is allowed to expand freely, then it can secure the nut element in the nut plate basket, but the clip cannot be held in a compressed state for storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip transitions from a static compressed state during storage and transport to a dynamic expanded state during installation. The system incorporates movable components that allow the clip to change its configuration based on operational requirements, enabling both compact storage and effective retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder pre-compresses the retaining clip during storage and transport, preparing it for its retention function. When installation is required, the clip is released from the compressed state and expands to secure the nut element, eliminating the need for separate compression tools or procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the nut element installation tool is designed with a holder and shaft system for remote access, then installation in closed structures is enabled, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool is designed with a universal holder and shaft system that can accommodate different nut elements and adapt to various closed structure configurations. The modular design allows the same basic tool architecture to serve multiple installation scenarios, justifying the increased complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates nested components where the retaining clip and nut element are stored within the holder, which is then inserted through the shaft into the closed structure. This nesting arrangement compactly packages multiple functional elements within a single tool assembly, managing complexity through hierarchical organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A nut element installation tool includes a holder for a nut element and retaining clip and a shaft coupled to the holder. The holder includes an upper plate, a lower plate and a shuttle movable between an extended position and a released position. The shuttle has a pocket configured to receive the nut element and the retaining clip. The retaining clip is compressed and held in a compressed state in the pocket until the shuttle is moved to the released position when the retaining clip is free to move to an expanded state in a nut plate basket to retain the nut element in the nut plate basket. The shaft is releasably coupled to the shuttle and holds the shuttle in the extended position.