Nutplate Tester Pneumatic Actuator Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing nutplates are cumbersome and require operators to apply significant force, making it difficult to assess the fastening of nutplates, especially in blind mounted applications where ergonomic tools are impractical.

Innovation Solution

A nutplate tester that uses a pneumatic actuator to apply controlled pressure with a probe, allowing for efficient testing without the need for manual force, featuring a main body, holder, extension frame, and feed control to manage fluid supply for controlled speed and pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual force is applied to test nutplates, then the testing can be performed, but it requires operators to exert significant force and hold tools in awkward positions, making it difficult and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of testingVSAvoidmanual force required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with a pneumatic actuator that uses compressed air to generate the necessary force. The pneumatic actuator applies controlled force to the probe, eliminating the need for operators to manually exert significant force while maintaining the testing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a pneumatic actuator coupled to the holder that uses pneumatic pressure to apply force to the probe. The feed control regulates fluid supply to the pneumatic actuator, enabling controlled speed and pressure application during nutplate testing, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If existing compression nutplate testers are used, then the testing function is available, but the tools are bulky and not ergonomic, requiring operators to hold them in awkward positions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidtool size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a main body, a holder that can be coupled to the main body, and a pneumatic actuator. This segmentation allows the holder to be a smaller, more ergonomic component that can be easily positioned, while the pneumatic actuator provides the necessary force generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed to hold a probe and is coupled to a pneumatic actuator that provides automated force application. This multi-functional design combines the probing function with automated actuation, eliminating the need for bulky manual tools while maintaining testing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If operators manually apply force to test nutplates, then the testing can be performed, but it requires significant operator effort and makes testing difficult especially in blind mounted applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidoperator strain

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic actuator is self-powered through compressed air supply regulated by the feed control, eliminating the need for operator physical effort. The system performs the force application function autonomously, improving both productivity and reducing operator strain during nutplate testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables easy and effective testing of nutplates by reducing operator strain and improving testing accuracy through controlled force application, ensuring reliable fastening assessment without manual exertion.

Implementation Method 1

The pneumatic actuator is configured to apply pressure against the holder relative to the extension frame to engage the nutplate by the probe held by the holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The feed control is configured to control fluid to be supplied to the pneumatic actuator to apply the pressure by the pneumatic actuator against the holder according to at least one of a controlled speed and a controlled pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS8402838B1Nutplate tester

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A nutplate tester is provided. The nutplate tester includes a main body and a holder coupled to the main body. The holder is configured to hold a probe. The nutplate tester also includes a pneumatic actuator coupled to the holder, and an extension frame coupled to the main body. The extension frame includes an attachment portion configured to attach to a post foot that engages a structure that a nutplate is fastened to. The pneumatic actuator is configured to apply pressure against the holder relative to the extension frame to engage the nutplate by the probe held by the holder. The nutplate tester also includes a feed control coupled to the pneumatic actuator. The feed control is configured to control fluid to be supplied to the pneumatic actuator to apply the pressure by the pneumatic actuator against the holder according to at least one of a controlled speed and a controlled pressure.