Offset Drive Link Assembly for Inaccessible Fastener Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transmission and multiplication systems for threaded fasteners are often inaccessible or unreachable due to protruding threads, limited clearances, and obstructions, making maintenance and repair challenging, especially in industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The offset drive link assembly, which includes a drive force input assembly, a drive force output assembly, and a reaction force assembly, allows for the transmission and multiplication of torque to inaccessible fasteners, using modular components and adaptable tools to overcome obstructions and ensure safe and accurate torque application, while minimizing operator error and risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional torque tools are used on fasteners, then tightening function is provided, but accessibility is limited due to protruding threads, limited clearances and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an offset link assembly that positions the torque tool in a different spatial dimension relative to the fastener. The link assembly creates an offset configuration where the tool can apply torque to the fastener from a remote location, bypassing obstacles in the direct path. This dimensional repositioning allows access to fasteners that would otherwise be unreachable by conventional direct-action tools.
2Ease of operation
If offset link attachments are used to reach inaccessible fasteners, then accessibility is improved, but torque transmission accuracy and multiplication precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The link assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the torque tool and the fastener. It includes drive force input and output assemblies with gear mechanisms that mediate the torque transmission. The intermediary structure incorporates precision gears and drive linkages that maintain accurate torque multiplication ratios despite the offset configuration, ensuring precise torque application to the fastener.
3Productivity
If torque is applied to inaccessible fasteners with obstructions, then fastener tightening is achieved, but side loads and uneven bolt compression increase
Solution Approach 1:
The link assembly employs asymmetric geometry in its linkages and gear arrangements to compensate for the asymmetric loading conditions created by the offset configuration. The asymmetric design allows the mechanism to self-align and distribute forces more evenly, reducing side loads on the fastener and preventing uneven bolt compression that would occur with symmetric designs in asymmetric positions.
4Weight of moving object
If advanced materials like aircraft-grade aluminum are used in bolting applications, then weight reduction is achieved, but fastener accessibility and torque application difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components including the torque tool, link assembly with interchangeable drive linkages, and fastener components. This segmentation allows the use of lightweight materials like aircraft-grade aluminum in the fastener assembly while maintaining ease of torque application through the adaptable link assembly that can be configured for specific accessibility requirements. The modular design enables optimization of each component's weight and performance characteristics.
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 offset drive link assembly enables access to previously unreachable fasteners, ensures safe and accurate torque application, and minimizes operator error and damage, while allowing the use of advanced materials and adaptable tools to meet various industrial requirements.
Implementation Method 1
apparatus for transmission and multiplication of torque from a device for tightening or loosening a threaded fastener
Implementation Method 2
threaded fasteners including bolts, studs, nuts and washers are known and used in traditional bolting applications
Data Source
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AI summary
An offset drive link assembly for transmission and multiplication of torque from a power tool for tightening or loosening a threaded fastener includes: a drive force input assembly; a drive force output assembly; and a reaction force assembly. Advantageously the offset drive link assembly: allows access to previously unreachable fasteners due to, for example protruding threads, limited clearances and obstructions; makes practical previously unusable devices driven either electrically, hydraulically, manually and/or pneumatically; makes feasible previously unusable advanced materials, such as, for example aircraft-grade aluminum; creates modular components, such as, for example hex-reducing and -increasing drive bushings, male to female drive adaptors, to meet bolting application characteristics; yields accurate and customizable torque multiplication; tames drive force and reaction force application; overcomes corrosion, thread and facial deformation; avoids bolt thread galling; nullifies side load; ensures balanced bolt load for symmetrical joint compression; simplifies link and tool use; minimizes risk of operator error; and maximizes bolting safety.