Quick-Release End Effector for Captive Fastener Swaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of locking captive fasteners into place using a captive ring is laborious and time-consuming, requiring manual screwing and unscrewing of fasteners with pneumatic tools, which is inefficient for large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A captive fastener quick-release end effector with a quick-release design that includes a body with stationary threads, a clamping member with moving threads, and a cam lock, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of fasteners to a swaging tool without threading or unthreading, using a cam lock to secure the fastener during swaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual screwing and unscrewing of fasteners with pneumatic tools is used, then the fastener can be securely locked into place, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into distinct functional components: a body with stationary threads, a clamping member with moving threads, and a cam lock mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the threads provide secure engagement while the cam lock enables rapid clamping and release, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to pre-position and secure the fastener before the actual swaging operation begins. By preliminarily clamping the fastener in place using the cam lock, the system ensures proper positioning and security prior to the time-consuming swaging process, thereby reducing overall cycle time while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If traditional captive ring locking process is used, then the fastener is permanently locked into place, but the process is laborious and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional manual mechanical screwing operation with a cam-actuated mechanical system. The cam lock mechanism converts simple cam motion into the clamping action that secures the fastener, eliminating the need for manual screwing and unscrewing operations while maintaining reliable permanent locking
Solution Approach 2:
The self-service principle is applied through the self-clamping action of the cam lock mechanism. When the cam is actuated, it automatically engages the clamping member with the stationary threads, securing the fastener without requiring manual intervention for each fastening operation. This greatly simplifies the operation while ensuring reliable permanent locking
Data Source
AI summary
A system for swaging an end of a fastener includes a pneumatic swaging tool and a quick-release end effector configured to couple to the pneumatic swaging tool. The quick-release end effector includes a body, a clamping member, and a cam lock. The body of the quick-release end effector includes a plurality of stationary threads, and the clamping member of the quick-release end effector includes a plurality of moving threads. The cam lock of the quick-release end effector is configured to operate between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, a locking edge of the cam lock causes threads of the fastener to be clamped between the moving threads of the clamping member and the stationary threads of the body, thereby securing the fastener during swaging operations by the pneumatic swaging tool.