Reaction Arm Mounting Assembly for Restricted Access Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tools for tightening and loosening fasteners in restricted spaces face challenges such as difficulty in accessing fasteners, potential damage to components, and the need for operators to work in uncomfortable positions, especially in applications like aircraft wing assembly where access is severely limited, and there is a risk of tools becoming locked onto fasteners, making removal problematic.
Innovation Solution
A reaction arm mounting assembly with sliding and rotational capabilities, combined with a power tool featuring a ratchet drive and biasing means, allows for adjustable positioning of the reaction arm and prevents relative rotation between components, enabling secure attachment and detachment without removing the entire tool, and includes a mechanism to limit torque to prevent over-tightening or under-tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tool with a fixed reaction arm is used to tighten and loosen fasteners in restricted spaces, then the tool can perform the tightening and loosening function, but the operator cannot re-position the reaction arm without removing the entire tool from the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction arm is made dynamically adjustable through a sliding mechanism with protrusions and indents that allow the arm to be repositioned along the tool body without complete removal. The biasing means enables the arm to slide smoothly while the co-operating features provide discrete positioning stops, transforming a static fixed-arm tool into a dynamic adjustable-one.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction arm mounting assembly is segmented into a first part (attached to power tool) and a second part (mounted on first part), allowing independent movement and positioning of the reaction arm relative to the main tool body. This segmentation enables the reaction arm to be adjusted to different positions while remaining attached to the tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reaction arm is made adjustable along the tool axis, then the tool can be re-positioned in restricted spaces, but the components may rotate relative to each other during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mounting assembly have different functional properties: the first sliding region has co-operating protrusions and indents that prevent rotation, while the second sliding region is free of such features, allowing rotation. This local differentiation of constraints enables controlled movement in specific directions while preventing unwanted movement in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between constrained and unconstrained states: in the first sliding region, the co-operating features constrain rotation; in the second sliding region, rotation is permitted. This dynamic control of degrees of freedom allows the reaction arm to be precisely positioned without unwanted rotational movement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the co-operating protrusions and indents are provided by a plurality of co-operating splines, then the anti-rotation capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete splines rather than a continuous complex feature. Each spline is a simple protrusion-indent pair that can be manufactured independently using standard machining operations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while providing cumulative anti-rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical splines are used throughout the mounting assembly, creating a homogeneous anti-rotation system. This repetition of simple, identical features simplifies manufacturing compared to using a single complex non-uniform anti-rotation mechanism, as the same spline design can be replicated using standard tooling.
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 solution allows for efficient and safe operation in restricted spaces by enabling precise adjustment and secure attachment of the reaction arm, preventing tool detachment and ensuring correct torque application, thus reducing operator risk and component damage.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting of the second part on the first part: permits sliding motion between the first and second part along an axis common to the first and second parts in a first sliding region
Data Source
AI summary
A reaction arm mounting assembly comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being configured for attachment to a power tool and the second part is mounted on the first part. The mounting of the second part on the first part: permits sliding motion between the first and second part along an axis common to the first and second parts in a first sliding region and prevents rotation between the first and second member in the first sliding region; and permits rotation between the first and second members in a second sliding region.