Retainer Socket for Frangible Fastener Nut Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the aerospace industry, frangible threaded fasteners like Hi-Lok fasteners often lose their drive-nut portion during installation, which can fall inside the manufactured structure and be difficult to remove, leading to inefficiencies and increased removal efforts.
Innovation Solution
A power tool system with a socket and retainer configuration that engages the nut component of the fastener, allowing the drive-nut portion to be retained during installation, preventing it from being lost and facilitating its safe removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive-nut portion is separated during fastener installation to complete the fastening function, then the fastener installation is successful, but the drive-nut portion is lost or falls inside the manufactured structure where it can be difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
A retainer component is introduced as an intermediary element between the socket and the drive-nut portion. The retainer captures and holds the separated drive-nut portion, preventing it from falling into the manufactured structure. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by enabling the drive-nut to be separated for fastening completion while simultaneously preventing its loss through the retainer mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tooling is used to install frangible fasteners, then the installation process is simple, but the drive-nut portion cannot be retained after separation
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is merged with the existing socket component to form an integrated fastener installation system. The retainer is positioned within the socket and works in conjunction with it to capture the drive-nut portion. This merging approach maintains the simplicity of the traditional installation process while adding the retention function, as the retainer-integrated socket operates as a unified tool without requiring separate retention steps.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the drive-nut portion is retained during installation, then loss and removal difficulty are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is segmented into functional zones: a main body for engaging the nut component and a retainer portion for capturing the drive-nut. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while maintaining an overall simple structure. The retainer is designed as a distinct but integrated component that adds retention capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is nested within the socket structure, with the retainer portion positioned inside the socket's internal cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the retainer to be housed within the existing socket volume, minimizing the increase in external dimensions and overall device complexity while providing the necessary retention function.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device for installing a fastener to couple two or more members is disclosed. The device includes a tool head configured to couple to a power tool and a socket coupled to the tool head. The socket is configured to engage a nut component of the fastener for installation thereof, and a retainer is coupled to the socket. The retainer is configured to retain a portion of the nut component separated during installation of the fastener.