Retractable Tool for Temporary Fastener Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for inserting and extracting temporary fasteners in the aeronautical industry face challenges such as high extraction forces, failure to engage correctly due to rotation issues, and reduced tool life due to axial and torsional forces, leading to increased operating times and costs.
Innovation Solution
A tool with retractable cylindrical elements and an axially sliding locking system that automatically engages with temporary fasteners without rotation, using an internal spring for high retention and traction, eliminating the need for axial force and reducing wear, with independent engagement and grasping systems for improved reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current tools use axial and rotational forces to engage temporary fasteners, then the fasteners can be inserted, but the tool life is reduced due to wear and the operation becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs retractable elements that dynamically adjust their position radially to engage with the temporary fastener head. These elements can extend to grasp the fastener and retract to release it, enabling the tool to adapt to different engagement states without requiring rotational movement, thereby reducing wear and extending tool life while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional rotational mechanical engagement system with a radial retractable element system. Instead of rotating the tool or fastener to engage, the retractable elements move radially inward and outward to grasp and release the fastener head, eliminating torsional stresses and associated wear that limit tool life.
2Ease of operation
If current tools require rotation to engage temporary fasteners, then engagement can occur, but the operation time increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable elements provide dynamic radial movement capability, allowing the tool to engage and disengage fasteners through simple linear retraction and extension motions. This eliminates the need for rotational alignment and multiple engagement attempts, simplifying the operation and reducing the time required for each fastening cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable elements are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the temporary fastener head upon approach. This preliminary positioning ensures that engagement occurs immediately upon contact without requiring rotational adjustment or manual intervention, thereby reducing operating time and simplifying the process.
3Productivity
If current tools apply high axial forces for extraction, then fasteners can be removed, but the risk of fastener detachment from the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool uses dynamically controllable retractable elements that can independently adjust their radial position to maintain optimal grip on the fastener head during extraction. This dynamic adjustment allows the tool to apply sufficient extraction force while maintaining secure retention, preventing accidental detachment and improving both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the engagement parameter from rotational torque to radial clamping force. The retractable elements apply controlled radial pressure to grasp the fastener head, and this clamping force can be independently modulated during the extraction process to ensure secure retention while enabling efficient removal, thus improving both productivity and reliability simultaneously.
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 tool enables automatic engagement and extraction of temporary fasteners with forces exceeding 2000 Newtons, reducing operating time, tool wear, and extending the life of fasteners and tools, while ensuring reliable and robust operation.
Implementation Method 1
an internal spring (10), which acts on the locking thrusters (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A tool for the insertion and extraction of temporary fasteners that enables, by means of a plurality of retractable elements, an automatic engagement of the tool on the head of the temporary fastener, without the need for any rotation of said tool with regard to said head, and by means of lockable grasping units, operated internally by means of locking elements, a high retention and extraction force is achieved, favouring the elimination of the risk of the clamp detaching itself from the tool, enabling control of the entire insertion and extraction process of temporary fasteners. In this way, rapid, effective automation of the use and procedure of the temporary fasteners can be achieved, improving economic profitability and the reliability of their use.