Riveting Tool Dowel Biasing Mechanism Prevents Nut Plate Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing nut plates to aircraft surfaces using rivets often result in gaps due to initial compression causing the nut plate to lift, leading to potential separation over time under vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A riveting tool with a central cavity, biasing mechanism, and dowel is used to simultaneously install multiple fasteners, ensuring proper alignment and compression of the nut plate against the surface, reducing the likelihood of gaps and improving installation accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rivets are secured one at a time using a punch tool, then the installation process is simple and easy to operate, but the compression caused by the first rivet may cause the second end of the nut plate to lift from the wall, creating gaps and potential separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rivet installation operations into a single simultaneous action. The riveting tool is designed with multiple contactors that can install several rivets at once, merging what were previously separate sequential operations into one unified process. This eliminates the problem of nut plate lifting between individual rivet installations while maintaining operational simplicity through a single tool action.
Solution Approach 2:
The riveting tool is segmented into multiple independent contactors, each capable of installing a rivet at a specific location. This segmentation allows the tool to simultaneously apply controlled compression at multiple points across the nut plate, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and preventing localized lifting or gap formation while maintaining ease of operation through a single tool deployment.
2Productivity
If multiple fasteners are installed simultaneously, then installation time is reduced and alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The riveting tool is designed as a universal device that can install multiple rivets of similar dimensions simultaneously through a single tool structure. The contactors are configured to handle fasteners within a specific size range, allowing the tool to perform multiple installation functions without requiring separate tools for each rivet, thereby increasing productivity while controlling complexity through standardized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool structure employs a nested arrangement where multiple contactors are positioned within the body of the tool, with each contactor containing its own rivet. This nesting approach allows the complex multi-rivet installation capability to be contained within a single compact tool structure, increasing productivity while minimizing the overall device complexity and footprint.
3Strength
If compression is applied to secure the first rivet, then the fastener is securely installed, but the nut plate may lift from the wall creating gaps that lead to separation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The riveting tool applies preliminary compression forces through multiple contactors before the nut plate can lift or separate. By simultaneously engaging multiple rivet locations with controlled compression, the tool ensures that the nut plate remains firmly pressed against the wall throughout the installation process, preventing gap formation and ensuring long-term attachment stability while maintaining strong fastener securement.
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 effectively secures nut plates to aircraft surfaces with reduced likelihood of gaps, enhancing installation precision and reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism is arranged within the cavity adjacent an upper cavity surface
Implementation Method 2
A force is applied to a strike surface of the riveting tool to punch the first and second fasteners simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A riveting tool configured to install a plurality of fasteners simultaneously is provided including a body having a generally central cavity. A strike surface is arranged at a first end of the body and a plurality of contactors extends generally outwards from a second, opposite end of the body. Each contactor includes an engagement surface configured to contact a surface of an adjacent fastener when a force is applied to the strike surface. A biasing mechanism is arranged within the cavity adjacent an upper cavity surface. A dowel is positioned within the cavity adjacent the biasing mechanism. The dowel is configured to engage a portion of an adjacent nut plate and translate within the cavity.