Self-Aligning Jackbolt Socket for Faster MJT Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional sockets used for tightening jackbolts in Multi-Jackbolt Tensioners require time-consuming alignment with the hexagonal head of the jackbolt, leading to increased operational time and operator fatigue due to the weight of hand-held tools.
Innovation Solution
A socket design featuring internally angled side walls and guiding surfaces that self-align and self-center the jackbolt head, allowing for simultaneous tensioning of multiple jackbolts by distributing the force to align and center the hexagonal head efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional socket is used for tightening jackbolts, then the socket can engage with the hexagonal head, but the operator must manually align the socket with each jackbolt which increases the time required for fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with guiding members that automatically align the socket opening with the hexagonal head of the jackbolt during insertion. The guiding surfaces on the guiding members contact the corners of the hexagonal head and guide it into proper alignment, eliminating the need for manual alignment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding members are pre-positioned on the socket with guiding surfaces oriented to automatically orient the socket opening toward the corner of the hexagonal head before engagement. This preliminary positioning ensures that as the socket approaches the jackbolt, alignment occurs automatically through the guiding action.
2Productivity
If multiple MJTs are used in industrial applications, then the tensioning capability is increased, but the time required to tighten each jackbolt accumulates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic self-alignment feature allows operators to quickly position and engage sockets on multiple jackbolts without spending time on manual alignment for each one. This significantly reduces the cumulative time required when working with multiple MJTs containing numerous jackbolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surfaces are designed with specific angles (acute angles between 30-60 degrees) that optimize the self-alignment action. These angular parameters ensure that the guiding surfaces effectively redirect the socket into proper alignment with the hexagonal head during the insertion motion.
3Reliability
If the operator manually aligns the socket with each jackbolt, then proper engagement is achieved, but operator fatigue increases due to the weight of the hand held tool
Solution Approach 1:
The socket's guiding members perform the alignment function automatically during insertion, eliminating the need for the operator to manually position and align the socket with each jackbolt. This reduces the physical effort required and decreases operator fatigue while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual alignment operation is replaced by a mechanical guiding system built into the socket. The guiding surfaces and guiding members create a mechanical self-alignment mechanism that automatically orients the socket opening with the hexagonal head, substituting operator skill and effort with an automated mechanical feature.
Data Source
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AI summary
A socket for rotatably fastening or unfastening a jackbolt of a multi jackbolt tensioner: the socket extending between a first end and a second end such that the first end is adapted to receive the jackbolt, the socket comprising: a passage extending along a length of the socket to receive a head of the jackbolt, the passage being defined by a plurality of even-numbered internal side walls dimensioned to engage a plurality of sides of the head of the jackbolt received therein, the socket having a central axis with diametrically opposed pairs of said side walls being parallel to each other, and pairs of adjacent side walls meeting to form corner portions to receive corners of the jackbolt head; a plurality of guiding members arranged circumferentially about an opening of the passage to guide the head of the jackbolt into the passage and align the plurality of sides of the head of jackbolt such that corners of the jackbolt head are aligned into position with corner portions of said pairs of adjacent side walls.