Self-Aligning Socket for Faster Multi-Jackbolt Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of conventional Multi-Jackbolt Tensioners (MJTs) in industrial applications is time-consuming due to the need for separate tightening of each jackbolt, which requires aligning a wrench or socket with the hexagonal head of the jackbolt, leading to operator fatigue and increased operation time, especially in large assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A socket design with a passage defined by even-numbered internal side walls and circumferentially arranged guiding members that angle inwardly and diverge to self-align and center the jackbolt head, reducing the need for manual alignment and allowing simultaneous tensioning or untensioning of multiple jackbolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional socket is used to tighten each jackbolt separately, then the jackbolt can be fastened or unfastened, but the operator must manually align the socket with the hexagonal head of each jackbolt, which increases operation time and causes operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with guiding members that automatically guide and align the jackbolt head into the correct position within the socket passage. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment by the operator, allowing the system to service itself during the fastening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding members act as intermediary elements between the socket and the jackbolt head. These guiding members facilitate the alignment process by providing physical guidance surfaces that direct the jackbolt head into proper alignment with the socket walls, mediating the interaction between the operator's tool and the fastener.
2Reliability
If manual alignment of the socket with each jackbolt head is performed, then proper fastening can be achieved, but operator fatigue increases due to the weight of the hand held tool or wrench
Solution Approach 1:
The socket's guiding members enable the system to automatically align and center the jackbolt head without requiring manual positioning by the operator. This self-aligning capability reduces the physical effort and fatigue associated with manual alignment while maintaining reliable fastening through proper alignment.
3Strength
If multiple MJTs are used in large assemblies, then the joint can be effectively bolted up, but the time required to tighten each jackbolt individually becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic alignment mechanism allows operators to quickly position and tighten multiple jackbolts without the time-consuming manual alignment process. This significantly improves productivity when working with large assemblies containing multiple MJTs, while still achieving the required joint strength through proper fastening of each jackbolt.
Data Source
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.