Swage Lock Bolt Puller Alignment via Asymmetric Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems with swage-type lock bolts face challenges in efficient installation and securement of work pieces due to the complexity of engaging the pull portion with the fastener installation tool, particularly in aligning teeth with grooves and applying sufficient axial force to break off the pull portion at the breakneck groove.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a pin member with a threaded shank, stop shoulder, and pull portion featuring annular or helical grooves, and a fastener installation tool with a puller having angled teeth and a front face designed to engage the stop shoulder and pull grooves, facilitating alignment and axial force application to secure the swage collar and break off the pull portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the pull portion is designed with grooves and the puller with teeth for engagement, then the axial force application is improved, but the alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull portion features asymmetric grooves (annular, helical, or combination) that correspond to asymmetric teeth on the puller, creating a unique engagement pattern that guides alignment while applying axial force. The breakneck groove is positioned asymmetrically to ensure proper orientation during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves and teeth are designed to self-align during the insertion process. As the puller approaches the pull portion, the grooves automatically guide the teeth into proper engagement position, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments by the operator.
2Measurement precision
If the stop shoulder includes an annular recess to receive the puller front face, then the alignment precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular recess is pre-formed on the stop shoulder during fastener manufacturing, creating a ready-made alignment feature that receives the puller's front face. This preliminary preparation ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically when the puller engages the fastener, without requiring additional alignment steps during installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pull portion is designed to break off at the breakneck groove, then the visual indication of successful installation is improved, but the structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pull portion is segmented from the main shank by the breakneck groove, creating a distinct separation zone. This segmentation allows the pull portion to function independently as an engagement feature while maintaining the structural integrity of the installed fastener body, and provides visual confirmation when the pull portion breaks off at the groove.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system including a fastener and a fastener installation tool. The fastener includes a pin member having an elongated shank portion with a threaded portion, a stop shoulder located at an end of the threaded portion, and a pull portion extending from the stop shoulder. The stop shoulder includes an outer rim and an inner annular wall. The inner annular wall and the inner face form an annular recess. The fastener installation tool includes a puller having a front face. The recess of the fastener is adapted to receive the front face of the fastener installation tool when the puller engages the pull portion of the pin member and facilitates alignment of teeth of the installation tool and pull grooves of the pin member.