Temporary Fastener Clip Layout for Wider Structural Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary fasteners in the aeronautical industry limit the thickness of elastic clips, restricting the number that can be used for gripping surfaces, which affects the assembly of structural elements.
Innovation Solution
A temporary fastener design featuring a connecting element with a lateral opening and a stop mechanism that allows for the use of multiple elastic clips without reducing the clip thickness, incorporating a compression spring and a threaded actuating element for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an assembly part passes between elastic clips to prevent rotation, then the clips are secured to the body, but the thickness of the clips is limited due to increased space between clips
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the anti-rotation mechanism from a transverse dimension (assembly part passing between clips) to a longitudinal dimension (lateral opening extending axially between ends of connecting element). This allows the stop to engage with the connecting element along the axis, eliminating the need for transverse space and enabling maximum clip thickness.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of elastic clips is increased to enlarge gripping surface area, then the assembly capability is improved, but the space between clips increases, limiting clip thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral opening and stop mechanism reposition the anti-rotation constraint to the longitudinal axis, freeing the transverse dimension. This enables multiple clips to be arranged with maximum thickness while maintaining compact spacing, thus enlarging the total gripping surface area without compromising clip thickness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional assembly part is used to connect body and clips, then the clips are prevented from rotating, but the mechanism complexity increases and clip thickness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the anti-rotation function directly into the connecting element by incorporating the lateral opening and stop as integral features. This eliminates the need for a separate assembly part, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining clip positioning stability and enabling maximum clip thickness.
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
Enables the use of multiple elastic clips to increase the gripping surface area while maintaining the maximum thickness of the clips, allowing for a wider range of structural thicknesses to be assembled efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the fastener also comprises a compression spring positioned within the body around the connecting element, the spring being capable of compressing along the main axis, an end of said spring being capable of entering into contact with the stop on either side of the connecting element
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of elastic clips movable relative to the body and extending substantially parallel to the main axis, a first end of each elastic clip comprising a hooking spur
Implementation Method 3
an actuating element connected to a second end of the connecting element by a thread/tapping type mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a fastener (110) for the temporary assembly of at least two previously drilled structures (112) comprising:a hollow body (122) comprising a bearing surface (40);elastic clips (24) which are movable relative to the body and which form a projection relative to the bearing surface;a spacer (26) around which the elastic clips are positioned;a connecting element (130), extending within the body and secured to the elastic clips (24); andan actuating element (132) linked to connecting element by a thread/tapping (67, 84).The connecting element is traversed by a lateral opening (70) axially extended between two closed ends (72, 74); and the fastener also comprises a transverse stop (28) secured to the spacer, the said stop being capable of sliding between the axial ends of the said lateral opening.