Three-Prong Temporary Fastener for Pilot Hole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary fasteners, particularly in the aerospace industry, fail to accurately and securely hold parts together due to limited accessibility and tendency to vibrate out of position during mechanical processes, and do not effectively fill or align pilot holes.
Innovation Solution
A three-prong temporary fastener with a central spreader and spring-loaded prongs, which are plier-operated and guided by a Y-shaped spreader, to precisely align and securely hold sheet materials together by filling pilot hole openings and correcting misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional temporary fasteners (Cleco, wedge locks) are used, then fastening operation is simplified, but manufacturing precision of pilot hole alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into three separate prongs that can be independently positioned and spread, allowing each prong to independently engage with the pilot hole and surrounding material, thereby achieving both ease of operation and precise alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The central spreader acts as an intermediary element that coordinates the movement of the three prongs, ensuring they spread evenly and symmetrically to maintain precise alignment while simplifying the operation through a single actuating mechanism
2Device complexity
If conventional temporary fasteners are used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability during mechanical processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The three prongs are strategically positioned at specific locations within the fastener body, with each prong having localized spreading capability that provides stable engagement with the pilot hole and surrounding material, preventing vibration and displacement during mechanical operations
3Ease of operation
If conventional temporary fasteners are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of hole filling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prongs are designed to dynamically spread and fill the pilot hole through a simple actuating motion, transitioning from a compact insertion state to an expanded locking state, thereby achieving precise hole filling while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The three prongs are pre-positioned and guided by the central spreader to ensure they converge precisely at the pilot hole location before spreading, guaranteeing accurate hole filling and alignment before the fastening action is completed
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 device provides secure and precise temporary fastening by accurately filling and aligning pilot holes, ensuring consistent results and improved stability during mechanical processes.
Implementation Method 1
three laterally spreadable spring loaded prongs
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary attachment device for securing a number of parts or sheets together has an elongated hollow body with three, slidable and spreadable prongs spaced apart 120°, protruding from an open end of the elongated body over a substantially Y-shaped spreader held in the elongated body and extending through the open end to more evenly and accurately maintain the spacing between and spread the three prongs. The three prongs and spreader more accurately fill pilot holes, after insertion into the openings and the prongs have outwardly facing heads, lobes or noses to more securely clamp at least two sheets of material together. The device may include an internal spring and a movable plunger to allow the prongs to be operated by the pliers, or may include a threaded shaft and a nut secured to the shaft to allow operation of the device by turning the nut and the shaft to slidably move the three prongs.