Self-Restraining Torque Disc for Confined Fastener Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing torque discs require manual restraint of fasteners during installation and removal, which is challenging in confined spaces like aircraft wings, leading to potential damage and increased complexity due to limited access and the risk of tool slippage.
Innovation Solution
A torque disc with integrated restraining elements, such as protrusions or depressions, that engage with fasteners to prevent rotational movement, allowing for easier attachment and detachment without manual intervention, and a composite material design with reinforcing fibers forming hubs to enhance strength and torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual restraint of fasteners is used during installation, then the torque disc can be secured, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The torque disc's fixing surface is designed with integrated restraining elements (protrusions or depressions) that automatically engage with corresponding features on the fastener. This self-restraining mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to prevent fastener rotation during tightening, allowing the device to service itself during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining elements are integrated directly into the fixing surface of the torque disc, merging the fastener restraint function with the mounting surface. This consolidation eliminates separate restraining tools or mechanisms, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining secure fastener engagement.
2Reliability
If manual restraint tools are used to prevent fastener rotation, then the fastener can be secured, but the risk of tool slippage and damage to surrounding components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque disc's fixing surface is designed with integrated restraining elements (protrusions or depressions) that automatically engage with corresponding features on the fastener. This self-restraining mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to prevent fastener rotation during tightening, allowing the device to service itself during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining elements act as an intermediary mechanism between the fastener and the torque disc body. Instead of relying on external tools that may slip, the integrated restraining elements provide a reliable mechanical interface that positively engages with the fastener, preventing rotation without requiring external restraint tools.
3Ease of operation
If surrounding assemblies are disassembled to gain access to torque disc fasteners, then the fasteners can be restrained, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque disc's fixing surface is designed with integrated restraining elements (protrusions or depressions) that automatically engage with corresponding features on the fastener. This self-restraining mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to prevent fastener rotation during tightening, allowing the device to service itself during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining elements are integrated directly into the fixing surface of the torque disc, merging the fastener restraint function with the mounting surface. This consolidation eliminates separate restraining tools or mechanisms, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining secure fastener engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A torque disc (10) comprising a fixing surface (14) and at least one restraining element (50). The fixing surface (14) defines an area of the torque disc (10) for attachment to a fastener in use, and the at least one restraining element (50) extends from the fixing surface (14) so as to engage in use with at least one portion of the fastener to restrain rotational movement of the fastener during attachment to or detachment from the torque disc (10).