Patent Application
20220152788
The present disclosure relates to a method of installing fasteners in a structure. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a method installing a plurality of nut and bolt fasteners upon a structure, wherein the fasteners are tightened to a target torque. The invention also concerns a load reaction jig, a jig fastener, and a fastening head for a power tool which are configured for use with the method.
In some structural applications, it is necessary to install nut and bolt fasteners with fastening torques of up to, and exceeding, 60 Newton-metres. When a hand-held power tool is used to install fasteners with such high torques, a large reaction force may be needed to hold the tool in place to prevent the tool rotating itself instead of the nut. If rotation of the tool is not constrained, then the rotating tool can injure the tool operator or lead to damage of the tool, associated tooling, and/or structure that is being constructed.
In order to address this issue, hand-held power tools can be fitted with a reaction arm. A reaction arm typically comprises an arm portion which is connected to the tool and a socket portion at the end of the arm portion which fits over the nut of a fastener. When the nut of a fastener is to be tightened using the tool, the socket portion of the reaction arm is placed over the nut of an adjacent fastener. The tool is therefore prevented from counter-rotating during fastener installation by reacting the counter-rotation force into the adjacent fastener via the reaction arm.
However, the reaction arm is cumbersome and awkward to install over the adjacent fastener. Furthermore, the reaction arm adds to the weight and the complexity of the bolting tooling, and the size of the reaction arm can also preclude the use of the tooling in restricted access applications.
The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved method of installing nut and bolt fasteners and apparatus relating thereto.
The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a method of installing a plurality of nut and bolt fasteners upon a structure, wherein the bolt of a first fastener is located in a first hole of the structure and the bolt of a second fastener is located in a second hole of the structure and the nuts of the first and second fasteners are engaged with their respective bolts and have been tightened to an initial torque, the method comprising steps of placing a jig around the nut of the first fastener and the nut of the second fastener, securing the jig to the first fastener, using a power tool to tighten the nut of the second fastener to a target torque, the power tool comprising a handle portion and a socket portion. The step of tightening the nut comprises performing the nut tightening steps of: engaging the socket portion of the tool with the nut, securing the power tool to the jig such that the handle portion is prevented from rotating about an axis of rotation of the socket portion when the nut is being rotated by the socket portion, and operating the power tool to tighten the nut to the target torque.
The present invention provides a method of installing fasteners in which the counter-rotation force imparted by a power tool when a fastener is being tightened is reacted into a jig which is secured to another fastener which is located in a hole of the structure. As such, the load reacted into the jig is then reacted into the fastener to which the jig is secured. The method avoids the need for a bulky and complicated reaction arm to be installed on the power tool.
The invention arose through problems faced when installing nut and bolt fasteners in aerospace structures. For example, where fasteners are recessed in pockets and are difficult to fasten with a conventional tool with a reaction arm. However, it will be appreciated that the method is applicable in principle to any structure that requires a fastener installed to target torque which may result in the problems of counter-rotation of the power tool that have already been discussed.
The method may comprise a step of placing the bolt of the first fastener in the first hole of the structure and screwing the nut of the first fastener onto the bolt. The method may comprise the step of placing the bolt of the second fastener in the second hole of the structure and screwing the nut of the second fastener onto the bolt. The initial torque may be achieved by hand-tightening the nuts or by using, for example a run-down tool. The initial torque may be, for example, approximately 30 Newton-metres or less. However, in some embodiments of the invention the initial torque may be more than 30 Newton-metres.
Once the nut of the second fastener has been tightened, the method may comprise the step of using the power tool to tighten the nut of one or more other fasteners of the plurality of fasteners to the target torque. In embodiments of the invention where more than one nut is tightened during installation of the plurality of nut and bolt fasteners, it will be appreciated that the steps of nut-tightening may comprise engaging the socket portion of the tool with the nut to be tightened, securing the power tool to the jig such that the handle portion is prevented from rotating about an axis of rotation of the socket portion when the nut is being rotated by the socket portion, and operating the power tool to tighten the nut to the target torque.
After the step of tightening the nut of the second fastener, the method may comprise the steps of unsecuring the jig from the first fastener, securing the jig to the second fastener, and using the power tool to tighten the nut of the first fastener to the target torque. The jig may not be substantially moved between being unsecured from the first fastener and then secured to the second fastener. In other words, the jig may be in substantially the same position when secured to the second fastener as it was when secured to the first fastener. The nuts of the one or more other fasteners of the plurality may be tightened before the jig is unsecured from the fastener(s) that it is secured to.
The plurality of nut and bolt fasteners may comprise a third fastener. The bolt of the third fastener being located in a third hole of the structure and the nut of the third fastener being engaged with the bolt and having being tightened to an initial torque. During the step of placing the jig around the nut of the first fastener and the nut of the second fastener, the jig may also be placed around the nut of the third fastener. The nut of one of the fasteners may be tightened while the jig is secured to both of the other two fasteners.
The method may comprise the steps of unsecuring the jig from the third fastener, and using the power tool to tighten the nut of the third fastener. The jig may be secured to one or more of the other fasteners of the plurality when the nut of the third fastener is tightened. The jig may not be substantially moved between being unsecured from the third fastener and then secured to the one or more other fasteners. In other words, the jig may be in substantially the same position when the third fastener is being tightened to the target torque as it was when secured to the third fastener.
The plurality of nut and bolt fasteners may comprise a fourth fastener, the bolt of the fourth fastener being located in a fourth hole of the structure and the nut of the fourth fastener being engaged with the bolt and having being tightened to an initial torque. During the step of placing the jig around the nut of the first fastener, the nut of the second fastener, and the nut of the third fastener, the jig may also be placed around the nut of the fourth fastener. The nut of one of the fasteners may then be tightened while the jig is secured to each of the other three fasteners.
The method may comprise the step of unsecuring the jig from the fourth fastener and using the power tool to tighten the nut of the fourth fastener to the target torque. When the nut of a particular fastener is being tightened to the target torque by the power tool, the jig may be secured to one or more of the/any of the other fasteners of the plurality. For example, the jig may be secured to the first, second, and/or third fastener when the fourth fastener is being tightened. Similarly, the jig may be secured to the second, third, and/or fourth fastener when the first fastener is being tightened. The jig may not be substantially moved between being unsecured from the fourth fastener and then secured to another fasteners. In other words, the jig may be in substantially the same position when the fourth fastener is being tightened to the target torque as it was when secured to the fourth fastener.
Where multiple nuts need to be tightened, it will be appreciated that the method is particularly advantageous over the reaction arm of the prior art because the jig can be left in place while the tool is used to fasten the multiple nuts. The power tool is simply secured to the jig each time there is a nut that needs tightening.
In principle, the plurality of nut and bolt fasteners can comprise any number of number of fasteners, and the jig can be configured to be secured in place by securing the jig to any number of the fasteners. For example, the jig could be secured to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more fasteners. However, the process of securing the jig takes time, so it may not be advantageous to secure the jig to a large amount of fasteners. It has been found that, for most applications, securing the jig to three fasteners is adequate.
The target torque may be above 30 Newton-metres. In some applications, the target torque is at least 50 Newton-metres. In other applications, the target torque may be at least 60 Newton-metres. In some applications, the target torque may be 100 Newton-metres or more. It will be appreciated that not all nuts will necessarily need to be tightened to the same target torque. For example, in some embodiments of the invention a plurality of nuts may each be tightened to a different target torque.
The jig may be secured to a nut and bolt fastener by a jig fastener that is configured to engage with the jig, and with the nut and/or bolt of the nut and bolt fastener.
The power tool may comprise formations (e.g. male formations) configured to engage with corresponding formations (e.g. female formations) on the jig so that the power tool becomes secured to the jig. The power tool may comprise, for example, key portions configured to engage with a corresponding bayonet fitting on the jig, or vice versa. Accordingly, the step of securing the power tool to the jig may comprise engaging the formations of the power tool with the corresponding formations on the jig.
The step of placing the jig around the nut of the first fastener and the nut of the second fastener may comprise positioning a projecting feature of the structure in a cut-out of the jig. The projecting feature may be, for example, a flange or other structural feature of an aircraft. A first portion of the jig may therefore be positioned on a first side of the projecting feature and a second portion of the jig may be positioned on a second, opposite side of the projecting feature. Therefore, while the jig is secured to one or more fasteners, it may be possible to tighten the nuts of fasteners positioned on either side of the projecting feature.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a jig for use with the method of the first aspect of the invention. The jig comprises a plate portion formed with a plurality of holes therein, wherein each hole is configured to receive the bolt of a fastener, and adjacent each of the holes the plate comprises formations configured to engage with corresponding formations on a fastening head of a power tool in order to secure the fastening head of the power tool to the jig. The holes in the jig may also be configured to receive a jig fastener and/or a fastening head of a power tool. The diameter of the holes in the jig may be proportional to the size of the fastener. For example, where the bolt of a fastener is 16 millimetres in diameter, the hole in the jig may be approximately 45 millimetres in diameter. The holes may be between 20 millimetres and 150 millimetres in diameter.
The formations adjacent each hole may provide a bayonet fitting for engagement with a fastening head of a power tool. In that case, the formations may comprise notches that extend in a radial direction from the circumference of each of the holes. On a first face of the plate there may be a recess adjacent each of the notches. The notches and recesses may provide a bayonet fitting at each hole. The jig may therefore be configured so that the fastening head of the power tool is inserted into the holes from a second, opposite face of the plate. Alternatively, the formations may instead be key portions configured to engage with a bayonet fitting located on the fastening head of the power tool.
The plate may be formed with a cut-out, and one or more of the holes of the plurality may be positioned on a first side of the cut-out and one or more of the holes of the plurality may be positioned on a second, opposite side of the cut-out. There may be a plurality of cut-outs. The cut-outs may be configured to receive projecting portions of a structure when the jig is in use.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a jig fastener for use with the method of the first aspect of the invention and/or the jig of the second aspect of the invention. The jig fastener comprises a body portion configured to engage with a jig and a fastener engaging portion configured to engage with the nut and/or bolt of a fastener, the jig fastener thereby being configured to secure the jig to the fastener.
The body portion may be configured to be received within a hole of a jig. The body may comprise a socket portion for engagement with the nut of a fastener. The jig fastener may comprise a clamping mechanism for clamping the body to the nut of the fastener to secure the jig upon the fastener. The body may comprise a split along the length of the body and the clamping mechanism may move opposing faces of the split closer together to effect clamping of the nut. The clamping mechanism may comprise a lever-operated cam.
The fastener engaging portion may comprises a thread-engaging member for screwing on to the bolt of the fastener. The thread engaging member may be configured to clamp the body portion against a structure in use. The body portion may comprise a lip configured to engage with a jig in use to secure the jig to the fastener.
The body may comprise formations configured to engage with corresponding formations on a jig to secure the jig fastener to the jig. The formations may be key portions which project from an outer surface of the body and are configured to engage with a bayonet fitting of the jig. Alternatively, the jig fastener may itself be formed with a bayonet fitting that is configured to engage with key portions formed on the jig.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastening head for a power tool configured for use with the method of the first aspect of the invention and/or the jig of the second aspect of the invention. The fastening head comprises a rotatable socket portion for engagement with a nut, and a body portion comprising formations for engagement with corresponding formations on a fastening jig, the formations being arranged circumferentially around the socket portion.
The body portion may be configured to engage with, and be secured to, the fastening jig so that when the rotatable socket portion is used to tighten the nut of a fastener to a target torque, the counter-rotation force imparted on the fastening head is reacted onto the fastening jig. The body portion of the fastening head therefore may remain stationary with respect to the fastening jig, and cannot itself rotate, when the nut is being tightened to the target torque.
It will be understood that the fastening head may be configured to be mounted to a fastening tool which is designed to be fitted different fastening heads. Alternatively, the fastening head may form an integral part of a fastening tool and therefore may not be configured to be removable from the fastening tool during routine use.
The formations may be, for example, a bayonet fitting (e.g. provided by recesses, slots, etc.) configured to engage with corresponding key portions located on the fastening jig. Alternatively, the formations may comprise key portions that project in a radial direction with respect to the socket portion. There may be two or more key portions. The key portions may be configured to engage in a bayonet fitting on the fastening jig.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a power tool comprising the fastening head of the fourth aspect of the invention.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for fastening a plurality of nut and bolt fasteners to a structure to be fastened, the kit of parts comprising two or more of: a jig according to the second aspect of the invention, a jig fastener according to the third aspect of the invention, a fastening head according to the fourth aspect of the invention, a power tool according to the fifth aspect of the invention, and/or a plurality of nut and bolt fasteners.
It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the first aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the second to fifth aspects of the invention and vice versa.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:
A single nut cover 500 is shown in isolation in
The housing 520 is formed by a substantially cylindrical hollow body 521 which has an internal diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the head 511 of the bolt-engaging member 510. The bolt-engaging member 510 is contained inside the housing 520 in co-axial alignment with the body 521. As shown in the cross-sectional view of
The section of the load the jig 400 labelled A in
The jig 400 is configured for use with a fastening tool 600 which has been fitted with a specially adapted fastening head 700 that is shown in
Use of the jig 400, nut-covers 500, and fastening head 700 in a method of fastening together two aircraft structures in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to
The jig 400 is then clamped in place in step 3000 using the nut covers 500. To engage a nut cover 500 with the jig 400, first the housing 520 of the nut cover is moved into the hole 401 to engage the socket portion 523 of the housing 520 with the nut 301 of the fastener 300 that is positioned in the hole 101, 201. In this configuration, the housing 520 of the nut cover 500 is prevented from rotating by the engagement of the socket portion 523 with the nut 301.
As can be seen in
With the jig 400 clamped in place, the fastening tool 600 fitted with the fastening head 700 is then used in step 4000 to tighten the nuts 301 of the fasteners 300 which are not covered by nut covers 500. In order to tighten a nut 301, the key portions 725 of the fastening head 700 are inserted into the notches 405 of the hole 401 in the jig 400 that surrounds the nut 301, as shown in
The purpose of the jig 400 is to prevent the fastening tool 600 counter rotating when tightening the nuts 301 to a high torque, which may cause injury to the operator or damage the tooling and/or structure. The jig 400 does this by reacting the counter-rotation forces imparted by the fastening tool 600 when the nut 301 is being tightened by the tool 600. Where the nut 301 is tightened by rotating it clockwise from the perspective of the operator of the tool 600, as is the case here, there is a risk that the tool 600 itself will rotate clockwise if it is not held firmly. Therefore, the tool 600 must be moved to a locked position by rotating the key portions 725 of the fastening head 700 clockwise into the recesses 409 of the jig (
When the nut 301 is being unfastened, or where a nut 301 is tightened by rotating it anticlockwise from the perspective of the operator of the tool, the key portions 725 of the fastening head 700 must be rotated anticlockwise into the recesses 409 of the jig so anticlockwise rotation of the tool 600 during the fastening process is prevented by the key portions 725 of the fastening head rotating anticlockwise into abutment with the walls 411 of the recesses 409. With the fastening head 700 correctly located in the jig 400, the tool 600 can be operated to tighten the nut 301 to the desired torque.
The operator tightens all accessible fasteners 300 using the tool 600 and fastening head 700 in this way. Once all accessible fasteners 300 are tightened, the operator then removes the nut covers 500 from the loosely tightened fasteners 300 in step 5000. Steps 3000 and 4000 are then repeated by repositioning the nut covers 500 onto the fully torqued fasteners 300 and by tightening the now accessible loosely tightened fasteners 300 using the tool 600 and fastening head 700 engaged with the jig 400 as described.
A second embodiment of a nut cover 800 is shown in isolation in
Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018145.9 | Nov 2020 | GB | national |
