18183059. NUT PLATE GRIPPERS AND RELATED METHODS simplified abstract (The Boeing Company)
Contents
NUT PLATE GRIPPERS AND RELATED METHODS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jason Cochrane of Melbourne (AU)
NUT PLATE GRIPPERS AND RELATED METHODS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18183059 titled 'NUT PLATE GRIPPERS AND RELATED METHODS
The patent application discloses nut plate grippers designed to grip a nut plate along an engagement axis, consisting of a base plate and a nut with a threaded central opening.
- Attachment region facilitates attachment of the gripper to an end effector.
- Elongate resilient retention structure fits within the threaded central opening for a secure grip.
- Orienting structures precisely orient the base plate relative to the gripper along an orienting axis.
Potential Applications: - Aerospace industry for assembly and maintenance of aircraft components. - Automotive industry for securing nuts in hard-to-reach areas. - Manufacturing industry for efficient nut plate handling during production processes.
Problems Solved: - Ensures secure grip on nut plates for accurate assembly. - Facilitates precise orientation of nut plates for proper alignment. - Simplifies the handling of nut plates in various industries.
Benefits: - Increased efficiency in nut plate handling and assembly processes. - Improved accuracy and alignment of nut plates. - Reduces the risk of errors and damage during assembly operations.
Commercial Applications: Title: Nut Plate Grippers for Precision Assembly Processes This technology can be utilized in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing for efficient nut plate handling and precise assembly operations, leading to increased productivity and accuracy in production processes.
Prior Art: Readers can explore prior patents related to nut plate handling devices and grippers to understand the evolution of this technology and potential improvements.
Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on advancements in nut plate handling technologies, materials, and designs to enhance the performance and capabilities of nut plate grippers in various industries.
Questions about Nut Plate Grippers: 1. How do nut plate grippers improve the efficiency of assembly processes?
- Nut plate grippers streamline the handling and alignment of nut plates, reducing assembly time and improving accuracy.
2. What industries can benefit the most from the use of nut plate grippers?
- Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing can significantly benefit from the precision and efficiency offered by nut plate grippers.
Original Abstract Submitted
Nut plate grippers and related methods are disclosed herein. The nut plate grippers are configured to grip a nut plate along an engagement axis. The nut plate includes a base plate and a nut that is operatively attached to the base plate and defines a threaded central opening. The nut plate grippers include an attachment region, which is configured to facilitate attachment of the nut plate gripper to an end effector, an elongate resilient retention structure, which extends from the attachment region along the engagement axis and is sized for an interference fit within the threaded central opening, and a pair of orienting structures positioned on opposed sides of the elongate resilient retention structure and configured to operatively engage the base plate when the nut plate gripper grips the nut plate to precisely orient the base plate relative to the nut plate gripper along an orienting axis.
