Temporary fastener and related system and method
AssigneeCentrix Aerospace LLC
InventorCameron Ralphs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An end-effector system and method. The end-effector includes, in one example, a clutch mechanism configured to in an unlocked configuration, permit rotation between a body and a socket in response to an absence of a force applied to a drive shaft and in a locked configuration, inhibit rotation between the body and the socket in response to a force applied to the drive shaft. In the end-effector, the clutch mechanism includes a first set of plates that are coupled to the body and a second set of plates that are coupled to the socket.
Claims20
A method for operation of an end-effector, comprising:
- clocking a socket to a fastener body;
- and
- applying an axial force to a drive shaft to engage a clutch mechanism to lock rotation of the socket;
- wherein the end-effector includes:
- the clutch mechanism that has a first set and a second set of interleaved plates.
An end-effector, comprising:
- a clutch mechanism configured to:
- in an unlocked configuration, permit rotation between a body and a socket in response to an absence of a force applied to a drive shaft;
- and
- in a locked configuration, inhibit rotation between the body and the socket in response to a force applied to the drive shaft;
- wherein the clutch mechanism includes:
- a first set of plates that are coupled to the body;
- and
- a second set of plates that are coupled to the socket.
An end-effector system, comprising:
- an end-effector having a clutch mechanism configured to:
- in an unlocked configuration, permit rotation between a body and a socket in response to an absence of a force applied to a drive shaft;
- and
- in a locked configuration, inhibit rotation between the body and the socket in response to a force applied to the drive shaft;
- a thrust bearing positioned axially between a portion of the drive shaft and the first and second sets of clutch plates;
- and
- a lock collar configured to receive a fastener;
- wherein the clutch mechanism includes a first set of friction plates that are coupled to the body;
- and a second set of friction plates that are coupled to the socket;
- and
- a fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.