Apparatus and Method for Remote Fastener Installation

摘要

A tool configured to install and torque multiple fasteners, such as nuts and/or bolts, positioned in confined and/or hard to reach areas. The tool includes a body portion, a plurality of fastener retainers, and a structure which permits both the remote tightening and torquing of such fasters. The tool also provides an actuator for the remote release of torque loads which may build up in the fastener retainers during such torquing of the fasteners. The actuator includes a lever arm pivotally connected to the body portion and a cam that is rotatable between a first position and a second position. A linkage is engaged by the cam and urges the lever arm to a torquing position upon the cam being in the first position and to a torque release position upon the cam being in the second position.

主权项

1. A method of using a tool including a plurality of retaining elements to join a first part and a second part with a first plurality of fasteners and a second plurality of fasteners, the method comprising:
installing said first plurality of fasteners in said plurality of retaining elements, wherein each of said plurality of retaining elements is configured to receive one of said plurality of fasteners; associating said first part and said second part in a desired orientation for joining; positioning the tool relative to said first part and said second part to facilitate torsional engagement between the first plurality of fasteners and the second plurality of fasteners; installing said second plurality of fasteners, sequentially or simultaneously, in mating openings formed in said first part and said second part; configuring the tool to prevent rotation of said first plurality of fasteners; joining the first part and the second part by applying a torque, sequentially or simultaneously, to said second plurality of fasteners to cause said second plurality of fasteners to rotationally engage said first plurality of fasteners, wherein said torque is transmitted from said second plurality of fasteners to said first plurality of fasteners and at least a portion of said torque is transmitted from said first plurality of fasteners to said plurality of retaining elements preventing rotation of said first plurality of fasteners; simultaneously eliminating transmission of the at least a portion of said torque from said first plurality of fasteners to said plurality of retaining elements; and withdrawing the tool from said first plurality of fasteners, said first part, and the second part joined to said first part.