EP4635648A1

EP4635648A1 - Riveting tool yoke

Info

Publication number: EP4635648A1
Application number: EP25167831.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stephane Ricard; Philippe Raymond
Original assignee: Pratt and Whitney Canada Corp
Current assignee: Pratt and Whitney Canada Corp
Priority date: 2024-04-01
Filing date: 2025-04-01
Publication date: 2025-10-22
Also published as: US20250303463A1; CA3269140A1

Abstract

A riveting yoke (20) is provided that includes a body (28), an anvil segment (56), and a cavity (60). The body (28) has a height (H) extending between a base side surface (44) and a top side surface (42), a width (W) extending between a first end surface (46) and a second end surface (48), and a thickness (T) extending between a first lateral side surface (50) and a second lateral side surface (52). The anvil segment (AS) (56) has an AS top surface (56A) and an AS base surface (56B). The cavity (60) is disposed in the first end surface (46), and is defined by a cavity base surface (60A), a cavity inner surface (60B), a gusset surface (60C), and the AS base surface (56B). The gusset surface (60C) extends from the cavity inner surface (60B) to the AS base surface (56B). The cavity base surface (60A) is opposite the AS base surface (56B) and a distance (AS1) between the cavity base surface (60A) and the AS base surface (56B) defines an opening of the cavity (60).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to tools for fastening components together in general, and to riveting tools for fastening components in a limited space environment in particular.

2. Background Information

Components used in the aerospace industry are often assemblies that include two or more parts that are joined together. In some applications, rivets may be used to mechanically fasten two or more parts together during the formation of the component. It is known to use a riveting device that includes an actuator and a C-shaped or U-shaped yoke. In some applications, the space in which the riveting is desired is space limited. Conventional C-shaped or U-shaped yokes very often cannot be disposed in the limited space thereby making riveting either difficult or impossible. What is needed is a riveting tool yoke that is an improvement over existing riveting tool yokes.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, a riveting yoke is provided that includes a body, an anvil segment, and a cavity. The body has a height extending between a base side surface and a top side surface, a width extending between a first end surface and a second end surface, and a thickness extending between a first lateral side surface and a second lateral side surface. The anvil segment (AS) has an AS top surface and an AS base surface. The cavity is disposed in the first end surface, and is defined by a cavity base surface, a cavity inner surface, a gusset surface, and the AS base surface. The gusset surface extends from the cavity inner surface to the AS base surface. The cavity base surface is opposite the AS base surface and a distance between the cavity base surface and the AS base surface defines an opening of the cavity.
In an embodiment of the above, the anvil segment has an AS width, and the AS width may be less than the width of the body.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the anvil segment may have an AS inner lateral surface and an AS outer lateral surface, and the AS inner lateral surface and the AS outer lateral surface may extend between the AS top surface and the AS base surface, and the AS outer lateral surface may be co-planar with the first lateral side surface of the body.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the AS top surface may be separated from the top side surface of the body.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the top side surface of the body may be spaced apart from the base side surface of the body by a first distance, and the AS top surface may be spaced apart from the base side surface of the body by a second distance, and the second distance may be greater than the first distance.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the body may include an actuator ram aperture extending from the base side surface of the body to the AS base surface.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the actuator ram aperture may extend along a central axis and the central axis may be aligned with the anvil segment.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the first lateral side (FLS) surface of the body may have a stepped configuration that includes a first FLS surface and a second FLS surface.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the second lateral side surface may be planar.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the first FLS surface may extend in a height wise direction from the top side surface of the body to the second FLS surface, and the second FLS surface may extend in the height wise direction from the base side surface of the body to the first FLS surface.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the thickness of the body may include a first thickness extending between the first FLS surface to the second lateral side surface, and a second thickness extending between the second FLS surface to the second lateral side surface, and the first thickness may be greater than the second thickness.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the anvil segment may have an AS width, and the AS width may be less than the width of the body, and the anvil segment may have an AS inner lateral surface and an AS outer lateral surface, and the AS inner lateral surface and the AS outer lateral surface may extend between the AS top surface and the AS base surface, and the AS outer lateral surface may be co-planar with the first FLS surface.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the yoke body may be rectangularly shaped.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the body may include a plurality of fastener apertures extending between the first lateral side surface and the second lateral side surface.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a riveting yoke is provided that includes a body, an anvil segment, and a cavity. The body has a height extending between a base side and a top side, a width extending between a first end and a second end, and a thickness extending between a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The anvil segment (AS) is disposed proximate to the top side and the first end, and the anvil segment has an AS width, and the AS width is less than the width of the body. The cavity is disposed in the first end surface and is defined by a cavity base surface, a cavity inner surface, a gusset surface, and the anvil segment. The gusset surface extends from the cavity inner surface to the anvil segment, and the cavity base surface is opposite the anvil segment.
In an embodiment of the above, the anvil segment has an AS inner lateral surface and an AS outer lateral surface, and the AS inner lateral surface and the AS outer lateral surface extend between an AS top surface and an AS base surface, and the AS outer lateral surface is co-planar with the first lateral side surface of the body.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the AS top surface is separated from the top side surface of the body.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the top side surface of the body is spaced apart from the base side surface of the body by a first distance, and the AS top surface is spaced apart from the base side surface of the body by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the body includes an actuator ram aperture extending from the base side surface of the body to the AS base surface. The actuator ram aperture extends along a central axis and the central axis is aligned with the anvil segment.
In an embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the first lateral side (FLS) surface of the body is a stepped configuration that includes a first FLS surface and a second FLS surface. The first FLS surface extends in a height wise direction from the top side surface of the body to the second FLS surface, and the second FLS surface extends in the height wise direction from the base side surface of the body to the first FLS surface. The thickness of the body includes a first thickness extending between the first FLS surface to the second lateral side surface, and a second thickness extending between the second FLS surface to the second lateral side surface, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.
The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, aspects and/or embodiments of the present disclosure may include any one or more of the individual features or elements disclosed above and/or below alone or in any combination thereof. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, the following description and drawings are intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a riveting tool that includes an embodiment of a present disclosure riveting tool yoke.
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic planar side view of a present disclosure yoke embodiment showing the first lateral side.
FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic planar end view of the yoke embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic planar side view of a present disclosure yoke embodiment showing the second lateral side.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of left and right versions of a present disclosure yoke embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a partial view of a present disclosure yoke embodiment showing the anvil segment with a rivet cap.
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic planar top view of a present disclosure yoke embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a component (e.g., a baffle) with which the present disclosure yoke may be used.
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic planar top view of the first panel of the component shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic planar top view of the second panel of the component shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic planar top view of a nut plate embodiment.
FIG. 10A is a diagrammatic planar side view of the nut plate embodiment shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 10B is a diagrammatic planar side view of a nut plate embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic partial view of a present disclosure yoke engaged with a component, illustrating the actuator ram partially retracted.
FIG. 11A is a diagrammatic partial view of a present disclosure yoke engaged with a component, illustrating the actuator ram fully extended.
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a pair of present disclosure yokes engaged with a first panel and a nut plate.
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic planar side view of a nut plate embodiment secured to a first panel.
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic planar view illustrating a retainer plate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a riveting tool yoke 20 that is configured for use with an actuator 22. The actuator 22 includes a ram 24 that may be actuated along a linear travel path between a plurality of extended positions and a plurality of retracted positions. The actuator 22 may be manually powered, or fluidically powered (e.g., pneumatically, hydraulically, or the like), or electromechanically powered, or the like. The actuator 22 is configured to permit attachment of the yoke 20 to the actuator 22 as will be described herein. In some embodiments, the ram 24 may be configured to engage with a ram cap 26 that is configured to mate with the contour of the rivet; e.g., if the ram 24 is to be engaged with the rivet head, and the rivet head is arcuately shaped, the ram cap 26 may be contoured to mate with the arcuate rivet head. The ram cap 26 may be removable to permit differently configured ram caps 26 to be used for different rivet configurations. FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a pneumatically powered actuator 22 including a present disclosure yoke 20. The pneumatically powered actuator 22 is configured to use pneumatic power to linearly traverse the ram for engagement with and deformation of the rivet. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular actuator 22, including the example actuator 22 shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3, the yoke 20 includes a body 28 having a first lateral side 30, a second lateral side 32, a first end side 34, a second end side 36, a base side 38, and a top side 40. The top side 40 is defined by a top side surface 42 and the base side 38 is defined by a base side surface 44. The first end side 34 is defined in part by a first end side surface 46 and the second end side 36 is defined by a second end side surface 48. The first and second lateral sides 30, 32 are opposite one another defining a thickness ("T") of the yoke 20, extending between the first and second lateral side surfaces 50, 52 (e.g., along a Z-axis). The first and second end sides 34, 36 are opposite one another defining a width ("W") of the yoke 20, extending between the first and second end sides 34, 36 (e.g., extending along an X-axis). The base and top sides 38, 40 are opposite one another defining a height ("H") of the yoke 20, extending between the base and top sides 38, 40 (e.g., extending along a Y-axis). The yoke body 28 has a generally rectangular shape defined by the first and second end side surfaces 46, 48 and the base and top side surfaces 44, 42. FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic planar side view of a present disclosure yoke 20 embodiment showing the first lateral side 30. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic planar end view of the yoke 20 embodiment shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic planar side view of a present disclosure yoke 20 embodiment showing the second lateral side 32. As will be detailed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure yoke 20 may have an asymmetric configuration, and those embodiments may be configured as opposite hands of one another; e.g., mirror configurations, which may also be referred to as left hand and right hand configurations. FIG. 4 illustrates the left and right hand yoke 20 embodiments side by side.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3, the yoke 20 embodiment includes a first lateral side surface 50 (FLS) having a stepped configuration that includes a first FLS surface 50A and a second FLS surface 50B, and a planar second lateral side 32 defined by the second lateral side surface 52. The first FLS surface 50A extends in a height wise direction from the top side surface 42 of the body 28 to the second FLS surface 50B and the second FLS surface 50B extends in the height wise direction from the base side surface 44 of the body 28 to the first FLS surface 50A. The first and second FLS surfaces 50A, 50B are spaced apart from one another by a step distance ("SD" - see FIG. 2A). The present disclosure does not require a stepped lateral side configuration. As indicated above, embodiments of the present disclosure yoke 20 may have an asymmetric configuration. The stepped configuration is an example of a feature that creates an asymmetric configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, in those embodiments wherein versions of the yoke 20 are opposite hands of one another, a first yoke 20A and second yoke 20B of an opposite hand pair may include the stepped configuration on opposite sides of the body 28.
In the yoke 20 embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3, the yoke 20 embodiment includes a pair of actuator fastener apertures 54. The number of actuator fastener apertures 54 may be chosen to comport with the attachment configuration of the actuator 22. The actuator fastener apertures 54 may be configured to permit a fastener to pass through, or they may be configured for threaded engagement with a fastener, or the like.
The yoke 20 includes an anvil segment 56 disposed proximate to the intersection of the top side 40 and the first end side 34. The anvil segment 56 (AS) is defined by an AS top surface 56A, an AS base surface 56B, an AS inner lateral surface 56C, and an AS outer lateral surface 56D. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3, the AS outer lateral surface 56D is flush with the first lateral side surface 50; e.g., flush with the first FLS surface 50A. The thickness ("AST" - see FIG. 6) of the anvil segment 56 is the distance between the AS inner and outer lateral surfaces 56C, 56D. As can be seen in FIG. 6, a portion of the anvil segment 56 adjacent to the second lateral side surface 52 of the yoke 20 is removed. Hence, the thickness ("AST") of the anvil segment 56 is less than the thickness ("T") of the yoke 20. As will be detailed herein, the decreased thickness of the anvil segment 56 provides clearance for a portion of a nut plate 68. The anvil segment 56 extends outwardly a distance ("AS1") from the top side surface 42; i.e., the AS top surface and the top side surface 42 are spaced apart from one another by the distance AS1 (e.g., see FIG. 3). An arcuate transition surface may extend between the AS top surface 56A and the top side surface 42. As will be detailed herein, the distance (AS1) that the AS top surface 56A and the top side surface 42 are spaced apart from one another may be chosen based on the riveting application at hand.
The anvil segment 56 having a lesser thickness than the thickness of the body 28, and having the AS outer lateral surface 56D flush / co-planar with the first lateral side surface 50 is another example of a feature that creates an asymmetric configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, in those embodiments wherein versions of the yoke 20 are opposite hands of one another, the first yoke 20A and the second yoke 20B of an opposite hand pair may include anvil segments 56 disposed on opposite thickness-wise sides of the respective yoke bodies 28.
Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments the anvil segment 56 may include a rivet cap 58 that is mounted to the anvil segment 56. The rivet cap 58 may be contoured to cause a preferential rivet deformation shape; e.g., an arcuate button, or the like. The rivet cap 58 may be removable to permit differently configured rivet caps 58 to be used for different rivet deformation configurations.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3, the yoke 20 includes a cavity 60 extending into the first end side. The cavity 60 is defined by a cavity base surface 60A, an inner surface 60B, a gusset surface 60C, and the AS base surface 56B. The cavity 60 may be described as having a depth ("CD") extending from the inner surface 60B to the opening of the cavity 60, and a height ("CH") that extends between the cavity base surface 60A and the AS base surface 56B; e.g., see FIG. 3. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the intersection of the gusset surface 60C with the inner surface 60B may occur one-third of the distance or more of the distance between the cavity base surface 60A and the AS base surface 56B and the intersection of the gusset surface 60C and the AS base surface 56B may be closer to the first end side surface 46 than the transition surface between the AS top surface 56A and the top side surface 42.
In the yoke 20 embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3, the yoke 20 embodiment includes an actuator ram aperture 62 that extends along a central axis 64 through the yoke 20 between the base side surface 44 and the cavity base surface 60A. The actuator ram aperture 62 is configured to permit the actuator ram 24 to move linearly within the actuator ram aperture 62. In some embodiments, the inner diameter surface of the actuator ram aperture 62 may be configured as a bearing surface to guide the actuator ram 24. The actuator ram aperture 62 may be positioned so that the actuator ram 24 is aligned with the anvil segment 56.
The present disclosure yoke 20 provides considerable utility for riveting in space limited applications where a conventional "C' or "U" shaped riveting yoke cannot be inserted for the riveting process. FIGS. 7-9 diagrammatically illustrate a baffle 66 that includes a nut plate 68 attached by rivets in a space-limiting region. The baffle 66 may be described as having an first panel 66A and a second panel 66B. The first panel 66A (FP) includes an FP inner radial flange 70, an FP outer radial flange 72, and an FP shoulder section 74 that extends between the FP inner and outering radial flanges. The FP outer flange includes a plurality of nut plate aperture patterns 76. Each nut plate aperture pattern 76 includes a center fastener aperture 76A disposed between a pair of rivet apertures 76B. The second panel 66B (SP) includes a SP inner radial flange 78, a SP outer radial flange 80, and a SP shoulder section 82 that extends between the SP inner and outering radial flanges 78, 80. The SP outer radial flange 80 includes a rim section 84 that extends substantially perpendicular to the SP outer radial flange 80. The first and second panels 66A, 66B may each be formed from a thin metallic substrate; e.g., in the thickness range of sheet metal - about 0.02 inches (0.508mm) to about 0.25 inches (6.35mm). After the first and second panels 66A, 66B are joined to one another, the distal end 86 (se FIG. 7) of the SP outer radial flange rim section 84 is separated from the FP outer radial flange 72 by a gap ("G"). Also after the first and second panels 66A, 66B are joined to one another, the combined structure may be subject to a heat treating process at an elevated temperature. The heat treatment elevated temperature may be above a high temperature limit for the nut plate 68. Consequently, the nut plate 68 must be attached to the FP outer radial flange 72 after the first and second panels 66A, 66B are joined together (and subjected to the heat treatment), and access to the FP outer radial flange 72 is limited by the gap ("G"). As stated above, a conventional "C' or "U" shaped riveting yoke cannot be used due to the space limitations between the FP outer radial flange 72 and the SP outer radial flange 80, and the gap "G". The present disclosure yoke 20 is configured to permit the riveting process and thereby provides a solution to the space limitations.
To be clear, the exemplary baffle structure described above is provided as an example of a structure with which the present disclosure yoke 20 provides considerable utility. The present disclosure is not limited to use therewith.
Referring to FIGS. 10-10B, a nut plate 68 is shown that includes a base panel 88 and a fastener nut 90. The fastener nut 90 is attached to the base panel 88 by a pair of attachment flanges 92 that extend out from the base panel 88 and are crimped over to secure the fastener nut 90 to base panel 88. In the nut plate 68 embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and 10A, the base panel 88 includes a centrally located fastener aperture 94 and a rivet aperture 96 disposed on each side of the fastener aperture 94. In the nut plate 68 embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, the base panel 88 includes a centrally located fastener aperture 94 and a rivet aperture 96 that includes a pair of angled tabs 98 on opposing sides. FIG. 10B is a sectional view to facilitate the view of the tabs 98 that accompany the rivet aperture 96. In both of the nut plate 68 examples shown in FIGS. 10-10B, the fastener nut 90 is aligned with fastener aperture 94 to allow a fastener to extend through the fastener aperture 94 for access to the fastener nut 90. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular nut plate 68 configuration. Moreover, the present disclosure yoke 20 may be used to rivet components other than a nut plate 68.
Referring to FIGS. 11, 11A, and 12, a portion of a present disclosure yoke 20 is shown disposed between the FP outer radial flange 72 and the SP outer radial flange 80. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the anvil segment 56 extends through the gap ("G") disposed between the FP outer radial flange 72 and the distal end 86 of the SP outer radial flange rim section 84, and is aligned with the nut plate 68. In FIG. 11, the actuator ram 24 can be seen extending through the actuator ram aperture 62 disposed within the yoke 20 and the ram 24 is disposed in a partially extended position (or conversely a partially retracted position). In FIG. 11A, the actuator ram 24 can be seen extending through the actuator ram aperture 62 disposed within the yoke 20 and is disposed in a fully extended position. In FIGS. 11 and 11A, the anvil segment 56 is disposed on the opposite side of the fastener nut 90; i.e., the fastener nut 90 partially obscures the anvil segment 56. FIG. 12 diagrammatically illustrates the left hand version of the yoke 20, 20A disposed on one side of the fastener nut 90, with the anvil segment 56 aligned with the rivet aperture 96 (e.g., see FIG. 10) of the nut plate 68, the right hand version of the yoke 20, 20B disposed on the opposite side of the fastener nut 90, with the anvil segment 56 aligned with the opposite rivet aperture 96. In FIG. 12, the second panel 66B is removed to facilitate the view of the anvil segments 56 relative to the nut plate 68 and the first panel 66A. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the asymmetric anvil segment 56 configuration (with the portion of the anvil segment 56 adjacent the first lateral side 50 of the yoke 20 removed) provides clearance for the fastener nut 90.
During the riveting process, the actuator ram 24 may be actuated linearly until it engages the first panel 66A (and a rivet disposed in a rivet aperture 96) and the anvil segment 56 is in contact with the distal end of the rivet. Force applied by the actuator 22 will decrease the separation distance between the ram 24 and the anvil segment 56; i.e., the anvil segment 56 will be drawn towards the ram 24. The ram 24 travel causes the rivet segment engaged with the anvil segment 56 (i.e., the distal end of the rivet and a portion of the rivet adjacent thereto) to deform and thereby secure the nut plate 68 to the first panel 66A. The amount of force required to deform the rivet may depend on the configuration of the rivet and/or the material of the rivet. In many instances, the force required to deform the rivet is substantial. As a result, the yoke 20 is subject to significant force. For example, in a conventional C-shaped or U-shaped yoke, the force applied by the actuator 22 may cause the C-shaped or U-shaped yoke to elastically (or plastically) deform by increasing the opening of the "C' or the "U". The present disclosure yoke 20 is advantageously configured to substantially mitigate or avoid any elastic deflection in most applications. As can be seen in FIGS. 2-3A, the depth of the cavity 60 ("CD") of the present disclosure yoke 20 may be chosen based on the application at hand (e.g., only as deep as required) and the remainder of the yoke 20 is substantial and solid (in contrast to a C-shaped or U-shaped yoke). For example, embodiments of the present disclosure yoke 20 may have a width ("W") that is equal to or greater than twice the depth of the cavity 60; i.e., W ≥ 2CD. In addition, the cavity 60 includes a substantial gusset portion (e.g., see the gusset surface 60C extending between the AS base surface 56B and the cavity inner surface 60B) that adds substantially mechanical integrity to the yoke 20. Still further, the anvil segment 56 may be configured so that the AS top surface 56A extends above the top side surface 42 of the yoke 20 by the distance ("AS1") to further increase the mechanical integrity of the yoke 20.
FIG. 13 diagrammatically illustrates the nut plate 68 embodiment shown in FIG. 10B with a rivet 100 having a tapered head. In FIG. 13, the riveting process is complete with the distal end of the rivet deformed to secure the nut plate 68 to the first panel 66A. The angled tabs 98 of the rivet aperture 96 provide a void that allows the tapered head of the rivet 100 to deform a portion of the first plate 66A surrounding the rivet aperture 96 inwardly into the void, thereby leaving a flush mounted rivet head. As indicated herein, the nut plate 68 and rivet configuration examples shown in the Figures and described herein are provided to illustrate the utility of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.
The present disclosure yoke 20 is described herein as being utilized with an actuator 22 having a single ram 24. It is contemplated that an actuator 22 may be configured to permit attachment of both the left and right hand versions of the present disclosure yoke 20 (e.g., as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 12) and utilize a single ram 24 to deform both rivets, or include a first ram positioned to engage one of the rivets and a second ram positioned to engage the other rivet.
FIG. 14 diagrammatically illustrates a retainer plate 102 that may be utilized with the present disclosure yoke 20. The retainer plate 102 includes a fastener aperture 104 that allows the retainer plate 102 to be fastened to the fastener nut of the nut plate 68. The retainer plate 102 is disposed on the side of the FP outer radial flange 72 opposite the nut plate 68. The fastener extends through the retainer plate 102 and is threadedly engaged with the fastener nut 90 of the nut plate 68. The retainer plate 102 is configured to cover the rivets disposed within the rivet apertures 96 disposed within the FP outer radial flange 72 prior to being deformed. Hence, the retainer plate 102 is configured to hold the rivets in place prior to being deformed using the actuator 22 and yoke 20, thereby facilitating the nut plate 68 installation process.
While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
It is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a block diagram, etc. Although any one of these structures may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc.
The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to one or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "comprising a specimen" includes single or plural specimens and is considered equivalent to the phrase "comprising at least one specimen." The term "or" refers to a single element of stated alternative elements or a combination of two or more elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, "comprises" means "includes." Thus, "comprising A or B," means "including A or B, or A and B," without excluding additional elements.
It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the present description and drawings (the contents of which are included in this disclosure by way of reference). It is noted that these connections are general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option.
No element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the disclosures may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present application. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts, and features of the disclosures--such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices, and components, and so on--may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts, or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present application even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. For example, in the exemplary embodiments described above within the Detailed Description portion of the present specification, elements may be described as individual units and shown as independent of one another to facilitate the description. In alternative embodiments, such elements may be configured as combined elements. It is further noted that various method or process steps for embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. The description may present method and/or process steps as a particular sequence. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the description should not be construed as a limitation.

Claims

A riveting yoke (20), comprising:
a body (28) having a height (H) extending between a base side surface (44) and a top side surface (42), a width (W) extending between a first end surface (46) and a second end surface (48), and a thickness (T) extending between a first lateral side surface (50) and a second lateral side surface (52);

an anvil segment (AS) (56) having an AS top surface (56A) and an AS base surface (56B); and

a cavity (60) disposed in the first end surface (46), the cavity (60) defined by a cavity base surface (60A), a cavity inner surface (60B), a gusset surface (60C), and the AS base surface (56B), wherein the gusset surface (60C) extends from the cavity inner surface (60B) to the AS base surface (56B), and the cavity base surface (60A) is opposite the AS base surface (56B) and a distance between the cavity base surface (60A) and the AS base surface (56B) defines an opening of the cavity (60).
The riveting yoke (20) of claim 1, wherein the anvil segment (56) has an AS width, and the AS width is less than the width (W) of the body (28).
The riveting yoke (20) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the anvil segment (56) has an AS inner lateral surface (56C) and an AS outer lateral surface (56D), and the AS inner lateral surface (56C) and the AS outer lateral surface (56D) extend between the AS top surface (56A) and the AS base surface (56B), and the AS outer lateral surface (56D) is co-planar with the first lateral side surface (50) of the body (28).
The riveting yoke (20) of any preceding claim, wherein the AS top surface (56A) is separated from the top side surface (42) of the body (28).
The riveting yoke (20) of any preceding claim, wherein the top side surface (42) of the body (28) is spaced apart from the base side surface (44) of the body (28) by a first distance, and the AS top surface (56A) is spaced apart from the base side surface (44) of the body (28) by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.
The riveting yoke (20) of any preceding claim, wherein the body (28) includes an actuator ram aperture (62) extending from the base side surface (44) of the body (28) to the AS base surface (56B), optionally wherein the actuator ram aperture (62) extends along a central axis (64) and the central axis (64) is aligned with the anvil segment (56).
The riveting yoke (20) of any preceding claim, wherein the second lateral side surface (52) is planar.
The riveting yoke (20) of any preceding claim, wherein the first lateral side (FLS) surface (50) of the body (28) is a stepped configuration that includes a first FLS surface (50A) and a second FLS surface (50B).
The riveting yoke (20) of claim 8, wherein:
the first FLS surface (50A) extends in a height wise direction from the top side surface (42) of the body (28) to the second FLS surface (50B), and the second FLS surface (50B) extends in the height wise direction from the base side surface (44) of the body (28) to the first FLS surface (50A); and/or

the thickness (T) of the body (28) includes a first thickness extending between the first FLS surface (50A) to the second lateral side surface (52), and a second thickness extending between the second FLS surface (50B) to the second lateral side surface (52), and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.
The riveting yoke (20) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the anvil segment (56) has an or the AS width, and the AS width is less than the width of the body (28); and
wherein the anvil segment (56) has an or the AS inner lateral surface (56C) and an or the AS outer lateral surface (56D), and the AS inner lateral surface (56C) and the AS outer lateral surface (56D) extends between the AS top surface (56A) and the AS base surface (56B), and the AS outer lateral surface (56D) is co-planar with the first FLS surface (50A).
The riveting yoke (20) of any preceding claim, wherein:
the body (28) is rectangularly shaped; and/or

the body (28) includes a plurality of fastener apertures (54) extending between the first lateral side surface (50) and the second lateral side surface (52).
A riveting yoke (20), comprising:
a body (28) having a height (H) extending between a base side (38) and a top side (40), a width (W) extending between a first end (34) and a second end (36), and a thickness (T) extending between a first lateral side (30) and a second lateral side (32);

an anvil segment (AS) (56) disposed proximate to the top side (40) and the first end (34), wherein the anvil segment (56) has an AS width, and the AS width is less than the width of the body (28); and

a cavity (60) disposed in the first end surface (46), the cavity (60) defined by a cavity base surface (60A), a cavity inner surface (60B), a gusset surface (60C), and the anvil segment (56), wherein the gusset surface (60C) extends from the cavity inner surface (60B) to the anvil segment (56), and the cavity base surface (60A) is opposite the anvil segment (56).
The riveting yoke (20) of claim 12, wherein the anvil segment (56) has an AS inner lateral surface (56C) and an AS outer lateral surface (56D), and the AS inner lateral surface (56C) and the AS outer lateral surface (56D) extend between an AS top surface (56A) and an AS base surface (56B), and the AS outer lateral surface (56D) is co-planar with a first lateral side surface (50) of the body (28), optionally wherein the body (28) includes an actuator ram aperture (62) extending from the base side surface (44) of the body (28) to the AS base surface (56B), and wherein the actuator ram aperture (62) extends along a central axis (64) and the central axis (64) is aligned with the anvil segment (56).
The riveting yoke of claim 13, wherein the AS top surface (56A) is separated from a top side surface (42) of the body (28), optionally wherein the top side surface (42) of the body (28) is spaced apart from a base side surface (44) of the body (28) by a first distance, and the AS top surface (56A) is spaced apart from the base side surface (44) of the body (28) by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.
The riveting yoke (20) of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein a or the first lateral side (FLS) surface (50) of the body (28) is a stepped configuration that includes a first FLS surface (50A) and a second FLS surface (50B); and
wherein the first FLS surface (50A) extends in a height wise direction from a or the top side surface (42) of the body (28) to the second FLS surface (50B), and the second FLS surface (50B) extends in the height wise direction from a or the base side surface (44) of the body (28) to the first FLS surface (50A); and

wherein the thickness (T) of the body (28) includes a first thickness extending between the first FLS surface (50A) to a second lateral side surface (52), and a second thickness extending between the second FLS surface (50B) to the second lateral side surface (52), and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.