Apparatuses and methods for applying viscous material to a fastener

One example of the present disclosure relates to a daubing device for applying viscous material to a fastener. The daubing device comprises a housing comprising a first internal face and a second internal face, separated from the first internal face by a longitudinal distance L. The daubing device further comprises a dispenser between the first internal face and the second internal face of the housing. The dispenser comprises a flexible wall. The daubing device also comprises a pressure-application device between the dispenser and the second internal face of the housing.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft and other vehicles utilize fasteners in fuel tanks and other areas in which electromagnetic effect (EME) phenomena, e.g. lightning strikes, are a concern. To protect against EME phenomena, seals are conventionally installed over the fasteners to satisfy electrical-insulation and other sealing requirements. Regulations provide specific parameters for the geometry and consistency of such seals.

Manually applying the sealant with a conventional daubing gun may result in non-uniform seals containing varying volumes of sealant. Moreover, conventional daubing guns used to apply the sealant often utilize compressed air for sealant ejection. The compressed air may mix with the sealant, introducing air bubbles into the sealant. Air bubbles remaining in the sealant after curing create voids that negatively affect the EME protection capabilities of the seal, requiring replacement or correction.

Seal caps are often used instead of manually applying the sealant. Seal caps include exterior shells filled with viscous sealant. Each seal cap is pressed over a fastener until sealant is squeezed out of the shell. Squeeze out must be removed or smoothed, which increases cycle time and potential for time-consuming rework. Moreover, air may become trapped underneath the shell, which is undesirable for the reasons explained above.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, apparatuses and methods, intended to address the above-identified concerns, would find utility.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a daubing device for applying a viscous material to a fastener. The daubing device comprises a housing comprising a first internal face and a second internal face, separated from the first internal face by a longitudinal distance L. The daubing device further comprises a dispenser between the first internal face and the second internal face of the housing. The dispenser comprises a flexible wall. The daubing device also comprises a pressure-application device between the dispenser and the second internal face of the housing.

Another example of the present disclosure relates to a method of applying a viscous material to a fastener. The method comprises deforming a flexible wall of a dispenser located within a housing by expanding a pressure-application device within the housing. The method further comprises expelling viscous material from the dispenser responsive to deforming the flexible wall of the dispenser located within the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIG. 1, referred to above, solid lines, if any, connecting various elements and/or components may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinations thereof. As used herein, “coupled” means associated directly as well as indirectly. For example, a member A may be directly associated with a member B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via another member C. It will be understood that not all relationships between the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the block diagrams may also exist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting the various elements and/or components represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplings represented by the dashed lines may either be selectively provided or may relate to alternative or optional examples of the present disclosure. Likewise, elements and/or components, if any, represented with dashed lines, indicate alternative or optional examples of the present disclosure. Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dotted lines. Virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown for clarity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the features illustrated inFIG. 1may be combined in various ways without the need to include other features described inFIG. 1, other drawing figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein.

InFIGS. 9 and 10, referred to above, the blocks may represent operations and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof.FIGS. 9 and 10and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the method(s) set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed.

Reference herein to “one example” means that one or more feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one implementation. The phrase “one example” in various places in the specification may or may not be referring to the same example.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below.

Referring e.g., toFIGS. 1, 2A-2D, and 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 1 of the present disclosure. Example 1 relates to daubing device100for applying viscous material to fastener604. Daubing device100comprises housing102comprising first internal face102A and second internal face102B, separated from first internal face102A by longitudinal distance L. Daubing device100further comprises dispenser104between first internal face102A and second internal face102B of housing102. Dispenser104comprises flexible wall210. Daubing device also comprises pressure-application device108between dispenser104and second internal face102B of housing102.

Dispenser104contains viscous material106. Viscous material106may be, for example, Polysulfide or comparable sealant such as PR-1776, a Class B, low weight, fuel tank sealant commercially available from PRC-DeSoto International, Inc., 12780 San Fernando Road, Sylmar, Calif. 91342. Viscous material106may include two or more parts, such as Part A and Part B, which are pre-mixed and inserted into dispenser104. When filling dispenser104with viscous material106for use with daubing device100, a vacuum may be applied to dispenser104to remove all air from within dispenser104so that only viscous material106remains. Removing air from the dispenser104ensures continuity and consistency of the viscous material106when applied to a fastener604in order to prevent voids from forming in viscous material106when cured.

Dispenser104and pressure-application device108are linearly arranged adjacent to one another between first internal face102A and second internal face102B of housing102. Flexible wall210of dispenser104allows for compression of at least a portion of dispenser104in response to a force applied by pressure-application device108. Upon expansion of pressure-application device108, flexible wall210moves, collapses, or stretches. Due to the physical constraints of the walls (including first internal face102A and second internal face102B) of housing102, an internal volume of dispenser104decreases as the flexible wall210moves, collapses, or stretches, forcing viscous material106out of dispenser104. Referring e.g. toFIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, in various examples of the present disclosure, flexible wall210may include all walls of dispenser104, or may include one or more walls of dispenser104, such as a wall adjacent to pressure-application device108.

Referring e.g. toFIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, in one example of the present disclosure, daubing device100comprises de-coupler230. De-coupler230may include threads or other suitable coupling or de-coupling mechanism for accessing an interior space of housing102for installation and removal of dispenser104. For example, a user may unscrew a front portion of housing102at via threads (de-coupler230) to install dispenser104filled with viscous material106prior to using daubing device100, and subsequently unscrew the de-coupler230for removal of dispenser104after use of daubing device100.

Referring e.g. toFIGS. 1, 2A-2D, and 8A-8C, in one example of the present disclosure, housing102of daubing device100may comprise grip206. Grip206allows a user to efficiently support daubing device102while accessing activation mechanism114for selectively applying viscous material106to one or more fasteners604.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 3A-3C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 2 of the present disclosure. In example 2, which includes the subject matter of example 1, when dispenser104is in filled state302, pressure-application device108is in collapsed state304, and when dispenser104is in empty state306, pressure-application device108is in distended state308. In filled state302, dispenser104has longitudinal dimension Dmax, and in empty state306, dispenser104has longitudinal dimension Dmin. In distended state308, pressure-application device108has longitudinal dimension Pmax, and in collapsed state304, pressure-application device108has longitudinal dimension Pmin. Longitudinal dimension Dmaxis greater than longitudinal dimension Dminand longitudinal dimension Pmaxis greater than longitudinal dimension Pmin. A sum of longitudinal dimension Pmaxand longitudinal dimension Dminequals longitudinal distance L between first internal face102A and second internal face102B (FIG. 3C).

In filled state302, dispenser104contains viscous material106. With dispenser104in filled state302, pressure-application device108is in collapsed state304, e.g. prior to inflation. Similarly, when pressure-application device108is in distended state308, e.g. after inflation, dispenser104is in empty state306. Empty state306may occur when dispenser104is at least partially collapsed or compressed, having expelled at least a portion of viscous material106from dispenser104.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIG. 3A, the instant paragraph pertains to example 3 of the present disclosure. In example 3, which includes the subject matter of example 2, a sum of longitudinal dimension Dmaxand longitudinal dimension Pminequals longitudinal distance L between first internal face102A and second internal face102B.

According to this example, dispenser104is in filled state302, such as when dispenser104is full of viscous material106and loaded into housing102of daubing device100with longitudinal dimension Dmax. Pressure-application device108is in collapsed state304, having a longitudinal dimension Pmin. In this example, pressure-application device108abuts dispenser104such that any expansion of pressure-application device108applies pressure to dispenser104to expel viscous material106. Activation of pressure-application device108via activation mechanism114described below will initiate compression of dispenser104without any substantial delay since a sum of the longitudinal dimension Pminand the longitudinal dimension Dmaxis equivalent to the longitudinal distance L between first internal face102A and second internal face102B. An increase to the longitudinal dimension Pmininitiates a decrease in the longitudinal dimension Dmax.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIG. 3B, the instant paragraph pertains to example 4 of the present disclosure. In example 4, which includes the subject matter of example 2, a sum of longitudinal dimension Dmaxand longitudinal dimension Pminis less than longitudinal distance L between first internal face102A and second internal face102B.

According to this example, pressure-application device108is adjacent to, but does not abut, dispenser104. Air may be removed from internal space212of pressure-application device108via relief outlet220or means508for retracting pressure-application device108to a degree in which a sum of the longitudinal dimension Dmaxand the longitudinal dimension Pminis less than the longitudinal distance L between first internal face102A and second internal face102B. One benefit of this example is to allow for simplified installation of dispenser104within housing102via de-coupler230. As a gap may exist between dispenser104and pressure-application device108in this example, there is no force from the pressure-application device108acting on the dispenser104during installation as the housing102is threaded together or otherwise coupled.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1, 3A-3C, 6A, and 6B, and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2C and 2D, the instant paragraph pertains to example 5 of the present disclosure. In example 5, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-4, pressure-application device108comprises pressure-application bellows108B linearly expandable from longitudinal dimension Pminto longitudinal dimension Pmax.

According to this example, pressure-application bellows108B is linearly expandable within housing102. By linearly expanding away from the fixed second internal face102B, pressure-application bellows108B applies a force against flexible wall210of dispenser104to compress dispenser104against the fixed first internal face102A and expel viscous material106(FIGS. 2C, 2D).

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B, the instant paragraph pertains to example 6 of the present disclosure. In example 6, which includes the subject matter of example 5, daubing device100comprises means508for retracting pressure-application bellows108B from the longitudinal dimension Pmaxto the longitudinal dimension Pmin.

As used herein, means408and means508are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless otherwise explicitly stated. It should be noted that examples provided herein of any structure, material, or act in support of any means-plus-function clause, and equivalents thereof, may be utilized individually or in combination. Thus, while various structures, materials, or acts may be described in connection with a means-plus-function clause, any combination thereof or of their equivalents is contemplated in support of such means-plus-function clause.

Moreover, the means508may alternatively include resilient material forming the pressure-application bellows108B such that the resilient material is biased in the collapsed state304(FIG. 7A). Upon expansion of pressure-application bellows108B to distended state308(FIG. 7B), the resilient material stretches, creating a retraction force that, upon release of the air within internal space212of pressure-application bellows108B via relief outlet220, returns pressure-application bellows108B to collapsed state304. The resilient material may include an elastomer, a stretch fabric or synthetic fabric such as spandex, neoprene, elastane, polyurethane, nylon, Teflon coated fiberglass, hypalon coated nylon, or neoprene coated nylon.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1, 2A-2D, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7Band particularly to e.g.FIGS. 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 7 of the present disclosure. In example 7, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 5-6, daubing device100further comprises air inlet202capable of being in fluid communication with internal space212within pressure-application bellows108B. Daubing device100also comprises activation mechanism114capable of selectively enabling fluid communication between air inlet202and internal space212within pressure-application bellows108B.

Air inlet202may include any tube, conduit, or pathway allowing for fluid communication between an external air source and internal space212of pressure-application bellows108B. According to one example, air inlet202includes a quick-disconnect fitting as conventionally used for connecting pneumatic equipment to a compressed air source. Activation mechanism114may be any mechanical or electromechanical mechanism that selectively opens and closes the air pathway from an external air source to internal space212via air inlet202. For example, activation mechanism114may include a finger-operated trigger that is electrically and/or mechanically connected to a valve that operates in response to pulling the trigger to open air inlet202(FIG. 8C) to allow for external air to flow into internal space212and expand pressure-application device108, and in response to releasing the trigger to close air inlet202to prevent external air from flowing through air inlet202and prevent further expansion.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 and 3A-3C, and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2A and 2B, the instant paragraph pertains to example 8 of the present disclosure. In example 8, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-4, pressure-application device108comprises balloon mechanism108A expandable from longitudinal dimension Pminto longitudinal dimension Pmax.

According to this example, balloon mechanism108A is expandable within housing102. Balloon mechanism108A may not only expand linearly like pressure-application bellows108B describe above, but also three-dimensionally. However, because balloon mechanism108A is constrained by the walls of housing102, balloon mechanism108A expands linearly away from second internal face102B, applying a force against flexible wall210of dispenser104to compress dispenser104against first internal face102A and expel viscous material106(FIGS. 2A, 2B).

Referring generally toFIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 9 of the present disclosure. In example 9, which includes the subject matter of example 8, balloon mechanism108A comprises balloon walls250that are flexible.

As described above, balloon mechanism108A expands in three-dimensions, filling housing102and compressing dispenser104. This three-dimensional expansion is provided for by balloon walls250being flexible. As used herein, “flexible” means non-rigid. A flexible wall is one that may be capable of bending easily without breaking. A flexible wall may or may not be stretchable or resilient.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 10 of the present disclosure. In example 10, which includes the subject matter of example 9, balloon walls250are stretchable.

As used herein, “stretchable” means resilient or capable of recoiling or springing back into shape after bending or stretching. This characteristic allows the balloon mechanism108A to return to the longitudinal dimension Pminafter expanding, releasing air from internal space212through relief outlet220. In doing so, balloon mechanism108A is prepared for further expansion during a subsequent use.

Referring generally toFIG. 1, 2A-2D, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7Band particularly to e.g.FIGS. 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 11 of the present disclosure. In example 11, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 8-10, daubing device100further comprises air inlet202capable of being in fluid communication with internal space212within balloon mechanism108A. Daubing device100also comprises activation mechanism114capable of selectively enabling fluid communication between air inlet202and internal space212within balloon mechanism108A.

As previously described, air inlet202provides a pathway between an external air source and internal space212of pressure-application device108. According to this example, air inlet202provides fluid communication with internal space212of balloon mechanism108A upon activation of activation mechanism114. Activation mechanism114may be any mechanical or electromechanical mechanism that selectively opens and closes the air pathway from an external air source to internal space212via air inlet202.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2A and 2C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 12 of the present disclosure. In example 12, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-11, dispenser104comprises pouch104A.

Pouch104A may include one or more pouch walls240that are flexible. In this example, flexible wall210may include all pouch walls240so that the entire surface of pouch104A is collapsible. Alternatively, pouch walls240may include a single wall adjacent to pressure-application device108that is flexible wall210.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2A and 2C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 13 of the present disclosure. In example 13, which includes the subject matter of example 12, pouch104A comprises pouch walls240that are flexible and not stretchable.

According to one example, pouch walls240are flexible in that they may bend and collapse or compress. However, according to this example, pouch walls240are not stretchable in that they do not return to an original shape when compressed.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2B and 2D, the instant paragraph pertains to example 14 of the present disclosure. In example 14, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-11, dispenser104comprises dispenser bellows104B.

According to this example, dispenser bellows104B is linearly compressible within housing102. By linearly compressing toward the fixed first internal face102A, dispenser bellows104B is compressed to expel viscous material106.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 15 of the present disclosure. In example 15, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 1-14, daubing device100further comprises nozzle122in fluid communication with dispenser104. Nozzle122has an adjustable length.

According to one example, nozzle122is coupled at nozzle inlet124to dispenser104via coupling mechanism208. Coupling mechanism208may include threads or any other mechanism for mechanically coupling nozzle122to dispenser104. Nozzle122and dispenser104are in fluid communication with one another to allow a pathway for viscous material106from dispenser104through nozzle outlet128of nozzle122.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2A-2D, the instant paragraph pertains to example 16 of the present disclosure. In example 16, which includes the subject matter of example 15, nozzle122is detachable from dispenser104.

As discussed, coupling mechanism208may include threads or any other mechanism for mechanically coupling nozzle122to dispenser104. According to this example, coupling mechanism208allows nozzle122to be detachable. In doing so, nozzle122may be detached for removal of dispenser104when empty and reattached to a full dispenser104.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 and 2A-2Dand particularly to e.g.FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, the instant paragraph pertains to example 17 of the present disclosure. In example 17, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 15-16, nozzle122comprises nozzle inlet124, nozzle bellows126, and nozzle outlet128.

Nozzle inlet124is attached to dispenser104at one end of nozzle bellows126. Nozzle outlet128is positioned at an end of nozzle bellows126opposite nozzle inlet124. Nozzle bellows126defines a linearly expandable and compressible pathway for viscous material106from nozzle inlet124to nozzle outlet126.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, the instant paragraph pertains to example 18 of the present disclosure. In example 18, which includes the subject matter of example 17, daubing device100further comprises means408for expanding nozzle bellows126from compressed configuration406to distended configuration404.

Means408for expanding nozzle bellows126from compressed configuration406to distended configuration404may include a spring encompassing the concertinaed sides of the nozzle bellows126and biased to distended configuration404(FIG. 4A). Upon compression of nozzle bellows126to compressed configuration406(FIG. 4B), the spring compresses, creating an expansion force that, upon release of user-applied pressure to aligner132, returns nozzle bellows126to distended configuration404. The spring may be a coil spring, one or more conical or undulating washers, such as a Belleville washer, or still another mechanical, metallic, or resilient elastomeric spring arrangement. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the spring, the means408may include a gas spring or a magnetic repulsion arrangement. The means408may include an active or powered element, such as a solenoid device, or electromagnetic field, pressurized fluid, or a finger, lever, gear, wedge, or other mechanical element moved under power to extend the nozzle bellows126to the distended configuration404.

Moreover, the means408may alternatively include resilient material forming the nozzle bellows126such that the resilient material is biased in the distended configuration404(FIG. 5A). Upon compression of nozzle bellows126to compressed configuration406(FIG. 5B), the resilient material compresses, creating an expansion force that, upon release of the user-applied pressure to aligner132, returns nozzle bellows126to distended configuration404. The resilient material may include an elastomer, a stretch fabric or synthetic fabric such as spandex, neoprene, elastane, polyurethane, nylon, Teflon coated fiberglass, hypalon coated nylon, or neoprene coated nylon.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 19 of the present disclosure. In example 19, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 17-18, daubing device100further comprises biasing tube130attached to housing102. Nozzle122is inside biasing tube130and is movable relative to biasing tube130.

According to one example, biasing tube130is rigid and attached at one end to housing102, with aligner end608opposite the housing102. Biasing tube130has a diameter larger than a diameter of nozzle122and encompasses nozzle bellows126.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 20 of the present disclosure. In example 20, which includes the subject matter of example 19, daubing device100further comprises aligner132attached to nozzle outlet128. Aligner132is sized to engage one or more outer surfaces606of fastener604and comprises surfaces214that contact biasing tube130and diverge radially outward from nozzle outlet128with nozzle bellows126in distended configuration404.

According to this example, aligner132is attached to nozzle outlet128so that it is linearly moveable with the nozzle outlet128along an axis extending centrally through nozzle bellows126. Aligner132includes surfaces214that diverge radially outward from nozzle outlet128when nozzle bellows126is in distended configuration404. When nozzle126is in the compressed configuration406, or at some location while moving from distended configuration404to compressed configuration406, surfaces214of aligner132contact aligner end608of biasing tube130. Upon further compression of nozzle126, aligner end608of biasing tube130squeezes or otherwise forces surfaces214of aligner to close inwardly toward the axis extending centrally through nozzle bellows126to engage one or more outer surfaces606of fastener604to ensure proper centering and alignment prior to application of viscous material106. Aligner132additionally ensures that the proper dimensions of viscous material106is applied over fastener604.

Referring generally toFIGS. 8A-8Cand particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2A-2D, the instant paragraph pertains to example 21 of the present disclosure. In example 21, which includes the subject matter of example 20, surfaces214are longitudinally interconnected.

Surfaces214of aligner132are longitudinally interconnected at nozzle outlet128. In other words, each surface214abuts at least one other surface at the end that is attached to nozzle outlet128.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2A-2D, the instant paragraph pertains to example 22 of the present disclosure. In example 22, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 20-21, daubing device100further comprises agitator134vibrationally coupled to aligner132.

According to this example, agitator134is vibrationally coupled to aligner132. Agitator134is a device that is capable of producing vibrations. Being vibrationally coupled to aligner132means that agitator134is coupled to aligner132or to any portion of daubing device100in which vibrations from agitator134are transmitted to aligner132. The vibrations from agitator134facilitate separation of viscous material106from aligner132after viscous material106has been distributed around fastener604. The shape, configuration, and positioning of agitator134is not limited to the depiction of agitator134shown in the figures.

Referring generally toFIG. 1and particularly to e.g.FIGS. 2A-2D, the instant paragraph pertains to example 23 of the present disclosure. In example 23, which includes the subject matter of example 22, agitator134is capable of selectively transmitting ultrasonic energy to aligner132.

According to this example, agitator134transmits ultrasonic energy to aligner132. The ultrasonic energy facilitates separation of viscous material106from aligner132. Agitator134will have a power source (not shown) for operation and may be selectively activated and deactivated. According to one example, activation mechanism114operates to activate agitator134during dispensing of viscous material106. A piezoelectric actuator may provide a source of power for agitator134to transmit ultrasonic energy to aligner132.

Various examples may be described with general reference toFIGS. 8A-8C, which depict daubing gun100prior to application of viscous material106over fastener604in structure602(FIG. 8A), during alignment over fastener604and compression of nozzle122(FIG. 8B), and during application of viscous material106from dispenser104, through nozzle126, and around fastener604(FIG. 8C). According to example 24, deforming flexible wall210of dispenser104by expanding pressure-application device108within housing102(block902) allows for compression of dispenser104and subsequent expelling of viscous material106from dispenser104(block904) without introducing air into viscous material106. Conventional daubing devices may input external air directly into the viscous material106to force it out of the daubing device. Doing so creates significant opportunities to trap air bubbles inside of the viscous material106, creating voids upon curing. In contrast, by utilizing pressure-application device108to deform flexible wall210of dispenser104in order to expel the viscous material106according to this example, the external air cannot come into contact with the viscous material106, which prevents air bubbles and resulting voids in the cured viscous material106around fastener604. Preventing air bubbles and associated voids in the cured viscous material106significantly reduces the time required to correct these deficiencies that are prevalent with conventional daubing methods.

Still referring generally toFIGS. 1 and 8A-8Cand particularly to e.g.FIG. 9, the instant paragraph pertains to example 25 of the present disclosure. In example 25, which includes the subject matter of example 24, pressure-application device108comprises balloon mechanism108A. Expanding pressure-application device108within housing102(block902) comprises inflating balloon mechanism108A with a fluid (block902A).

According to this example, pressure-application device108comprises balloon mechanism108A (FIGS. 2A, 2B). Expansion of balloon mechanism108A comprises inflating balloon mechanism108A with a fluid, e.g. external air (block902A).FIG. 8Cdepicts the expansion of pressure-application device108, such as balloon mechanism108A, through inflation with air via air inlet202. Alternatively, balloon mechanism108A could be filled with any other type of fluid, including but not limited to water, oil, hydraulic fluid, or any other type of gas or liquid. According to alternative examples in which the fluid comprises a liquid, air inlet202and relief outlet220may include input and output ports, respectively, that are fluidly coupled to a pump operative to pump the fluid into pressure-application device108to expand pressure-application device108and compress dispenser104, and to pump the fluid out of pressure-application device108to release the pressure of pressure-application device108from dispenser104.

Still referring generally toFIGS. 1, 2C, 2D, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7Band particularly to e.g.FIG. 9, the instant paragraph pertains to example 26 of the present disclosure. In example 26, which includes the subject matter of example 24, pressure-application device108comprises pressure-application bellows108B that is linearly expandable. Expanding pressure-application device108within housing102(block902) comprises inflating pressure-application bellows108B with a fluid (block902B).

Still referring generally toFIGS. 1, 2A, 2C, and 8A-8Cand particularly to e.g.FIG. 9, the instant paragraph pertains to example 27 of the present disclosure. In example 27, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 24-26, dispenser104comprises pouch104A. Expelling viscous material106from dispenser104located within housing102(block904) comprises collapsing pouch104A by deforming flexible wall210of pouch104A responsive to expanding pressure-application device108within housing102(block904A).

According to this example, dispenser104comprises pouch104A (FIGS. 2A, 2C). When pressure-application device108expands within housing102(FIG. 8C, block902), pouch104A collapses to expel viscous material106(FIG. 8C, block904A). By having pouch104A with flexible wall210, any force applied to pouch104A within the rigid constraints of the walls of housing102will cause flexible wall210to deform and collapse (block904A), efficiently expelling viscous material106from dispenser104without introducing air directly into viscous material106.

Still referring generally toFIGS. 1, 2B, and 2D, and particularly to e.g.FIG. 9, the instant paragraph pertains to example 28 of the present disclosure. In example 28, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 24-26, dispenser104comprises dispenser bellows104B (FIGS. 1, 2B, and 2D). Expelling viscous material106from dispenser104located within housing102(block904) comprises linearly compressing dispenser bellows104B by deforming flexible wall210of dispenser bellows104B responsive to expanding pressure-application device108within housing102(block904B).

According to this example, dispenser104comprises dispenser bellows104B (FIGS. 1, 2B, 2D). When pressure-application device108expands within housing102(block902), dispenser bellows104B collapses to expel viscous material106(block904B). By having dispenser bellows104B with flexible walls210, any force applied to dispenser bellows104B within the rigid constraints of the walls of housing102will cause flexible walls210of dispenser bellows104B to deform and linearly collapse (block904B), efficiently expelling viscous material106from dispenser104without introducing air directly into viscous material106.

Still referring generally toFIGS. 8A-8Cand particularly to e.g.FIG. 9, the instant paragraph pertains to example 29 of the present disclosure. In example 29, which includes the subject matter of any of examples 24-28, the method900further comprises aligning nozzle122relative to fastener604by engaging aligner132coupled to nozzle122with fastener604(block906). Nozzle122is in fluid communication with dispenser104and is located inside biasing tube130, coupled to housing102(FIGS. 8A-8C).

Still referring generally toFIGS. 8A-8Cand particularly to e.g.FIG. 9, the instant paragraph pertains to example 30 of the present disclosure. In example 30, which includes the subject matter of example 29, engaging aligner132with fastener604(block906) comprises positioning aligner132over fastener604(block906A), and advancing biasing tube130toward fastener604to establish contact between aligner132and structure602through which fastener604is secured to partially retract aligner132into biasing tube130until a plurality of surfaces214of aligner132contact one or more outer surfaces606of fastener604(block906B).

FIG. 8Ashows this example of positioning aligner132over fastener604.FIG. 8Bshows illustrates a user advancing biasing tube130toward fastener604to establish contact between aligner132and structure602. As seen inFIG. 8C, aligner is partially retracted into biasing tube103until surfaces214of aligner132contact outer surfaces606of fastener604. This engagement of aligner132with fastener604ensures proper centering and alignment of daubing gun100, and specifically of nozzle122, with respect to fastener604to provide optimal distribution of viscous material106.

Still referring generally toFIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 8B, and 8Cand particularly to e.g.FIG. 9, the instant paragraph pertains to example 31 of the present disclosure. In example 31, which includes the subject matter of example 30, partially retracting aligner132into biasing tube130(block906B) comprises compressing nozzle122lengthwise (block906C).

According to this example, aligner132is attached to nozzle outlet128so that it is linearly moveable with the nozzle outlet128along an axis extending centrally through nozzle bellows126. Biasing tube130is rigid and attached at one end to housing102, with aligner end608opposite the housing102. When nozzle126is moving from distended configuration404to compressed configuration406(FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 8B), nozzle122is being compressed lengthwise. As a result, surfaces214of aligner132contact aligner end608of biasing tube130. Upon further compression of nozzle126, aligner end608of biasing tube130squeezes or otherwise forces surfaces214of aligner to close inwardly toward the axis extending centrally through nozzle bellows126to engage one or more outer surfaces606of fastener604to ensure proper centering and alignment prior to application of viscous material106.

Referring e.g., toFIGS. 1, 2A-2D, and 8A-8C, the instant paragraph pertains to example 32 of the present disclosure. Example 32 relates to an aircraft comprising fastener604. Viscous material106is applied over fastener604according to any of examples 24-31.

Examples of the present disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method1100as shown inFIG. 10and aircraft1102as shown inFIG. 11. During pre-production, illustrative method1100may include specification and design (block1104) of aircraft1102and material procurement (block1106). During production, component and subassembly manufacturing (block1108) and system integration (block1110) of aircraft1102may take place. Thereafter, aircraft1102may go through certification and delivery (block1112) to be placed in service (block1114). While in service, aircraft1102may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service (block1116). Routine maintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of aircraft1102.

As shown inFIG. 11, aircraft1102produced by illustrative method1100may include airframe1118with a plurality of high-level systems1120and interior1122. Examples of high-level systems1120include one or more of propulsion system1124, electrical system1126, hydraulic system1128, and environmental system1130. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft1102, the principles disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc.

Apparatus(es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method1100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing1108may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft1102is in service. Also, one or more examples of the apparatus(es), method(s), or combination thereof may be utilized during production stages1108and1110, for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft1102. Similarly, one or more examples of the apparatus or method realizations, or a combination thereof, may be utilized, for example and without limitation, while aircraft1102is in service, e.g., maintenance and service stage (block1116).

Many modifications of examples set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific examples presented and that modifications and other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in the context of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims.