Product category:
Fasteners, threaded and non-threaded
News Release from: Moeller Manufacturing | Subject: ASD
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 25 September 2002
Self-locking device speeds airframe
maintenance
The reliability and maintainability of new-generation aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and the F-22 Raptor have been improved with the use of the ASD advanced self-locking device.
The reliability and maintainability of new-generation aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and the F-22 Raptor have been improved with the use of the ASD advanced self-locking device This new technology is used in place of lockwire (safety wire), tab washers, cotter pins etc to keep critical fasteners from loosening
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 4 Nov 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Moeller Manufacturing has added 100-cycle ASD locknuts to its line of self-locking fasteners.
Locking device keeps constant torque with re-use
Standard and specialised plugs and other products incorporating the FlexThread locking device are available from Moeller Manufacturing.
Plugs lock into F135 engines
Moeller has completed and shipped the first production lot of Click-Loc borescope plugs and locks for the Pratt and Whitney F135 engine.
Moeller Manufacturing provides tube coupling nuts, borescope plugs, and other engine and airframe components, which now incorporate this technology.
Designing for maintainability has found favour among the airframe and engine OEMs in response to customer demands for improved equipment usage.
Replacing lockwire every time an aircraft is serviced costs airlines millions of dollars per year in lost revenue due to downtime.
Also, lockwire and the other disposable locking features can be a source of foreign object damage (FOD) when loose or cut pieces are ingested into the engine.
The Moeller ASD has been proven an effective alternative, reducing downtime and FOD problems in both commercial and military aircraft applications.
To activate the ASD the technician simply tightens the fastener with a wrench as per normal practice.
The ASD automatically activates approximately two turns prior to the fastener reaching its final tightened position.
Once the fastener is fully tightened there is nothing else to do so maintenance actions can be done quicker and downtime costs are reduced.
Since there are no loose parts, wire pieces to get lost or bendable tabs to break off the chances of FOD attributable to maintenance actions are greatly reduced.
The ASD was designed in response to customer "wish list" requirements and perfected by concurrent engineering efforts between Moeller and its customers.
Some of these customer wish list requirements included re-usability up to 100 cycles, temperature capability up to 1200F, intuitive operation, and visual verification of function.
The ASD has met these various requirements and is now being used by most jet aircraft engine manufacturers worldwide.
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