The invention relates to a processing installation for aircraft structural components (2) having at least one processing station (3, 4), wherein the processing station (3, 4) has a clamping frame (7, 8) which extends along a longitudinal station axis (5, 6) for receiving the aircraft structural component (2) which is intended to be processed in each case and a processing unit (9, 10), preferably a riveting unit, for processing the aircraft structural component (2) and wherein the clamping frame (7, 8) is articulated so as to be adjustable in terms of height and pivotable to two positioning towers (11, 12) which are arranged in a vertical tower plane (13). It is proposed that there be provided transversely relative to the tower plane (13) a transverse offset of the clamping frame (7, 8) which enables an aircraft structural component (2) to be loaded onto and/or unloaded from the clamping frame (7, 8) along the tower plane (13) and at least one positioning tower (11, 12) to be passed laterally.

Apparatus (20, 22) and a method for mechanically joining a steel sheet portion (28 or 32) of advanced high strength steel to a metallic sheet portion (30 or 34) is performed to a light-safe extent by a detector assembly (106) during the mechanical joining that may be clinching, clinch riveting, full-punch riveting or self-piercing riveting.

The present disclosure relates a rivet body, including a rivet head and a rivet shank, composed of a different material than a mandrel used for insertion into a workpiece(s), the mandrel including a mandrel shaft and a mandrel cap. The rivet body receives the mandrel shaft, including the mandrel cap, through the rivet shank. The mandrel shaft is received by the installation tool, which rotates the rivet body, and the mandrel cap locally deforms workpieces(s) through friction riveting to install the rivet body. During the friction riveting, the fast-rotating rivet body is pushed into the workpiece(s) causing local deformation/melting where the mandrel cap contacts the workpiece(s). The mandrel cap creates a cavity which progresses through an upper surface and a lower surface of the workpiece(s).

A rivet module is provided to join at least two sheets of base materials in a solid state, the rivet module including: i) a shank portion to be mounted on a reciprocal and rotatable joining tool; ii) a base material friction portion that is integrally connected to the shank portion and drills through the base materials as the joining tool causes the base material friction portion to be rotated while applying pressure to the base materials; and iii) a base material fastening portion that is fixedly fitted to the shank portion, supports the base material friction portion, and is fastened to the base materials through a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.

An installation tool for installing an insert into a bore having a bore material, the insert having a fluid component disposed within a housing, the installation tool including: an outer tool member and an inner tool member, the inner tool member being concentric with, smaller in diameter than, and slidingly engaged within the outer tool member, the inner tool member being configured to axially drive the insert into the bore; wherein an upper end of the outer tool member forms and defines a blind cavity between the inner tool member at one end of the blind cavity and a cavity end wall at an opposing end of the blind cavity; wherein a resilient biasing member is disposed within the blind cavity, the resilient biasing member being configured to provide an axial load on the inner tool member.

An installation tool for installing an insert into a bore having a bore material, the insert having a fluid component disposed within a housing, the installation tool including: an outer tool member and an inner tool member, the inner tool member being concentric with, smaller in diameter than, and slidingly engaged within the outer tool member, the inner tool member being configured to axially drive the insert into the bore; wherein an upper end of the outer tool member forms and defines a blind cavity between the inner tool member at one end of the blind cavity and a cavity end wall at an opposing end of the blind cavity; wherein a resilient biasing member is disposed within the blind cavity, the resilient biasing member being configured to provide an axial load on the inner tool member.

A fastener applying apparatus includes: an insertion mechanism for inserting a fastener into a fastener hole in an object to be fastened; a support mechanism for supporting the insertion mechanism; and a fastener conveying device for conveying the fastener to the insertion mechanism. The insertion mechanism includes a holding portion for holding a shank portion of the fastener. The fastener conveying device includes a gripping portion for gripping the fastener in a axial direction of the fastener.

A system is provided including a first elongated object proximate a first surface on a first side of a structure and a second elongated object proximate a second surface on a second side of the structure, the second surface and the second side opposite the structure relative to the first surface and the first side, the first object aligned with the second object at a first point on the first surface. The system also includes a first plurality of corner cubes affixed to the first object at first known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the first object abuts the first surface at the first point. The system also includes a second plurality of corner cubes affixed to the second object at second known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the second object abuts second surface at second point opposite first point.

A self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism for a rivet setting machine includes a self-piercing rivet track in which self-piercing rivets are receivable. A first resiliently biased jaw is biased towards a closed configuration in which the first resiliently biased jaw retains self-piercing rivets in the self-piercing rivet track. The first resiliently biased jaw is moveable to an open configuration in which a self-piercing rivet can escape the self-piercing rivet track. The first resiliently biased jaw is configured to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon exertion of a load upon the first resiliently biased jaw.

A riveting apparatus for application and riveting a rivet to a component of an article being processed in a work region of the riveting apparatus is provided. The riveting apparatus includes a rivet insertion device for insertion of the rivet into the component and a riveting device for the riveting of the rivet.