Cylindrical guide sleeve and bolt

Abstract

The present application relates to a cylindrical guide sleeve and a bolt comprising: an outer surface configured to engage a receiving member when the cylindrical guide sleeve is inserted into the receiving member; a hollow interior configured to receive a bolt shaft; an opening at the tapered end, where the opening is smaller than the hollow interior, and where the shape of the opening is configured to limit movement of the tapered end about the bolt axis such that the tapered end is substantially centered about the center of the bolt axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fasteners, and more particularly to sleeves used in conjunction with bolts, screws, and the like. BACKGROUND

[0002] Bolts and screws can be used to couple one or more receiving components via bolted or screwed coupling. For simplicity, the term "bolt" will be used to refer to either a bolt or a screw. Also, the term "bolted coupling" will be used to refer to either bolted or screwed coupling.

[0003] The shank of a serrated bolt can have serrations to create a locking feature at the bolted coupling to avoid slippage. The serrations can avoid slippage by creating a clamping force at the bolted coupling. Generally, the larger the bolt, the greater the clamping force it can create. The shank of a serrated bolt with serrations has been used to downsize the bolt while maintaining the clamping force needed at the bolted coupling when assembling the receiving components.

[0004] However, during assembly, the serrated bolt needs access to both sides of the receiving components. For example, the first side of the assembly can need enough clearance to insert the serrated bolt, while the second side of the assembly can need enough clearance for a fastening tool to fully assemble the receiving component(s) with the serrated bolt.

[0005] Today's trend is to make products smaller and more compact. For example, vehicle engines are becoming more compact, which reduces the space needed to access the tip or head of the bolt for assembly of the engine. Once the bolt is in the final position, it can be difficult to access the bolt to loosen or tighten the bolt. Also, it can be difficult to align the bolt with the opening in the receiving component.

[0006] Further, the bolted coupling can be subjected to shear forces, causing the bolt to slip. To withstand the shear forces and prevent the bolt from slipping, a larger bolt can be used to create a greater friction or clamping force than a smaller bolt to prevent the bolt from slipping. However, a larger bolt conflicts with the trend of downsizing and compactness.

[0007] The background section on the use of serrated bolts in the assembly of receiving component(s) is intended merely to outline some of the current problems and is not exhaustive. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional information upon reading the following detailed description. SUMMARY

[0008] According to one embodiment, the bolt can include a cylindrical guide sleeve. The cylindrical guide sleeve can include an outer surface configured to engage with a receiving component when inserted therein, a hollow interior configured to receive a bolt shaft, an opening at a tapered end, wherein the opening is smaller than the hollow interior, and wherein the shape of the opening is configured to limit movement of the tapered end about the bolt shaft such that the tapered end is substantially centered about the center of the bolt shaft. Optionally, the cylindrical guide sleeve can include a cylindrical stem including an outer surface configured to engage with a receiving component when the cylindrical guide sleeve is inserted therein and a hollow interior configured to receive a bolt shaft, a tapered end connected to one end of the cylindrical stem such that an opening at the tapered end is in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the opening at the tapered end is smaller than the hollow interior, and wherein the shape of the opening at the tapered end is configured to limit movement of the tapered end about the bolt shaft such that the tapered end is substantially centered about the center of the bolt shaft. The cylindrical guide sleeve is provided with such a tapered end to facilitate better alignment of the sleeve with the bolt and to facilitate insertion of the combined bolt and sleeve into a receiving component.

[0009] The cylindrical guide sleeve makes it unnecessary to align both the sleeve and the bolt with the opening of the receiving component. If the bolt shaft is aligned with the opening of the receiving component, the opening at the tapered end of the cylindrical guide sleeve will ensure that the tapered end of the cylindrical guide sleeve is centered about the bolt shaft. The cylindrical guide sleeve will move in tandem when the bolt shaft is aligned with the opening of the receiving component.

[0010] The outer surface of the cylindrical guide sleeve can create a mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component. The cylindrical guide sleeve helps to protect the bolt used to assemble the receiving component from shear forces, thereby helping to minimize or prevent bolt slippage. In particular, the outer surface of the cylindrical guide sleeve creates a frictional or clamping force between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the surface of the receiving component. The cylindrical guide sleeve reduces the shear area exposed by the bolt and the shear forces experienced by the bolt.

[0011] The mechanical lock of the cylindrical guide sleeve can protect the bolt or screw from shear forces. This allows the assembly to reduce the bolt size due to the reduction in shear forces acting on the bolt joint. Reducing the bolt size does not require a sacrifice in clamping force because the mechanical lock reduces the need for greater clamping force compared to using a conventional bolt alone. Thus, because the cylindrical guide sleeve can protect the bolt joint from shear forces, this assembly can replace a conventional bolt with a smaller bolt or screw. Reducing the bolt size in the assembly can reduce the cost, material, and weight of the assembly.

[0012] The inclusion of the cylindrical guide sleeve with the bolt can further reduce the part handling process and the single piece price, as the reduced bolt size requires less assembly torque compared to larger bolts. Thus, smaller tools can be used during the assembly process.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the shape of the opening of the cylindrical guide sleeve at the tapered end is configured to create at least three contact points with the bolt shaft. The cylindrical guide sleeve with these three contact points will limit or eliminate the movement of the cylindrical guide sleeve relative to the bolt shaft in the perpendicular or vertical direction. This facilitates the insertion of the combined bolt and cylindrical guide sleeve into the receiving component.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical guide sleeve further comprises an annular disc connected to the other end of the cylindrical stem on one side, wherein the central hole of the annular disc is in communication and aligned with the hollow interior. This annular disc with a central hole allows the bolt shaft to pass through the annular disc and enter the hollow interior of the cylindrical guide sleeve.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical guide sleeve comprises a textured outer surface. This texture facilitates the formation of a mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical guide sleeve comprises a knurled outer surface. This knurled outer surface creates a frictional and / or clamping force between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component of the assembly, and thus can form a mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component. This mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component allows the cylindrical guide sleeve to absorb the shear forces that would otherwise act on the bolt coupling. The frictional, locking and / or clamping force helps to minimize or prevent slippage. The outer surface of the cylindrical guide sleeve can comprise other textures that can provide the necessary frictional and / or clamping force.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the texture comprises serrations. Such serrations likewise facilitate the formation of a mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the annular disc extends wider than the cylindrical stem to form a shoulder around the cylindrical stem. This annular disc functions as a washer during the assembly of the bolt with the receiving component.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the other / second side of the annular disc is configured to be connected to the head of the bolt. This connection with the bolt head can further align the cylindrical guide sleeve at both ends.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical guide sleeve can be made of ferrous material. Ferrous material (e.g., phosphor steel) is strong and cost effective, and can be suitable for vehicle components. Other materials can be suitable for other applications. In addition to being strong and cost effective, ferrous material is readily available. The cylindrical guide sleeve made of ferrous material is capable of creating a strong mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component, thereby helping to protect the bolt or screw from shear forces.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical guide sleeve can include a sleeve thickness, wherein the thickness of the tapered end is based on the tolerance of the assembly or assembly tolerance. The thickness of the sleeve wall can determine the degree of tight fit of the sleeve within the receiving component. The thickness of the tapered end can be determined by the tolerance of the assembly or assembly tolerance. For example, a high tolerance can allow flexibility in determining the thickness of the tapered end. A low tolerance can be more restrictive in determining the thickness of the tapered end. A high tolerance value can occur when the difference between the diameter of the bolt and the diameter of the opening of the receiving component is relatively large. A low tolerance value can occur when the difference between the diameter of the bolt and the diameter of the opening of the receiving component is relatively small.

[0022] The tolerance value can be defined by a standard tolerance value. The thickness of the cylindrical guide sleeve can be determined by the standard tolerance value of the assembly. The tolerance of the assembly can be based on the bolt diameter (i.e., the diameter of the opening for the receiving component). For example, for a bolt shaft with a diameter of about 10 mm, the tolerance range of the hole can be specified from 10.05 mm to 10.1 mm. The tolerance value can be determined based on the tolerance standard by looking up the diameter of the bolt and the hole.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the shape of the opening at the tapered end of the cylindrical guide sleeve can be designed based on the tolerance of the assembly. For example, the assembly can include an opening in the receiving component with a high tolerance value to allow the tapered end to move in a perpendicular direction relative to the bolt shaft. For assemblies with a low tolerance, the opening at the tapered end can be configured to form at least three contact points. This can reduce or eliminate the movement of the sleeve in a perpendicular direction relative to the bolt shaft and ensure that the sleeve is aligned with the opening of the low tolerance assembly. The more contact points, the more restricted the movement of the tapered end of the sleeve. The shape of the tapered end opening can be close to a circle.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the cylindrical guide sleeve is configured to create a mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component. The mechanical lock can ensure adequate bolt coupling.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the shape of the opening of the cylindrical guide sleeve is substantially triangular. This shape can save costs during manufacturing and limit the movement of the cylindrical guide sleeve in a perpendicular direction relative to the bolt shaft.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the tapered end of the cylindrical guide sleeve is configured to deform the tapered end upon assembly. Such thickness can eliminate any contact points that are necessary during assembly but are no longer needed after assembly. Such deformation can be beneficial if the contact points used to align the sleeve during assembly can be detrimental to the use of the receiving component after assembly.

[0027] The cylindrical guide sleeve can be connected to the bolt such that the cylindrical guide sleeve is rotatable relative to the bolt when connected to the bolt. In this way, the bolt can be tightened or loosened without interfering with the mechanical locking between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component.

[0028] The bolt or screw can comprise the aforementioned cylindrical guide sleeve. The bolt or screw can comprise a head portion, a shank portion, and a threaded portion. The cylindrical guide sleeve can be mounted on the bolt or screw such that the cylindrical guide sleeve is located between the head portion and the threaded portion of the bolt or screw and surrounds the shank portion of the bolt or screw. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail by reference to the drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the present disclosure:

[0030] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a cylindrical guide sleeve for creating a locking function according to at least one example of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical guide sleeve of Figure 1A

[0032] Figure 1C is an end view of the cylindrical guide sleeve of Figure 1A

[0033] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a cylindrical guide sleeve according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein the sleeve is tapered to create a locking function;

[0034] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical guide sleeve of Figure 2A

[0035] Figure 2C is an end view of the cylindrical guide sleeve of Figure 2A

[0036] is a perspective view of a cylindrical guide sleeve for creating a locking function comprising an annular disc according to at least one example of the present disclosure; Figure 3A

[0037] is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical guide sleeve of Figure 3B Figure 3A

[0038] ​​​​​Figure 3C is Figure 3A an end view of a cylindrical guide sleeve;

[0039] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical guide sleeve pre-assembled with a bolt or screw according to at least one example of the present invention;

[0040] Figures 5A-5C is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical guide sleeve connected to a bolt at different points in time of assembly to couple two receiving components;

[0041] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical guide sleeve connected to a bolt to couple two receiving components;

[0042] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical sleeve connected to a bolt to couple two receiving components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present disclosure relates to cylindrical guide sleeves for use with fasteners such as bolts and screws. The cylindrical guide sleeves include an outer surface configured to form a mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and a receiving component of an assembly, and the outer surface can have a variety of different surface textures including, but not limited to, a smooth surface, a dimpled surface, a rough turned surface, a sawtooth surface, a knurled surface, a helical sawtooth surface, a knotted surface, and a raised pattern. The cylindrical guide sleeves can be used with bolts to form a bolt coupling when assembling one or more receiving components, and / or the cylindrical guide sleeves can be used with pre-assembled (“SEM”) bolts, screws to fasten one or more receiving components.

[0044] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100, Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100, and Figure 1C is an end view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100. The cylindrical guide sleeve 100 includes a cylindrical stem including an outer surface 102 with a hollow interior 104, a tapered end 106, and an opening at the tapered end 108.

[0045] The cylindrical guide sleeve 100 includes an outer surface 102. The outer surface 102 can include a texture, which can cover all or just a portion of the outer surface 102. The outer surface 102 can include any number of different textures, such as knurled, sawtooth, helical sawtooth, knotted, raised, smooth, or any combination thereof. For example, the texture can extend from a middle of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 to one end of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100. In some embodiments (including Figures 1A-1CThe illustrated embodiment), the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 has a tapered end 106 at one end thereof, which facilitates insertion of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 into an opening or cavity of a receiving component to form a bolted joint. The cylindrical guide sleeve 100 is generally hollow and includes a hollow interior 104 that is generally cylindrical and extends through the length of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100. The size and configuration of the hollow interior 104 can be designed to fit around the shank of a bolt or the threaded length of a bolt.

[0046] The tapered end 106 can narrow the hollow interior 104 at the tapered end 106, thereby limiting movement of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 in a direction perpendicular to the bolt at the tapered end 106. For example, the dashed line 120 represents a bolt inserted into the hollow interior 104. The dashed line 110 represents the bolt axis center. Gravity can act on the cylindrical guide sleeve 100. When gravity or other forces act on the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, the tapered end 106 can limit movement of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100. The tapered end 106 can limit movement such that the center of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 at the tapered end 106 is aligned with the centerline 110.

[0047] The length of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 can vary, but is typically 0.5 to 3 times the diameter of the bolt for which it is intended for use.

[0048] Depending on assembly requirements, the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 can be made of steel, phosphor steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other material suitable for the desired assembly.

[0049] Typically, the cylindrical guide sleeve 100 can be integrally formed, such as by cutting, stamping, machining, molding, pressing, printing, or any other suitable method. The texturing of the outer surface 102 can be accomplished by shot blasting, knurling, etching, pressing, or any other suitable method.

[0050] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100', Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100', and Figure 2C is an end view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100'. The cylindrical guide sleeve 100' includes an outer surface 102' with a hollow interior 104'.

[0051] The cylindrical guide sleeve 100' is similar to the cylindrical guide sleeve 100. The cylindrical guide sleeve 100' includes an outer surface 102'. The outer surface 102' can include a bevel that can extend across all or a portion of the outer surface 102'. The bevel of the outer surface 102' can further assist in forming a mechanical lock with a receiving component. In some embodiments (including Figures 2A-2CThe illustrated embodiment), the cylindrical guide sleeve 100' has a tapered end 106' at one end thereof, which facilitates insertion of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100' into a hole or cavity of a receiving component to form a bolted joint. The cylindrical guide sleeve 100' is generally hollow and includes a hollow interior 104' that is generally cylindrical and extends through the length of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100'. The size and configuration of the hollow interior 104' can be designed to fit around the shank of a bolt or the threaded length of a bolt.

[0052] The outer surface 102' of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100' can have a bevel or slope. For example, the bevel of the outer surface 102' can be such that the cylindrical guide sleeve 100' has a first perimeter at one end thereof and a second perimeter at the other end. As Figure 2B illustrated, the first perimeter is larger than the second perimeter. One end of the first perimeter can face a bolt head, while the other end of the second perimeter can be inserted into a hole or cavity of a receiving component.

[0053] For example, according to certain embodiments, the bevel of the outer surface 102' can have an angle of 17 degrees. The bevel can extend from the smaller perimeter end to the larger perimeter end. With reference to Figure 2B , the bevel of the outer surface 102' will rise at an angle of 17 degrees from the smaller perimeter end to the larger perimeter end 108.

[0054] The angle can be configured to provide the desired mechanical lock and can further depend on the material of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100', the receiving component, the type of assembly, and other variables.

[0055] The length of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100' can vary, but is generally 0.5 to 3 times the diameter of the bolt for which it is intended.

[0056] Depending on the assembly requirements, the cylindrical guide sleeve 100' can be made of steel, phosphor steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other material suitable for the desired assembly.

[0057] Generally, the cylindrical guide sleeve 100' can be integrally formed, such as by cutting, stamping, machining, molding, pressing, printing, or any other suitable method. The texturing of the outer surface 102' can be accomplished by shot blasting, knurling, etching, pressing, or any other suitable method.

[0058] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100", Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100", and Figure 3C is an end view of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100". The cylindrical guide sleeve 100" includes an outer surface 102" with a hollow interior 104".

[0059] Cylindrical guide sleeve 100" differs from cylindrical guide sleeve 100 and cylindrical guide sleeve 100' in that cylindrical guide sleeve 100" includes an annular disk 130. Annular disk 130 can act as a gasket when assembling cylindrical guide sleeve 100" with the receiving component of the assembly. Additionally, cylindrical guide sleeve 100" (or annular disk 130, as the case can be) can be used as a means for attaching cylindrical guide sleeve 100" to the bolt head.

[0060] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100' that has been pre-assembled on a bolt 400 (hereinafter "SEM bolt") according to at least one example of the present disclosure. In this example, cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is positioned between the bolt head 406 and the threads 410, which are on the shank 408 (or threaded shaft). The position of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" on the bolt 400 is such that it surrounds the shank 408 at least for a portion of the length of the shank 408. The cavity diameter of the hollow interior 104, 104', 104" is such that the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" loosely surrounds the shank 408 and can move and / or rotate relative to the shank 408, but not enough to move over or slide past the threads 410. Thus, when the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is installed on the bolt 400, the bolt 400 can be rotated without rotating the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100", and vice versa. For example, the diameter of the cavity 104, 104', 104" is larger than the outer diameter of the shank 408. Additionally, the threads 410 have a large diameter (i.e., the outer diameter of the thread peaks) that is larger than the diameter of the cavity 104, 104', 104" and prevents the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" from sliding onto the threads 410.

[0061] The close-up illustrates how the large diameter holds the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" in place on the SEM bolt 400. The distance 404 from the surface of the shank 408 to the large diameter is greater than the distance 402 from the surface of the shank 408 to the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100". For example, the distance 404 can be greater than the distance 402. The distance 402 should be less than the height of the threads 410, but large enough so that the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" fits loosely around the shank 408. For example, an M14 bolt with a large diameter of 14 mm and a small diameter of 11.5 mm can include a cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" configured for an M14 bolt. The diameter of the hollow interior 104, 104', 104" of this cylindrical guide sleeve is between 12.7 mm and 12.8 mm. This allows the cylindrical guide sleeve to fit loosely around the shank of the M14 bolt without being able to slide over the threads of the M14 bolt. Those skilled in the art will understand that cylindrical guide sleeves configured for different sized bolts will have similar proportional dimensions.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, one end of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100' can be crimped, thereby ensuring that the one end of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" cannot fit over the threads 410, thereby ensuring that the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" remains connected around the bolt 400. This connection feature is particularly useful during shipping and storage of the bolt to ensure that the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" does not become disconnected from the bolt 400.

[0063] Figures 5A-5C Different points in time during the assembly of the bolt 400 in combination with the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" to the assembly 504 are shown. The bolt shaft can be engaged with the nut 502 to assemble the receiving component of the assembly 504.

[0064] Figure 5A A first point in time is shown where the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is on the bolt shaft of the bolt 400. The tapered end 106, 106', 106" centers the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" around the bolt at the tapered end 106. As shown, the end of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" closest to the bolt head can sag and not align with the center of the bolt. Figure 5A

[0065] The bolt 400 is aligned with the opening of the receiving component of the assembly 504 to assemble the receiving component.

[0066] Figure 5B ​A second point in time is shown where the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is positioned on the bolt shaft of the bolt 400. As the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" approaches the opening of the assembly 504, the tapered end 106, 106', 106" ensures that the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is aligned with the opening of the assembly so as to be inserted into the cavity of the assembly 504 without further manipulation. At this point, the tapered end 106, 106', 106" begins to guide the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" into the assembly 504.

[0067] Figure 5C A third point in time is shown where the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is positioned on the bolt shaft of the bolt 400. As the bolt 400 is inserted into the assembly 504, the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is also inserted into the cavity of the assembly 504 until the entire cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is inserted and aligned with the bolt 400 and the cavity of the assembly 504.

[0068] The thickness of the tapered end 106, 106', 106" can be determined such that the tapered end 106, 106', 106" deforms upon assembly. For example, if the opening 108, 108', 108" is configured to form 3 or more points of contact with the bolt shaft 408, the thickness of the tapered end 106, 106', 106" can be thin enough such that the fastening bolt 400 deforms the tapered end 106, 106', 106" so as to eliminate at least one point of contact between the tapered end 106, 106', 106" and the bolt shaft 408.

[0069] Further, the thickness of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" can be determined based on the tolerance of the assembly 504. If the tolerance value of the assembly 504 is small, e.g., the opening is slightly larger than the bolt, the thickness of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" and the tapered end 106, 106', 106" can be set relatively thin such that the diameter of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt 400. If the tolerance value of the assembly 504 is large, e.g., the opening is significantly larger than the bolt, the thickness of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" and the tapered end 106, 106', 106" can be set relatively thick such that the diameter of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is significantly larger than the diameter of the bolt 400. The tolerance value can be determined by a standard tolerance value.

[0070] The thickness of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is such that at least a portion of the circumference of the outer surface 102, 102', 102" is in close contact with the receiving component when inserted into the opening of the receiving component.

[0071] The mechanical lock created between the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" and the receiving components makes the bolted joint more resistant to shear forces. The cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" reduces the area over which shear forces can act on the bolt, thereby reducing the total shear force acting on the bolt. As a result, this bolted joint is less likely to slip compared to a traditional bolted joint. For example, a bolted joint in an electric motor or engine can be subjected to shear forces during operation. Over time, the shear forces can cause the bolted joint to loosen. Incorporating the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" into the bolted joint can reduce the shear area of the bolted joint, thereby reducing the shear force acting on the bolt to minimize or prevent bolt slippage. This, in turn, can reduce the overall maintenance required for the component, such as an electric motor or engine.

[0072] Because the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" can reduce the shear force acting on the bolt compared to using a traditional bolt alone, the bolt size can be reduced without impacting performance. For example, depending on the assembly environment, a traditional M14 bolt in a component can be reduced to an M12 bolt with a cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" because the M12 bolt with the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" can withstand the same or greater shear force as the traditional M14 bolt.

[0073] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical guide sleeve connected to a bolt to join two receiving components. Figure 6A may represent Figure 5B a second point in time during the assembly process described in Figure 6A shows how the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" is centered around the bolt 400 at the tapered end 106, 106', 106". The centerline 601 represents the center along the length of the bolt 400. Due to gravity or other forces acting on the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100", the end of the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" opposite the tapered end 106, 106', 106" is not aligned with the center of the bolt 400. The centerlines 601 and 602 intersect at point 610, which indicates that the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" and the bolt 400 are aligned at point 610. Because the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" and the bolt 400 are aligned at point 610, the cylindrical guide sleeve 100, 100', 100" can be inserted into the opening of the component 504 like the bolt 400 without additional manipulation.

[0074] Figure 6Bis a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical sleeve 620 that connects to the bolt 400 to couple two receiving components in the assembly 504. Figure 6B The sleeve 620 of FIG. 1 does not include a tapered end as shown in the previous figures. Without the tapered end, gravity or other forces can act on the cylindrical sleeve 620 and the bolt centerline 601'and the sleeve centerline 602' do not intersect. As shown in FIG. 2, the bolt centerline 601'is parallel or nearly parallel to the sleeve centerline 602'. Thus, the cylindrical sleeve 620 can get stuck on the assembly 504 and cannot be inserted into the opening of the assembly 504 when inserting the bolt 400. The cylindrical sleeve 620 requires further interference fit to be inserted into the assembly 504. Figure 6B

[0075] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the central scope thereof. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.​

Claims

1. A cylindrical guide sleeve comprising: an outer surface configured to engage with a receiving component when the cylindrical guide sleeve is inserted into the receiving component; a hollow interior configured to receive a bolt shaft; an opening at a tapered end, wherein the opening is smaller than the hollow interior, and wherein a shape of the opening is configured to limit movement of the tapered end around the bolt shaft such that the tapered end is substantially centered around a center of the bolt shaft.

2. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the opening is configured to create at least three points of contact with the bolt shaft.

3. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an annular disc, wherein, a center hole of the annular disc is aligned with the hollow interior.

4. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface includes a texture.

5. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to claim 4, wherein the outer surface is knurled.

6. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to claim 4, wherein the texture includes serrations.

7. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular disc extends wider than the cylindrical guide sleeve to form a shoulder around the cylindrical stem.

8. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to claim 3, wherein, a second side of the annular disc is configured to connect to a head of the bolt.

9. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical guide sleeve is formed of a ferrous material.

10. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of the tapered end is based on tolerances of an assembly.

11. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a shape of the opening at the tapered end is based on tolerances of the assembly.

12. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface is configured to create a mechanical lock between the cylindrical guide sleeve and the receiving component.

13. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the opening is substantially triangular.

14. The cylindrical guide sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the tapered end of the cylindrical guide sleeve is configured to deform the tapered end when assembled.

15. A bolt comprising the cylindrical guide sleeve of any one of claims 1 to 14.

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