Self-forming threaded single-sided fastener

Abstract

Self-forming threaded single-sided fasteners and methods for fastening are provided. The self-forming threaded single-sided fasteners include a sleeve and a pin. The sleeve includes a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an elongated portion, and an inner wall defining a bore. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the bore. The pin includes a first pin end, a second pin end, a pin head portion, an at least partially threaded portion, a shank portion intermediate the pin head portion and the at least partially threaded portion, and a drive portion. The at least partially threaded portion is configured to form a thread on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve. The drive portion is configured to receive a torque for rotating the pin within the sleeve and thereby axially compress and deform the sleeve and form the thread on the at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 056,080, filed July 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to single-sided fasteners and methods for fastening using single-sided fasteners. Background Technology

[0004] Further automation of aerospace component manufacturing can reduce assembly costs and better ensure increased component production rates. Automation is particularly useful in the production of structural panel assemblies for aerospace applications. Single-sided fasteners are available for the automated production of aerospace structural panels, thus necessitating improved high-strength single-sided fasteners. Currently commercially available high-strength single-sided fasteners are designed to provide the performance characteristics of typical two-piece titanium fasteners, which can be relatively expensive. Providing single-sided fasteners with performance characteristics similar to typical two-piece titanium fasteners would be advantageous, but with potentially lower production costs, and therefore could be used as alternatives to aluminum solid rivets or aluminum locking bolts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener comprising a sleeve and a pin is provided. The sleeve includes a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an elongated portion extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end, and an inner wall extending longitudinally from the first sleeve end through the sleeve to the second sleeve end, wherein the inner wall defines a bore. The pin is configured to be received at least partially in the bore in the sleeve. The pin includes a first pin end, a second pin end, and a pin head portion adjacent to the second pin end. The pin further includes at least partially threaded portions, a shank located between the pin head portion and the at least partially threaded region, and a drive portion adjacent to the first pin end. The pin head portion is configured to prevent the pin head portion from entering the bore. The at least partially threaded portions are configured to form threads on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve. The drive portion is configured to receive torque to rotate the pin within the sleeve, thereby axially compressing and deforming the elongated portion of the sleeve and forming the thread on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for fastening is disclosed. The method includes inserting a second sleeve end of a sleeve of a self-formed threaded one-sided fastener into a hole in a structure. The one-sided fastener includes a sleeve and a pin. The sleeve includes a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an elongated portion extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end, and an inner wall extending longitudinally from the first sleeve end through the sleeve to the second sleeve end, wherein the inner wall defines a hole. The pin is configured to be received at least partially in the hole in the sleeve. The pin includes a first pin end, a second pin end, and a pin head portion adjacent to the second pin end. The pin further includes at least partially threaded portions, a shank located between the pin head portion and the at least partially threaded region, and a drive portion adjacent to the first pin end. The pin head portion is configured to prevent the pin head portion from entering the hole. The method includes forcefully contacting at least a threaded portion of the shank of the pin with the inner wall of the sleeve, thereby deforming the inner wall and forming threads thereon. The method also includes deforming the elongated portion of the sleeve to form a spherical shape thereon.

[0007] It should be understood that the invention disclosed and described in this specification is not limited to the aspects outlined in this description. The foregoing and other details will be understood by considering the following detailed description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The features and advantages of the examples, as well as how they are implemented, will become more apparent and the examples will be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener according to the present disclosure, disposed in a structure (shown as a cross-section to expose the single-sided fastener) and in a first configuration;

[0010] Figure 2 It is shown that it is placed in the structure and is in the second configuration. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener;

[0011] Figure 3 It is shown that it is placed in the structure and is in the third configuration. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener;

[0012] Figure 4 It is shown that it is placed in the structure and is in the fourth configuration. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener;

[0013] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener with a locking component according to the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener with a flat-side drive portion according to the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a fastening method according to the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a self-forming threaded single-sided fastener with a protruding sleeve head portion according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Throughout the various views, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. The examples listed herein illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This document describes and illustrates various examples to provide a general understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed one-sided fasteners and methods. The various examples described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples disclosed herein. Features and characteristics shown and / or described in conjunction with the various examples may be combined with features and characteristics of other examples. Such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The various non-limiting embodiments disclosed and described in this disclosure may include, consist of, or substantially consist of features and characteristics as described herein.

[0019] Any reference in this document to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "a non-limiting embodiment," or similar phrases means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the examples is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "in a non-limiting embodiment," or similar phrases appearing in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same non-limiting embodiment. Furthermore, a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more non-limiting embodiments. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment can be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other non-limiting embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of this non-limiting embodiment.

[0020] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, all numerical parameters should be understood to be prefixed with and modified with the term "about" in all cases, whereby the numerical parameters have the inherent variability of the basic measurement techniques used to determine the values ​​of the parameters. At least, and not at all, an attempt is made to limit the application of the equivalence principle to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should be interpreted at least according to the number of significant figures reported and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0021] Similarly, any numerical range described herein includes all subranges falling within the described range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes all subranges between (and including) the described minimum value of 1 and the described maximum value of 10, that is, a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10. Any maximum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limits falling within it, and any minimum numerical limit described in this disclosure is intended to include all higher numerical limits falling within it. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this disclosure (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges falling within the expressly described range. All such ranges are inherently described in this disclosure.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated, the grammatical articles “a / an” and “as described” as used herein are intended to include “at least one / an” or “one / an or more / an”, even if “at least one / an” or “one / an or more / an” is explicitly used in certain circumstances. Therefore, the aforementioned grammatical articles are used herein to refer to one / an or more / an of a particular identifying element (i.e., “at least one / an”). Furthermore, unless the context requires otherwise, the use of singular nouns includes plural nouns, and the use of plural nouns includes singular nouns.

[0023] As used herein, “intermediate” means an element that is positioned between two elements but not necessarily in contact with those elements. Therefore, unless otherwise stated herein, elements of the first and second elements of the “intermediate” may or may not be adjacent to or in contact with the first and / or second elements, and other elements may be positioned between the intermediate element and the first and / or second elements.

[0024] Experiments have been conducted to provide single-sided fastening alternatives to solid rivets. Examples include the NAS1919 / 1921 blind rivet. The NAS1919 / 1921 blind rivet is installed by pulling to form a spherical backing and locking it with a small ring forged between the outer sleeve and the inner pin. While the NAS1919 / 1921 blind rivet can be installed quickly, significant tension relaxation can occur during the pulling operation until breakage, resulting in very low clamping loads. This low clamping load, coupled with the relatively low stiffness of the fastener, may limit the NAS1919 / 1921 blind rivet's ability to withstand general structural loads.

[0025] The self-forming threaded single-sided fastener according to this disclosure can provide a cost-effective alternative to current fasteners with high preload and stiffness, and can be used with, for example, typical structural panels. Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the self-forming threaded single-sided fastener according to this disclosure can be considered... Figure 1-4 To understand. Figure 1 A self-forming threaded single-sided fastener 100 is schematically shown disposed in structure 102 (shown as a cross-section to expose the fastener) and in a first (e.g., initial) configuration. The single-sided fastener 100 includes a pin 104 and a sleeve 106.

[0026] Sleeve 106 includes a first sleeve end 132, a second sleeve end 134, an elongated portion 140, and an inner wall 107 extending longitudinally from the first sleeve end 132 through sleeve 106 to the second sleeve end 134. The inner wall 107 defines a sleeve bore 130 that allows passage from the first sleeve end 132 completely through sleeve 106 to the second sleeve end 134.

[0027] The elongated portion 140 can be configured to deform into a spherical shape, such as, for example, in Figure 3-4 As shown, this is in response to applying a compressive force to the elongated portion 140. For example, the elongated portion 140 may include a wall thickness and / or material composition adapted to deform in response to the compressive force. In various non-limiting embodiments, the elongated portion 140 of the sleeve 106 may be of a generally tubular shape.

[0028] The inner wall 107 may include a variable diameter along its length. For example, the diameter of the inner wall 107 may decrease along the length of the sleeve 106 in a direction toward the first sleeve end 132. In various non-limiting embodiments, the inner wall 107 includes a narrow region 109 and a second region 138. The narrow region 109 may include a first diameter Φ1, and the second region 138 may include a second diameter Φ2. The first diameter Φ1 may be smaller than the second diameter Φ2.

[0029] The narrow region 109 and the second region 138 of the inner wall 107 can be substantially tubular and smooth. That is, the narrow region 109 and the second region 138 can be unthreaded (e.g., no threads are formed on the inner wall 107 during the manufacture of the sleeve 106 before engagement with the pin 104 during the installation of the one-sided fastener 100). In some non-limiting embodiments, the narrow region 109 may include at least partially threaded areas (not shown) for alignment and / or engagement with the threaded portion 112 of the pin 104, and substantially smooth areas (e.g., areas without threads but which may contain microtextures from the manufacturing process) can be deformed and threaded through the threaded portion 112 of the pin 104.

[0030] Refer again Figure 1 The sleeve 106 includes an elongated portion 140 and a sleeve head portion 122. The elongated portion 140 may include a shape adapted to be received in a hole 136 in the structure 102. The sleeve head portion 122 may be adjacent to the first sleeve end 132 and may be configured to prevent the sleeve from entering the hole 136 in the structure 102 beyond a predetermined distance. For example, the sleeve head portion 122 may include a hole diameter Φ larger than the hole diameter Φ in the structure 102. b The third diameter Φ3. The sleeve head portion 122 can be configured to, as in... Figure 1 The structure 102 shown is installed substantially flush with the surface, or the sleeve head portion 122 can be installed from, for example, the desired application. Figure 8 The structure shown in the text is prominent.

[0031] In various non-limiting embodiments, the sleeve head portion 122 may include one or more anti-rotation features that prevent the sleeve from rotating when the sleeve 106 is positioned in the bore 136 in the structure 102. One or more anti-rotation features of the sleeve head portion 122 may include, for example, a flat side (e.g., the sleeve head portion 122 may have a hexagonal shape), ribs, splines, notches, knurling, teeth, holes, recessed sockets, tabs, or combinations of two or more of these features. For example, see reference... Figure 6 and 8 The sleeve head portion 122 may include a recess 662 configured to engage a corresponding feature on an installation tool or locking assembly to prevent the sleeve 106 from rotating when positioned in the hole 136.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the hole 136 in structure 102 may be configured to prevent the sleeve 106 from rotating when it is positioned in the hole 136 of the structure. For example, the hole 136 may include one or more anti-rotation features that prevent the sleeve from rotating when it is positioned in the hole 136 of structure 102. One or more anti-rotation features of the hole 136 may include, for example, a flat side (e.g., the hole 136 may have a hexagonal shape), ribs, splines, notches, knurling, teeth, holes, recessed sockets, tabs, or combinations of two or more of these features. For example, the sleeve 106 may be keyed relative to the hole 136.

[0033] Refer again Figure 1 The pin 104 can be at least partially received in the hole 130 of the sleeve 106, and the pin 104 can comprise several regions or portions. For example, the pin 104 includes a first pin end 142, a second pin end 144, and a pin head portion 110 adjacent to the second pin end 144. The pin 104 further includes at least partially threaded portion 112, a shank 114 located between the pin head portion 110 and the threaded portion 112, and a drive portion 116 adjacent to the first pin end 142. The threaded portion 112 can be located between the shank 114 and the drive portion 116. The pin head portion 110 can be configured to prevent the pin 104 from entering the hole 130 of the sleeve 106 beyond a predetermined distance. For example, the pin head portion 110 can include a fourth diameter Φ4 larger than a second diameter Φ2 of the hole 130 of the sleeve 106.

[0034] The pin head portion 110 can be positioned outside the hole 130 of the sleeve 106, such that it abuts the second sleeve end 134 and cannot enter the hole 130 of the sleeve 106. The second region 138 of the inner wall 107 can be configured to receive the threaded portion 112. For example, the threaded portion 112 can be positioned within a portion of the hole 130 of the sleeve 106 formed by the second region 138 of the inner wall 107 and can abut a narrow region 109. At least a portion of the drive portion 116 can be positioned within a portion of the hole 130 of the sleeve 106 formed by the narrow region 109 of the inner wall 107. In various non-limiting embodiments, such as in Figure 1 As shown, the drive portion 116 can extend beyond the hole 130 of the sleeve 106 beyond the first sleeve end 132, so that the drive portion 116 can be engaged by an installation tool.

[0035] The drive portion 116 is configured to receive torque to rotate the pin 104 within the sleeve 106. This allows the pin 104 to move axially to compress and deform the sleeve 106. For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the drive portion 116 may include a selection from flat sides, ribs, splines, notches, knurling, teeth, holes, recessed sockets, tabs, threads, or combinations of two or more of these features. For example, as in... Figure 1 As further shown, in some non-limiting embodiments, the drive portion 116 of the pin 104 may include threads. In some non-limiting embodiments, see [link to documentation]. Figure 6 The driving portion 116 of the pin 104 may include a flat side 146.

[0036] In various non-limiting embodiments, the drive portion 116 may further include, for example, a necked portion 118 that may be adjacent to the threaded portion 112. The necked portion 118 is a portion configured to break off during the installation of the one-sided fastener 100 into the structure 102 to separate all or part of the drive portion 116 from the remainder of the pin 104. For example, the necked portion 118 may break off after torque has been applied to rotate the pin 104 and the sleeve 106 has been compressed and deformed. The torque may correspond to the torque required to apply a suitable installation force to the one-sided fastener 100. In some other non-limiting embodiments, the pin 104, which includes the drive portion 116, does not include a necked portion but is configured to include one or more other features such that the drive portion 116 of the pin 104 breaks off during the installation of the one-sided fastener 100. In various non-limiting embodiments, the necked portion 118 includes a conical shape. In various non-limiting embodiments, the pin 104, including the drive portion 116, does not include a broken neck portion or other features configured to break upon installation of the one-sided fastener 100, and the drive portion 116 remains intact after installation. Therefore, according to various non-limiting embodiments, the one-sided fastener according to this disclosure can be installed in a structure without causing the broken neck portion or other features to break, or can include a broken neck portion or other features that break upon installation of the fastener in the structure. In some non-limiting embodiments, the drive portion 116 is straight (not shown) and does not include a broken neck portion.

[0037] The threaded portion 112 is configured to form threads on at least a portion of the inner wall 107 of the sleeve 106. For example, the threaded portion 112 may form threads on at least a narrow region 109 of the inner wall 107. The threaded portion 112 of the pin 104 includes suitable threads formed thereon and may have a general conical, circular, or straight shape configured to form threads on the inner wall 107. The threads of the threaded portion 112 may be right-hand or left-hand threads. The threads of the threaded portion 112 may be, for example, square threads, trapezoidal threads, sawtooth threads, other thread types, or combinations of thread types. In various non-limiting embodiments, the threads of the threaded portion 112 may be threads that form threads, for example, The fastener's thread (available from REMINC, Middletown, RI, Rhode Island) or other thread-forming thread types. The thread-forming thread can engage the inner wall 107 of the sleeve 106 and deform it to form a corresponding thread on the inner wall 107. The threaded portion 112 can accommodate a suitable forming torque relative to the thread stripping torque to form a corresponding thread on the inner wall 107.

[0038] In various non-limiting embodiments, the second diameter Φ2 is greater than the major diameter Φ5 of the threaded portion 112, and the first diameter Φ1 may be smaller than the major diameter Φ5. In this way, the threaded portion 112 can easily pass through the second sleeve end 134, thereby facilitating the assembly of the single-sided fastener 100, which can forcefully engage narrow areas 109 to install the single-sided fastener 100. In various non-limiting embodiments, the major diameter Φ5 of the thread 126 may range from 0.06 inches to 4 inches. As used herein, "major diameter" refers to the diameter of the imaginary coaxial cylinder that just contacts the tip of the thread on the threaded portion 112.

[0039] See Figure 5 and 6The single-sided fastener 100 may include an optional locking component 148 attached to the sleeve head portion 122, the drive portion 116, or a combination thereof. The locking component 148 may be attached by various methods, such as by adhesive and / or by mechanical attachment. In a non-limiting embodiment, the locking component 148 may be integrally formed with the sleeve head portion 122, the drive portion 116, or a combination thereof. The locking component 148 is configured to prevent the sleeve head portion 122 and thus prevent rotation of the sleeve 106 during installation of the single-sided fastener 100. For example, the locking component 148 may be engaged by an installation tool and prevent rotation relative to the structure 102 during rotation of the drive portion 116. In various non-limiting embodiments, the locking component 148 may include internal threads corresponding to the threads of the drive portion 116, and the locking component 148 may be fastened to the sleeve head portion 122. After the locking assembly 148 is fastened to the sleeve head portion 122, the drive portion 116 can be rotated to install the single-sided fastener 100, while simultaneously preventing the locking assembly 148 from rotating. In various non-limiting embodiments, the locking assembly 148 includes at least one feature selected from substantially flat sides, ribs, splines, notches, knurling, teeth, holes, recessed sockets, and tabs. For example, as in Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the locking component 148 includes a flat side 150.

[0040] The locking assembly 148 may include an anti-rotation feature 664 configured to correspond to the anti-rotation feature 662, such that rotation of the sleeve 106 can be prevented by preventing rotation of the locking assembly 148. For example, as in Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the anti-rotation feature 664 is a protrusion.

[0041] The single-sided fastener 100 may include at least one of the following: metal, metal alloy, composite material, or another suitable material. For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the various components of the single-sided fastener 100 may include at least one of the following: aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, iron, iron alloy, carbon fiber composite material, or another composite material having suitable mechanical properties. The pin 104 may include a first material having a first hardness, and the sleeve 106 may include a second material having a second hardness. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second hardness may be less than the first hardness, such that the threaded portion 112 can deform the inner wall 107 of the sleeve 106, with minimal deformation of the threaded portion 112 (if any). For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the sleeve 106 may include aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, brass, or bronze, and the pin 104 may include titanium, titanium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, iron, or iron alloy (e.g., steel, stainless steel). For example, an advantage of manufacturing an aluminum sleeve 106 is that it provides equivalent electrical bonding characteristics and galvanic corrosion compatibility when installed in an aluminum structure. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sleeve 106 may comprise an aluminum alloy and the pin 104 may comprise corrosion-resistant stainless steel (CRES), steel, or titanium alloy. In some non-limiting embodiments, the threaded portion 112 may form threads on the inner wall 107 of the sleeve 106 while the single-sided fastener 100 is installed in the structure 102, thereby generating residual compressive stresses that effectively seal the pin 104 and the sleeve 106 together.

[0042] To install the single-sided fastener 100 in the structure 102, the single-sided fastener 100 is first placed in the hole 136 in the structure 102, as shown in... Figure 1 As generally shown, the sleeve head portion 122 of the sleeve 106 contacts the surface 152 of the structure 102 and the drive portion 116 of the pin 104 can be accessed, for example, by an installation tool. As shown, the hole 136 can extend from a first side 154 (e.g., the accessible side) through the structure 102 to a second side 156 (e.g., the blind side).

[0043] In various non-limiting embodiments, structure 102 may include at least one of the following: metal, metal alloy, composite material, or another suitable material. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, structure 102 may include one or more of the following: aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, iron, iron alloy, and carbon fiber composite material. In various non-limiting embodiments, structure 102 for mounting single-sided fastener 100 includes aluminum and / or aluminum alloy, for example, 7075 aluminum alloy. In various non-limiting embodiments, structures that can be mounted into fasteners according to this disclosure may be configured as aerospace components or structures, automotive components or structures, transportation components or structures, building and construction components or structures, or other components or structures. In some non-limiting embodiments, structure 102 may include a single layer of material or two or more layers of material, which may be the same material or different materials.

[0044] The dimensions of the single-sided fastener 100 can be determined according to application requirements. For example, the single-sided fastener 100 can include sizes ranging from 4 inches to 1 inch in diameter for ANSI screw sizes. The single-sided fastener 100 can be configured to be installed in structures of various thicknesses. For example, the overall length of the sleeve 106 can be dimensioned such that when installed in the hole 136 of the structure 102, the second sleeve end 134 extends beyond the blind side of the structure 102. The pin 104 can similarly be sized based on the dimensions of the sleeve 106.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the configuration shown, with Figure 1 In contrast, the drive portion 116 of pin 104 has rotated along direction 158 and simultaneously pushed along direction 160, thereby applying rotational motion and tension to the remainder of pin 104. Further reference Figure 2 The anti-rotation features on the sleeve head portion 122 of sleeve 106 and / or the anti-rotation features including the configuration of the hole 136 in structure 102 have prevented sleeve 106 from rotating with the rotation of pin 104. The rotational movement and tension applied to pin 104 cause the threaded portion 112 of pin 104 to threadedly engage a narrow region 109 of the inner wall 107 of sleeve 106. When the threaded portion 112 of pin 104 engages the narrow region 109, threads are formed in the narrow region 109 of the inner wall 107. In response to the formation of threads, the outer diameter Φ6 of sleeve 106 near the narrow region 109 can expand, which can produce a "hole-filling" effect, which can benefit the transfer of shear fatigue loads in the formed joint and the airtightness of the one-sided fastener 100 relative to structure 102. In various non-limiting embodiments, prior to the installation of the single-sided fastener 100, the outer diameter Φ6 of the sleeve 106 near the narrow region 109 is less than or equal to the bore diameter Φ of the hole 136. b .

[0046] In some non-limiting embodiments, because the threads in the inner wall 107 of the sleeve 106 are formed by the threads on the threaded portion 112, the friction between the threaded portion 112 and the inner wall 107 can be high, allowing the one-sided fastener 100 to be installed to the desired clamping force and resist loosening under vibration conditions. In various non-limiting embodiments, a substantially tight seal can be formed between the pin 104 and the sleeve 106.

[0047] like Figure 3 The configuration shown in the image is consistent with... Figure 2 In contrast, further rotation of pin 104 in direction 158 has caused the threaded portion 112 to engage the inner wall 107 more threadedly and advance further along sleeve 106 toward the first sleeve end 132, thereby forcefully contacting the second sleeve end 134 and compressing the elongated portion 140 of sleeve 106 with the pin head portion 110 of pin 104. As pin 104 rotates and the threaded portion 112 is further threadedly advanced within sleeve 106, the outer diameter Φ6 of sleeve 106 near the threaded portion 112 has expanded. The elongated portion 140 of sleeve 106 deforms under the force applied by the pin head portion 110, and the elongated portion 140 is axially compressed toward the sleeve head portion 122. The axial compression gradually forms a spherical shape 125 in the elongated portion 140, which abuts structure 102, thereby securing the one-sided fastener 100 to structure 102.

[0048] As in Figure 4 As shown in the configuration illustrated, once the single-sided fastener 100 is fully installed (i.e., when the torque reaches a certain value), the neck portion 118 of the drive portion 116 fractures torsionally, leaving a smooth and substantially flush surface. The axial compressive force further deforms the sleeve 106, thereby securing the structure 102 between the sleeve head portion 122 and the ball 125.

[0049] After the single-sided fastener 100 is installed, the engagement length between the inner wall 107 and the threaded portion 112 can be dimensioned to reduce the weight of the single-sided fastener 100 while achieving the desired airtightness and mechanical strength of the installed single-sided fastener 100. The engagement length can be configured by determining the dimensions of the narrow region 109, the total length of the sleeve 106, the length of the threaded portion 112, and the total length of the pin 104. Certain engagement lengths may be desired if, for example, two or more spheres are formed on the sleeve 106 during the installation of the single-sided fastener 100.

[0050] Non-limiting embodiments of the single-sided fasteners disclosed herein can be used in methods for fastening structures. Figure 7The steps of a non-limiting embodiment of such a method are shown. Figure 7 The method shown may include inserting a second sleeve end 134 of the single-sided fastener 100 according to the present disclosure into a hole 136 in the structure 102 such that the second sleeve end 134 of the sleeve 106 extends beyond a second side 156 of the structure 102 (step 702). After the second sleeve end 134 is inserted into the structure 102, by applying an axial force to the drive portion 116 of the pin 104 (e.g., moving the pin head portion 110 toward the first sleeve end 132), the threaded portion 112 of the pin 104 may forcefully contact the inner wall 107 of the sleeve 106, and the pin 104 may be rotated by applying a rotational force to the pin 104 (step 704). The threaded portion 112 of the pin 104 may deform the inner wall 107 of the sleeve 106, thereby forming threads on the inner wall 107 (step 706). The elongated portion 140 of the sleeve 106 can deform to form a sphere 125, and in response to the threaded portion 112, a substantially airtight seal can be formed between the pin 104 and the sleeve 106 and / or between the sleeve 106 and the structure 102, thereby forming threads on the inner wall 107 and compressing the elongated portion 140 (step 708). In some non-limiting embodiments, the threads on the inner wall 107 and the sphere 125 in the elongated portion 140 of the sleeve 106 can be formed simultaneously. In various non-limiting embodiments, the drive portion 116 can be removed by breaking off the necked portion 118 on the drive portion 116 of the pin 104 (step 710).

[0051] Various aspects of embodiments according to this disclosure include, but are not limited to, the aspects listed in the following numbered clauses.

[0052] Clause 1. A self-forming threaded single-sided fastener, comprising:

[0053] Sleeve, the sleeve comprising

[0054] The end of the first sleeve

[0055] The end of the second sleeve,

[0056] The elongated portion extends from the end of the first sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and

[0057] An inner wall extending longitudinally from the end of the first sleeve through the sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and the inner wall defining an aperture; and

[0058] A pin, the pin being configured to be at least partially received by the hole and including

[0059] The end of the first pin

[0060] The end of the second pin

[0061] The pin head portion is adjacent to the end of the second pin and is configured to prevent the pin head portion from penetrating the hole.

[0062] At least a partially threaded portion, said at least partially threaded portion being configured to form threads on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve.

[0063] A shank, the shank being located between the pin head portion and the at least partially threaded region, and

[0064] The driving portion is adjacent to the end of the first pin and is configured to receive a torque for rotating the pin within the sleeve, thereby axially compressing the sleeve and deforming it to form the thread on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve.

[0065] Clause 2. The single-sided fastener as described in Clause 1, wherein the at least partially threaded portion is disposed in the hole.

[0066] Clause 3. The single-sided fastener according to Clause 2, wherein the inner wall includes a narrow region, wherein the at least partially threaded portion is configured to form threads on at least a portion of the narrow region.

[0067] Clause 4. The single-sided fastener as described in Clause 3, wherein the narrow region includes a first diameter smaller than the major diameter of the at least partially threaded portion.

[0068] Clause 5. The single-sided fastener according to Clause 4, wherein the inner wall includes a second region configured to receive the at least partially threaded portion, and wherein the second region is substantially tubular and includes a second diameter greater than the major diameter of the at least partially threaded portion.

[0069] Clause 6. A single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the diameter of the hole decreases axially toward the end of the first sleeve along the length of the sleeve.

[0070] Clause 7. The single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve further includes a sleeve head portion adjacent to the end of the first sleeve, wherein the sleeve head portion is configured to prevent the sleeve from entering a hole in the structure beyond a predetermined distance.

[0071] Clause 8. The single-sided fastener as described in Clause 7, wherein the sleeve head portion is configured to receive torque.

[0072] Clause 9. A single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the elongated portion of the sleeve is configured to deform into a spherical shape in response to the at least partially threaded region forming threads on the inner wall and compressing the elongated portion.

[0073] Clause 10. A single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the pin head portion is configured to compress the elongated portion in response to the at least partially threaded region forming a thread on the inner wall.

[0074] Clause 11. A single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the drive portion comprises at least one of the following: substantially flat sides, ribs, splines, notches, knurling, teeth, holes, recessed sockets, threads, and tabs.

[0075] Clause 12. A single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the pin comprises a first material having a first hardness, wherein the sleeve comprises a second material having a second hardness, and wherein the second hardness is less than the first hardness.

[0076] Clause 13. A single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the pin includes a broken neck portion configured to break upon installation of the single-sided fastener.

[0077] Clause 14. The single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the drive portion is substantially cylindrical and does not include a broken neck portion.

[0078] Clause 15. The single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14 further includes a locking assembly attached to the socket head portion, the drive portion, or a combination thereof, wherein the locking assembly is configured to prevent rotation of the socket head portion during installation of the fastener.

[0079] Clause 16. The single-sided fastener as described in Clause 15, wherein the locking component comprises at least one of the following: substantially flat sides, ribs, splines, notches, knurling, teeth, holes, recessed sockets, and tabs.

[0080] Clause 17. A single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the single-sided fastener is configured to be installed in a hole in a structure configured as at least one of: aerospace components or assemblies, automotive components or assemblies, transportation components or assemblies, and building and construction components or assemblies.

[0081] Clause 18. A method for fastening, said method comprising:

[0082] The second sleeve end of the sleeve of the self-forming threaded single-sided fastener is inserted into a hole in the structure, wherein the single-sided fastener comprises:

[0083] Sleeve, the sleeve comprising

[0084] The end of the first sleeve

[0085] The end of the second sleeve,

[0086] The elongated portion extends from the end of the first sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and

[0087] An inner wall extending longitudinally from the end of the first sleeve through the sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and the inner wall defining an aperture; and

[0088] A pin, the pin being configured to be at least partially received by the hole and including

[0089] The end of the first pin

[0090] The end of the second pin

[0091] The pin head portion is adjacent to the end of the second pin and is configured to prevent the pin head portion from entering the hole.

[0092] At least part of the threaded portion,

[0093] A shank, the shank being located between the pin head portion and the at least partially threaded region, and

[0094] The driving part is adjacent to the end of the first pin;

[0095] Force is applied to bring at least the threaded portion of the pin into contact with the inner wall of the sleeve, thereby deforming the inner wall and forming threads thereon; and

[0096] The elongated portion of the sleeve is deformed to form a spherical object thereon.

[0097] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein forceful contact includes rotating the pin and causing the pin head portion to move axially toward the end of the first sleeve.

[0098] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 19, wherein the drive portion further includes a broken neck portion, and the method further includes rotating the pin until the pin breaks at the broken neck portion.

[0099] Clause 21. A method for fastening, the method comprising:

[0100] The second sleeve end of the sleeve of the single-sided fastener according to any one of clauses 1 to 17 is inserted into the hole in the structure;

[0101] Force is applied to bring at least the threaded portion of the pin into contact with the inner wall of the sleeve, thereby deforming the inner wall and forming threads thereon; and

[0102] The elongated portion of the sleeve is deformed to form a spherical object thereon.

[0103] Clause 22. A structure configured as at least one of: aerospace components or assemblies, automotive components or assemblies, transportation components or assemblies, and building and construction components or assemblies, wherein said structure includes a single-sided fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the fasteners, fastening systems, structures, methods, operations / actions, and objects described herein, along with the accompanying discussions, are used as examples to clarify concepts, and various configuration modifications are contemplated. Therefore, as used herein, the specific examples / implementations illustrated and the accompanying discussions are intended to represent their more general categories. In general, the use of any specific paradigm is intended to indicate the category of the paradigm, and the omission of specific components, devices, equipment, operations / actions, and objects should not be considered limiting. While this disclosure provides descriptions of various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating aspects of this disclosure and / or the potential applications of this disclosure, it should be understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, one or more inventions described herein should be understood as at least as broad as the claims made against them, and not as narrow as defined by the specific illustrative aspects provided herein.

Claims

1. A self-forming threaded single-sided fastener, comprising: Sleeve, the sleeve comprising: The end of the first sleeve The end of the second sleeve, The elongated portion extends from the end of the first sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and An inner wall extending longitudinally from the end of the first sleeve through the sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and the inner wall defining an orifice, wherein the diameter of the orifice decreases axially toward the end of the first sleeve along the length of the sleeve; and A pin, the pin being configured to be at least partially received by the hole and comprising: The end of the first pin The end of the second pin The pin head portion is adjacent to the end of the second pin and is configured to prevent the pin head portion from penetrating the hole. At least a partially threaded portion, said at least partially threaded portion being configured to form threads on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve. A shank, the shank being located between the pin head portion and the at least partially threaded portion, and A drive portion adjacent to the end of the first pin, wherein the drive portion is configured to receive a torque for rotating the pin within the sleeve, and thereby axially compressing the sleeve and deforming the sleeve to form the thread on at least a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve.

2. The single-sided fastener according to claim 1, wherein the at least partially threaded portion is disposed in the hole.

3. The single-sided fastener of claim 2, wherein the inner wall includes a narrow region, wherein the at least partially threaded portion is configured to form threads on at least a portion of the narrow region.

4. The single-sided fastener of claim 3, wherein the narrow region includes a first diameter smaller than the major diameter of the at least partially threaded portion.

5. The single-sided fastener of claim 4, wherein the inner wall includes a second region configured to receive the at least partially threaded portion, and wherein the second region is substantially tubular and includes a second diameter greater than the major diameter of the at least partially threaded portion.

6. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the sleeve further includes a sleeve head portion adjacent to the end of the first sleeve, wherein the sleeve head portion is configured to prevent the sleeve from entering a hole in the structure beyond a predetermined distance.

7. The single-sided fastener of claim 6, wherein the sleeve head portion is configured to receive torque.

8. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the elongated portion of the sleeve is configured to deform into a spherical shape in response to the at least partially threaded portion forming threads on the inner wall and compressing the elongated portion.

9. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the pin head portion is configured to compress the elongated portion in response to the at least partially threaded portion forming a thread on the inner wall.

10. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the driving portion comprises at least one of the following: substantially flat side, rib, spline, notch, knurling, toothed blade, and thread.

11. The single-sided fastener according to claim 1, wherein the driving portion includes a hole.

12. The single-sided fastener according to claim 1, wherein the driving portion includes an embedded socket.

13. The single-sided fastener according to claim 1, wherein the driving portion includes a tab.

14. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises a first material having a first hardness, wherein the sleeve comprises a second material having a second hardness, and wherein the second hardness is less than the first hardness.

15. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the pin includes a broken neck portion configured to break during installation of the single-sided fastener.

16. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the drive portion is substantially cylindrical and does not include a broken neck portion.

17. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, further comprising a locking component attached to the sleeve head portion, the drive portion, or a combination thereof, wherein the locking component is configured to prevent rotation of the sleeve head portion during installation of the fastener.

18. The single-sided fastener of claim 17, wherein the locking component comprises at least one of the following: substantially flat sides, ribs, splines, notches, knurling, and teeth.

19. The single-sided fastener of claim 17, wherein the locking component includes a hole.

20. The single-sided fastener of claim 17, wherein the locking component includes an embedded socket.

21. The single-sided fastener of claim 17, wherein the locking component includes a tab.

22. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the single-sided fastener is configured to be installed in a hole in a structure configured as at least one of: transport components or assemblies and building and construction components or assemblies.

23. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the single-sided fastener is configured to be installed in a hole configured as follows: an aerospace component or assembly.

24. The single-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the single-sided fastener is configured to be installed in a hole configured as follows: an automotive part or assembly.

25. A method for fastening, the method comprising: The second sleeve end of the sleeve of the self-forming threaded single-sided fastener is inserted into a hole in the structure, wherein the single-sided fastener comprises: Sleeve, the sleeve comprising: The end of the first sleeve The end of the second sleeve, The elongated portion extends from the end of the first sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and An inner wall extending longitudinally from the end of the first sleeve through the sleeve to the end of the second sleeve, and the inner wall defining an orifice, wherein the diameter of the orifice decreases axially toward the end of the first sleeve along the length of the sleeve; and A pin, the pin being configured to be at least partially received by the hole and comprising: The end of the first pin The end of the second pin The pin head portion is adjacent to the end of the second pin and is configured to prevent the pin head portion from entering the hole. At least part of the threaded portion, A shank, the shank being located between the pin head portion and the at least partially threaded portion, and The driving part is adjacent to the end of the first pin; Force is applied to bring at least the threaded portion of the pin into contact with the inner wall of the sleeve, thereby deforming the inner wall and forming threads thereon; and The elongated portion of the sleeve is deformed to form a spherical object thereon.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the forceful contact comprises rotating the pin and causing the pin head portion to move axially toward the end of the first sleeve.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the pin further comprises a broken neck portion, and the method further comprises rotating the pin until the pin breaks at the broken neck portion.

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