Multi-piece fastener, multi-piece fastener installation device, and fastening method

Abstract

Multi-piece fasteners, multi-piece fastener installation devices, and fastening methods are provided. The multi-piece fastener includes a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar includes a first collar end and a second collar end. A collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin includes a first pin end, a second pin end, and a shank extending intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The shank includes a plurality of structural features. A first feature of the plurality of structural features has a first configuration, and a second feature of the plurality of structural features has a second configuration. The first configuration is different than the second configuration.

Description

Multi-piece fasteners, multi-piece fastener mounting devices and fastening methods Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to multi-piece fasteners, multi-piece fastener mounting devices, and fastening methods. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle frames, storage racks, solar panel structures, aircraft parts, and other structures can include numerous mechanical fasteners. For example, structural fasteners can be installed in holes in structural components to hold parts together. Properly installing structural fasteners into the holes presents challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a non-limiting aspect of this disclosure, a multi-piece fastener is provided. The multi-piece fastener includes a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar includes a first collar end and a second collar end. A collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end. The pin is configured to be received at least partially by the collar cavity. The pin includes a first pin end, a second pin end, and a shank extending between the first pin end and the second pin end. The shank includes a plurality of structural features. A first feature of the plurality of structural features has a first configuration, and a second feature of the plurality of structural features has a second configuration. The first configuration differs from the second configuration.

[0004] According to another non-limiting aspect of this disclosure, a method for fastening is provided. The method includes inserting a second pin end of a multi-piece fastener into a hole in a structure and forcibly contacting the pull zone of the pin of the multi-piece fastener with a mounting device. The method includes measuring the load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the mounting device and the stroke length of the collet during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device. A fastening collar of the multi-piece fastener is forcibly contacted with the anvil of the mounting device, and the pull zone is moved distally from the fastening collar, thereby deforming the fastening collar onto the shank of the pin and securing at least a portion of the multi-piece fastener in the structure. The method includes using the measured load and the measured stroke length to determine whether the collar has deformed onto a first feature of the shank of the multi-piece fastener during installation using the mounting device.

[0005] According to another non-limiting aspect of this disclosure, a multi-piece fastener mounting device is provided. The multi-piece fastener mounting device includes a housing defining a housing cavity, an anvil within the housing cavity, a collet within the housing cavity, and programmable hardware. The anvil is configured to force contact at least a portion of the collar of the multi-piece fastener. The collet includes a first collet end adjacent to the anvil. The first collet end is configured to force contact at least a portion of the pull area of ​​the shank of the multi-piece fastener. The programmable hardware device is configured to measure the load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the collet during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device, and to measure the stroke length of the collet while the load is applied during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device. The programmable hardware device is configured to use the measured load and the measured stroke length to determine whether the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto a first feature among a plurality of structural features on the shank of the multi-piece fastener during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device.

[0006] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and described in this specification is not limited to the aspects outlined herein. The foregoing details, as well as other details, will be understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features and advantages of the examples provided herein, as well as how they are obtained, will become more apparent and the examples will be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0008] Figure 1A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a non-limiting example of an acceptable installation of a multi-piece fastener;

[0009] Figure 1B is a partial cross-sectional side view of a non-limiting example of an unacceptable installation of a multi-piece fastener;

[0010] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a non-limiting embodiment of a multi-piece fastener according to the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a non-limiting embodiment of a multi-piece fastener and a multi-piece fastener mounting device according to the present disclosure, wherein the multi-piece fastener is shown located in a hole in the structure and in a first configuration.

[0012] Figure 3B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the multi-piece fastener and multi-piece fastener mounting device of Figure 3A, which is shown as being located in a hole in the structure and in a second configuration.

[0013] Figure 3C is a partial cross-sectional side view of the multi-piece fastener and multi-piece fastener mounting device of Figure 3A, which is shown as being located in a hole in the structure and in a third configuration.

[0014] Figure 4A shows the curves of the measured stroke length versus the measured load for the mounting device as it moves from the first configuration shown in Figure 3A to the second configuration shown in Figure 3B.

[0015] Figure 4B shows the curves of the measured stroke length versus the measured load for the mounting device as it moves from the second configuration shown in Figure 3B to the third configuration shown in Figure 3C.

[0016] Figure 5 is a graph showing the travel length versus the measured load during installation of the first and second non-limiting embodiments of the multi-piece fastener according to this disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment of a fastening method according to the present disclosure.

[0018] In several views, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The examples illustrated herein show certain embodiments in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Various examples are described and illustrated herein to provide a general understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed fastening collars, multi-piece fastening systems, and fastening 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. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims. Features and characteristics shown and / or described in conjunction with various examples may be combined with features and characteristics of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this specification. Thus, the claims may be modified to state any feature or characteristic explicitly or inherently described or otherwise explicitly or inherently supported in this specification. Furthermore, the applicant reserves the right to amend the claims to expressly deny any feature or characteristic that may be present in the prior art. The various embodiments disclosed and described in this specification may include, consist of, or substantially consist of features and characteristics as differently described herein.

[0020] Any reference in this document to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "embodiment," or similar phrases means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or similar phrases appearing in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular described feature, structure, or characteristic can be combined in any suitable manner. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment can be combined, without limitation, in whole or in part, with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] As used herein, “intermediate” means that the mentioned element is located between two other elements, but not necessarily in contact with those other elements. Therefore, unless otherwise stated herein, an element located “intermediate” between the first element and the second element may or may not be adjacent to or in contact with the first element and / or the second element, and additional elements may be located between the intermediate element and the first element and / or the second element.

[0022] When structural fasteners such as locking bolts are installed into holes in a structure, the locking bolt's collar deforms (e.g., forged) into sections of the fastener's pin. Depending on the user and / or installation tools, undesirable fasteners may be used during installation, the collar may deform unacceptably (e.g., the deformation distance along the axial length of the collar is too short or too long, and / or the degree of deformation at a particular point is too great or too small), the collar may not be properly aligned with the pin, or other defects may exist. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the fastening collar 102 of locking bolt 100a is shown as partially deformed, and the fastening collar 102 has deformed into all the grooves on the shank 122 of the pin 120 of locking bolt 100a. In some applications, the configuration shown in Figure 1A may be considered an acceptable installation. In contrast, in the configuration shown in Figure 1B, the retaining collar 102 of the locking bolt 100b is partially deformed, and the retaining collar 102 has not deformed into all the grooves 134 on the shank 122 of the pin 120 of the locking bolt 100. In some applications, the configuration shown in Figure 1B may be considered an unacceptable installation because the retaining collar 102 has not deformed into the minimum number of grooves 134 that would otherwise be desired.

[0023] To ensure that the locking bolt is correctly installed, a forging gauge can be used to inspect its installation. A forging gauge typically has two distinct sides: a touch-go side, which includes a first recess of a first size configured to receive a collar; and a touch-no-go side, which includes a second recess of a first size configured to receive a collar. Using a forging gauge to inspect the acceptable installation of the locking bolt requires additional steps after installation and can be time-consuming and subjective. Furthermore, measuring the total travel distance of the locking bolt installation tool's chuck or the maximum applied load during the installation of the locking bolt may not accurately and effectively detect whether the retaining collar is correctly positioned relative to the pin (e.g., the retaining collar has been forged onto the desired portion of the pin).

[0024] Therefore, this disclosure provides multi-piece fasteners, multi-piece fastener mounting devices, and fastening methods, thereby enabling effective inspection of the acceptable installation of structural fasteners during installation, potentially eliminating the need for additional installation inspection steps using forging gauges. Since additional fastener installation inspection steps may be unnecessary, the mounting devices and processes can improve the accuracy and / or overall efficiency of the manufacturing process.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a multi-piece fastener 200 according to the present disclosure. The multi-piece fastener 200 can be configured to be mounted in a hole in a structure (e.g., as shown in Figures 3A to 3C). The multi-piece fastener 200 may include at least two components, such as a fastening collar 202 and a pin 220, as shown in Figure 2; or in some non-limiting embodiments, it may include at least three components (not shown). In various non-limiting embodiments, the multi-piece fastener 200 may include a two-piece assembly including a fastening collar 202 and a pin 220. In some embodiments, the multi-piece fastener 200 may be at least one of a locking bolt and a single-sided fastener. For example, the locking bolt may be a structural locking bolt fastener, such as a structural rivet, structural bolt, or structural stud.

[0026] The fastening collar 202 may include a first collar end 204, a second collar end 206, an elongated portion 208 disposed between the first collar end 204 and the second collar end 206, and a cavity 210 extending from the first collar end 204 through the elongated portion 208 to the second collar end 206. The elongated portion 208 may define a longitudinal axis of the fastening collar 202. Depending on the desired application, the surface 216 of the elongated portion 208 adjacent to the cavity 210 may include at least one of a generally cylindrical region, a threaded region, an annular shoulder, and a groove. In various non-limiting embodiments, the fastening collar 202 may be generally cylindrical.

[0027] In various non-limiting embodiments, the fastening collar 202 may include a flange 218. The fastening collar 202 may be configured to engage and / or be received by an anvil of an installation tool, while the flange diameter of the flange 218 may prevent the fastening collar 202 from passing laterally through a hole in the structure beyond a predetermined distance.

[0028] Pin 220 may include a first pin end 228, a second pin end 230, and a handle 222. The handle 222 may include a shape adapted to be received by the cavity 210 of the fastening collar 202, such as a generally cylindrical shape. The handle 222 may extend between the first pin end 228 and the second pin end 230 and may be sized to at least partially pass through the cavity 210. When the handle 222 is inserted into the cavity 210, the first pin end 228 may be positioned adjacent to the second collar end 206, and the second pin end 230 may be positioned adjacent to the first collar end 204. In various non-limiting embodiments, pin 220 may include a head portion 236 configured to prevent the pin 220 from laterally passing through a hole in the structure beyond a predetermined distance. In various other non-limiting embodiments, pin 220 may not include a head portion (not shown).

[0029] The first pin end 228 may include a pull section 224 configured to be engaged by an installation tool (e.g., installation tool 348 shown in Figures 3A to 3C and discussed below). The pull section 224 may have an axial length and may not include a taper in various non-limiting embodiments. In other non-limiting embodiments, the pull section 224 may include a taper or a reverse taper. For example, the diameter of the pull section 224 may decrease as it moves along the longitudinal axis of the pin 220 away from the head portion 230. In some other non-limiting embodiments, the pull section 224 may include a reverse taper, wherein the diameter of the pull section 224 increases as it moves along the longitudinal axis of the pin 220 away from the head portion 230. In various embodiments, the pull section 224 may be generally conical.

[0030] The tension area 224 may include at least one of a generally smooth area, an annular shoulder, a groove, and a hole, and / or may include another feature configured to be engaged by an installation tool (e.g., installation tool 348 as shown in Figures 3A to 3C and discussed below). For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, the tension area 224 may include a groove 232, as shown in Figure 2, which may be engaged by an installation tool.

[0031] The shank 222 may define the longitudinal axis of the pin 220. The shank 222 may be configured to engage the fastening collar 202 in order to secure the shank 222 to the fastening collar 202. When engaged, the longitudinal axis of the pin 220 and the longitudinal axis of the fastening collar 202 may be substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis A1 of the multi-piece fastener 100.

[0032] The cavity 210 of the fastening collar 202 may be configured to at least partially receive the shank 222 of the pin 220 therein. For example, the cavity 210 may include a shape adapted to receive the shank 222 of the pin 220, such as a generally cylindrical shape. During and / or after the shank 222 is introduced into the cavity 210, in response to forced contact between the elongated portion 208 and the installation tool, the elongated portion 208, including at least a portion of the surface 216, may at least partially deform onto the shank 222, as described below. The deformation of the elongated portion 208 may secure the fastening collar 202 to the shank 222. In various non-limiting embodiments, the pin 220 may include a necked groove 240 or other features configured to break during the installation of the multi-piece fastener 200, and the pull zone 224 may be removable after installation. In various non-limiting embodiments, the diameter φ1 of the shank 222 is in the range of 0.06 inches to 4 inches.

[0033] The shank 222 includes structural features 234, such as one or more annular shoulders, one or more grooves, one or more threads, and combinations thereof. Structural features 234 may engage the surface 216 of the fastening collar 202. Structural features 234 may be external structures on one or more areas of the shank 222. In various non-limiting embodiments, all or one area of ​​the shank 222 includes a groove. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, structural feature 234 is a groove. In various non-limiting embodiments, all or a portion of the shank 222 includes an annular shoulder (not shown). In various non-limiting embodiments, all or one area of ​​the shank 222 includes threads (not shown). In some non-limiting embodiments, all or one area of ​​the shank 222 includes one or more grooves and one or more threads.

[0034] Referring again to Figure 2, the first feature 234a of the plurality of structural features 234 on the shank 222 may have a first configuration, and the second feature 234b of the plurality of structural features 234 may have a second configuration, and the first configuration and the second configuration are different. The first and second configurations are configured such that the difference between the first and second configurations can be detected during the installation of the fastener (e.g., the deformation of the fastening collar 202 onto the pin 220). For example, measuring the load applied to the fastening collar 202 during deformation and the travel distance during the application of the load during the installation of the multi-piece fastener 200 can make it possible to detect the first and second configurations, and thereby confirm that the fastening collar 202 has been forged onto the corresponding structural features 234a, 234b.

[0035] In various non-limiting multi-piece fastener embodiments in which multiple structural features 234 include grooves, the first feature 234a may be a first groove, and the second feature 234b may be a second groove, and at least one dimension of the first groove and the second groove may be different. For example, at least one dimension of the first groove and the second groove may include a groove ridge, a groove depth, or another dimension of the groove.

[0036] In various non-limiting multi-piece fastener embodiments in which multiple structural features 234 include annular shoulders, the first feature 234a may be a first annular shoulder, and the second feature 234b may be a second annular shoulder, and at least one dimension of the first annular shoulder and the second annular shoulder may be different.

[0037] In various non-limiting multi-part fastener embodiments in which multiple structural features 234 include threads, the first feature 234a may be a first thread, and the second feature 234b may be a second thread, and at least one dimension of the first thread and the second thread may be different. For example, at least one dimension of the first thread and the second thread may include thread depth, internal thread diameter, external thread diameter, or pitch.

[0038] The multi-piece fastening system according to this disclosure may comprise at least one of metal, metal alloy, composite material, or another suitable material. For example, in various embodiments, the multi-piece fastener (e.g., fastener 200) according to this disclosure may comprise at least one of: aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, iron, iron alloy, and carbon fiber composite material.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, a multi-piece fastener 200 can be installed into a hole 346 in structure 344. As shown, the hole 346 extends from a first side 368 through structure 344 to a second side 360. In various other non-limiting embodiments, the hole 346 may extend from the first side 368 but not through the entire structure 344, thus forming a blind hole, and a multi-piece fastener according to this disclosure configured as a single-sided fastener can be used. In various embodiments, the hole 346 may include threads, while in other non-limiting embodiments, the hole 346 does not include threads.

[0040] Structure 344 may comprise at least one of, for example, metal, metal alloy, composite material, or another suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, structure 344 may comprise at least one of: aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, iron, iron alloy, and carbon fiber composite material. In various embodiments, structure 344 assembled from the multi-piece fastening system 200 comprises aluminum and / or aluminum alloy, such as 7075 aluminum alloy. Referring to the accompanying drawings, in various non-limiting embodiments, structure 344 may be constructed as at least one of: aerospace component or structure, automotive component or structure, transportation component or structure, building and construction component or structure, or another component or structure.

[0041] Structure 344 may include a single material layer or at least two material layers. For example, as shown in Figures 3A to 3C, structure 344 may include a first material layer 344a and a second material layer 344b. When the fastening collar 202 is installed, the first material layer 344a may be located between the second material layer 344b and the fastening collar 202. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first material layer 344a is adjacent to the fastening collar 202.

[0042] To facilitate alignment of the multi-piece fastener 200 with the hole 346, the size and / or shape of the first pin end 228 can be configured to easily enter and move through the hole 346. In various embodiments, the diameter of the head portion 236 can be larger than the diameter of the hole 346 to prevent the pin 220 from advancing further into the hole 346. In various non-limiting embodiments lacking the head portion 236, the diameter of the second pin end 230 can be sized and configured to be smaller than the diameter of the hole 346, thereby allowing the second pin end 230 to easily move into and through the hole 346.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3A, the first pin end 228 of pin 220 is positioned to align with the second side 360 ​​of hole 346 before insertion into through hole 346. In various other non-limiting embodiments where the multi-piece fastener 200 is configured as a single-sided fastener without head portion 236, the second pin end 230 of pin 220 may be positioned to align with the first side 368 of hole 346 and inserted into through hole 346.

[0044] Referring again to Figure 3A, the fastening collar 202 is shown positioned above the first pin end 228, which is inserted into and passes through the cavity 210 of the fastening collar 202. The second collar end 206 of the fastening collar 202 has contacted the first layer 344a of the structure 344. In various non-limiting embodiments where the pin 220 and the fastening collar 202 include threads, inserting the first pin end 228 into the cavity 210 of the fastening collar 202 may require rotation of at least one of the fastening collar 202 and the pin 220.

[0045] The fastening collar 202 can be forced into contact with the structure 344. The forced contact between the fastening collar 202 and the structure 344 can limit further axial movement of the fastening collar 202 relative to the pin 220 along the longitudinal axis A1.

[0046] Referring again to FIG. 3A, a multi-piece fastener mounting device 348 is provided. The mounting device 348 includes a housing 356 defining a housing cavity 358, an anvil 354 positioned within the housing cavity 358, a chuck 352 positioned within the housing cavity 358, and a programmable hardware device (PHD) 370. The anvil 354 may be configured to selectively force contact at least a portion of the fastening collar 202 of the multi-piece fastener 200. The chuck 352 includes a first chuck end 352a adjacent to the anvil 354, and the first chuck end 352a includes a jaw configured to force contact at least a portion of the pull region 224 of the shank 222 of the multi-piece fastener 200.

[0047] In various non-limiting embodiments, PHD 370 includes a processor operatively coupled to a memory. PHD 370 is configured (e.g., including sensors and / or circuitry configured to perform the following) to measure, and thus determine, the load applied to the multi-piece fastener 200 by the chuck 352 during installation of the multi-piece fastener 200 using the mounting device 348. The chuck 352 can retract into the anvil 354, thereby causing forced contact between the anvil 354 and the fastening collar 202. The measured load can be a direct measurement of the load applied to the chuck 352 by a device (e.g., a motor, actuator) during installation, and / or the measured load can be an indirect measurement of the load applied to the chuck 352 during installation by measuring the force applied to the anvil 352 due to the forced contact between the fastening collar 202 and the anvil 354.

[0048] PHD 370 is further configured to measure the travel length of the chuck 352 while applying a load to the chuck 352 during the installation of the multi-piece fastener 200 using the mounting device 348, thereby determining the measured travel length. The measured travel length may be the absolute distance the chuck 352 moves along the longitudinal axis A1 and / or the relative distance the chuck 352 moves relative to the anvil 354 along the longitudinal axis A1 during the installation process.

[0049] PHD 370 can be further configured to use the measured load and the measured stroke length to determine whether the fastening collar 202 has deformed onto a first feature 234a, a second feature 234b, and / or another feature among a plurality of structural features 234 on the shank 222 of the multi-piece fastener 200 during installation using the mounting device 348. PHD 370 can determine the number of structural features 234 on the shank 222 onto which the fastening collar 202 has deformed during the installation process. PHD 370 can be configured to normalize the measured load and the measured stroke length based on the determination that the fastening collar 202 of the multi-piece fastener 200 has deformed onto a first feature 234a among the plurality of structural features 234 on the shank 222. PHD 370 can also use the measured values ​​and plot a curve of the measured stroke length versus the measured load during the installation process. PHD 370 can then determine whether the multi-piece fastener 200 has been acceptablely installed by: comparing the number of structural features 234 to which the fastening collar 220 has been deformed to a predetermined threshold number of structural features; comparing the measured stroke length to a predetermined stroke length threshold; comparing the measured load to a predetermined load threshold; analyzing the measured stroke versus measured load curve; and / or determining whether the measured stroke versus load curve passes through a predefined checkbox or other feature point.

[0050] PHD 370 can output a determination of whether the multi-piece fastener 200 has been acceptablely installed to a display 362 that communicates with PHD 370. For example, display 362 can be configured to display a first mark indicating that the fastening collar 202 of the multi-piece fastener 200 has been deformed onto the first feature 234a of the plurality of structural features 234, or a second mark indicating that the fastening collar 202 of the multi-piece fastener 200 has not been deformed onto the first feature 234a of the plurality of structural features 234, based on PHD 370's determination of whether the fastening collar 202 of the multi-piece fastener 200 has been deformed onto the first feature 234a of the plurality of structural features 234. In various non-limiting embodiments, the display 362 may be configured to display a first mark (based on a particular applicable standard) indicating that the multi-piece fastener 200 has been acceptablely installed, or a second mark indicating that the multi-piece fastener 200 has not yet been acceptablely installed.

[0051] Referring again to Figure 3A, the chuck 352 of the mounting tool 348 engages the shank 222 of the pin 220 of the multi-piece fastener 200. For example, the chuck 352 can be configured to retract into the mounting tool 348, thereby forcing the chuck 352 into contact with the anvil 354 of the mounting tool 348. Thereafter, the chuck 352 can surround and forcibly engage the pull zone 224 of the pin 220, thus engaging the pull zone 224. During engagement, the chuck 352 can apply an axial force to the pull zone 224 of the pin 220, which can reduce the gap (if present) between the first layer 344a and the second layer 344b of the structure 344 and form a forced contact between the fastening collar 202 and the structure 344.

[0052] The anvil 354 can at least partially deform the fastening collar 202 onto the shank 222 of the pin 220, thereby securing the fastening collar 202 to the shank 222. For example, referring to FIG. 3B, due to the contact between the tension zone 224 and the collet 352, the collet 352 can retract into the mounting tool 348, and the pin 220 moves as the collet 352 retracts. As the collet 352 retracts, the anvil 354 forces contact with the fastening collar 202. After a predetermined force is reached, in response to the forced contact between the anvil 354 and the fastening collar 202, the elongated portion 208 can at least partially deform. For example, the elongated portion 208 can be at least partially forged onto at least a portion of the structural feature 234 on the shank 222. As shown in FIG. 3B, the elongated portion 208 has been forged onto at least the first feature 234a.

[0053] During the retraction of the chuck 352, the load applied to the chuck 352 (i.e., the measured load) and the stroke length of the chuck 352 (i.e., the measured stroke length) can be determined by the PHD 370. For example, as shown in FIG4A, as the installation process progresses from the configuration shown in FIG3A to the configuration shown in FIG3B, the PHD 370 has plotted a curve 470 of the measured stroke length versus the measured load. The fastening collar 202 is forged onto the first feature 234a at region 472a on curve 470.

[0054] The chuck 352 can continue to retract to the position shown in FIG. 3C. As the chuck 352 continues to retract, the anvil 354 forces contact with more of the fastening collar 202 and deforms the fastening collar. For example, the elongated portion 208 can be at least substantially forged into a number of structural features 234 on the shank 122. As shown in FIG. 3C, the elongated portion 208 has been forged into the first feature 234a, the second feature 234b, the third feature 234c, the fourth feature 234d, and the fifth feature 234e of the plurality of features 234 on the shank 122.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3C, after the multi-piece fastener 200 is installed into the structure 344, the head portion 236 of the fastening collar 202 and the pin 220 can apply a clamping force to the structure 344, thereby securing the two-piece fastener 200 to the structure 344. In some non-limiting embodiments, the pin 220 may break along the necked groove 240 after being installed into the structure 344.

[0056] During the continued retraction of the chuck 352, the load applied to the chuck 352 (i.e., the measured load) and the stroke length of the chuck 352 (i.e., the measured stroke length) can be measured by the PHD 370. For example, as shown in FIG4B, as the installation process progresses from the configuration shown in FIG3B to the configuration shown in FIG3C, the PHD 370 has continued to plot the curve 470 of the measured stroke length versus the measured load. The fastening collar 202 deforms to the second feature 234b at region 472b on curve 470. The fastening collar 202 deforms to the third feature 234c at region 472c on curve 470. The fastening collar 202 deforms to the fourth feature 234d at region 472d on curve 470. The fastening collar 202 deforms to the fifth feature 234e at region 472e on curve 470.

[0057] As can be seen from curve 470 in Figure 4B, the deformation of the fastening collar 202 onto the first feature 234a creates a different mark 472a on curve 470 compared to the deformation of the fastening collar 202 onto other features 234-e. Determining the mark generated when the fastening collar 202 has deformed onto the first feature 234a allows for the determination of whether the fastening collar 202 has been acceptablely installed in the structure. For example, using the mark 472a of the first feature 234a as a reference, the number of structural features 234 onto which the fastening collar 202 has deformed during the installation of the multi-piece fastener 200 can be determined. For example, if the first feature 234a is the first structural feature among a series of structural features 234 contacted by the fastening collar 202, then the mark 472a of the first feature 234a can be used as an initial count of the structural features. In various non-limiting embodiments, if the first feature 234a is the first structural feature among a series of structural features 234 contacted by the fastening collar 202, then the mark 472a of the first feature 234a can be used to inspect the thickness of the structure by measuring the stroke length from the moment the collar 202 is installed onto the first feature 234a and comparing it with a predetermined value. However, in some embodiments, the first feature 234a may be in different positions, and the structural features 234 may be counted prior to the first feature 234a.

[0058] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first feature 234a can be used to normalize the curves of the measured load and the measured stroke length. For example, Figure 5 shows a first curve 580 and a second curve 582, the first curve plotting the load and the measured stroke length measured during the installation of the first multi-piece fastener, and the second curve plotting the load and the measured stroke length measured during the installation of the second multi-piece fastener. Region 584 of the first curve 580 corresponds to the point where the fastening collar of the first multi-piece fastener is forged onto the first feature of the shank of the first fastener. Region 586 of the second curve 582 corresponds to the point where the fastening collar of the second multi-piece fastener is forged onto the first feature of the shank of the second fastener. Both the first and second multi-piece fasteners are acceptablely installed. As shown, the initial region 580a of the first curve 580 differs from the initial region 582a of the second curve 582. This could lead to variations in the determination of whether the corresponding multi-piece fastener is acceptablely installed if only the measured stroke length or the measured load is considered. However, the second region 580b of the first curve 580 is substantially similar to the second region 580b of the second curve 582. If the first curve 580 and the second curve 582 are normalized using regions 584 and 586 as references, respectively, the first curve is substantially similar to the second curve. Therefore, normalization based on the deformation of the fastening collar 202 onto the first feature allows for a more accurate determination of whether the multi-piece fastener 200 has been acceptablely installed.

[0059] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first curve 580 and the second curve 582 can be aligned at the measured load (e.g., the load measured at the center of the first mark 472a) of the first feature 234a. Thereafter, the stroke length before the first mark 472a can be determined and compared with a predetermined value to determine whether the collar 202 is in the desired position relative to the pin 220; this can also be used to determine the thickness of the structure 344. Thereafter, the stroke length after the first mark 472a until the end of installation can be determined and compared with a predetermined value to determine whether the collar 202 has been installed to the desired level.

[0060] Deformation of the elongated portion 208 can secure the fastening collar 202 to the pin 220, and thus secure the multi-piece fastener 200 to at least a portion of the structure 344. In this way, for example, the first material layer 344a and the second material layer 344b of the structure 344 are secured together (e.g., to suppress axial movement along the longitudinal axis A1 of the multi-piece fastener 200).

[0061] In various non-limiting embodiments, the installation tool can be a pull tool or a squeeze tool (not shown) as shown in Figures 3A to 3C. For example, as is known in the art, a squeeze tool can apply compressive force simultaneously to the fastening collar 202 and the second pin end 230 of the pin 220. The compressive force can deform the fastening collar 202 onto the shank 222 of the pin 220, thereby securing the fastening collar 202 to the shank 222.

[0062] Referring to Figure 6, in various non-limiting embodiments, the multi-piece fastener according to this disclosure can be installed according to a method for fastening a structure. At step 602, the first pin end 228 of the multi-piece fastener 200 is inserted into the hole 346 of the structure 344. At step 604, the pull zone of the pin of the multi-piece fastener is forced into contact with the jaws of the clamp of the mounting device. At step 606, during the installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device, the load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the clamp (i.e., the measured load) and the stroke length of the clamp (i.e., the measured stroke length) are measured. At step 608, the fastening collar is forced into contact with the anvil of the mounting device, and the pull zone is moved distally from the fastening collar using the clamp of the fastening collar mounting device, thereby deforming the fastening collar onto the shank of the pin and securing at least a portion of the multi-piece fastener in the structure. At step 610, the measured load and the measured stroke length are used to determine whether the collar has deformed onto a first feature of the shank of the multi-piece fastener during installation using the mounting device. In various non-limiting embodiments, as shown at step 612, the measured load and the measured stroke length can be normalized based on the determination that the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first feature of a plurality of structural features on the shank. In various non-limiting embodiments, a mark can be displayed on the display of the mounting device to indicate whether the multi-piece fastener has been acceptablely installed.

[0063] Various aspects of the present invention include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following numbered clauses.

[0064] 1. A multi-piece fastener, comprising:

[0065] A fastening collar, the fastening collar including a first collar end and a second collar end, wherein a collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end; and

[0066] A pin, configured to be received at least partially by the collar cavity, the pin comprising...

[0067] First sales end,

[0068] Second sales end, and

[0069] A handle, which extends between the first pin end and the second pin end.

[0070] The handle includes multiple structural features; and

[0071] The first feature portion among the plurality of structural feature portions has a first configuration, the second feature portion among the plurality of structural feature portions has a second configuration, and the first configuration is different from the second configuration.

[0072] 2. The multi-piece fastener as described in Clause 1, wherein the plurality of structural features include a first groove and a second groove, and at least one of the first groove and the second groove has a different size.

[0073] 3. The multi-piece fastener as described in Clause 2, wherein the at least one dimension of the first groove and the second groove is selected from the groove ridge and the groove depth.

[0074] 4. The multi-piece fastener as described in Clause 1, wherein the plurality of structural features include a first annular shoulder and a second annular shoulder, and at least one of the first annular shoulder and the second annular shoulder has a different size.

[0075] 5. A multi-part fastener as described in Clause 1, wherein the plurality of structural features include a first thread and a second thread, and at least one of the first thread and the second thread has a different dimension.

[0076] 6. The multi-piece fastener as described in Clause 5, wherein the at least one dimension of the first thread and the second thread is selected from thread depth, internal thread diameter, external thread diameter, and pitch.

[0077] 7. A multi-piece fastener as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the fastening collar is generally cylindrical.

[0078] 8. A multi-piece fastener as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the fastening collar includes a flange, the first pin end includes a head portion, and the second pin end includes a tension zone.

[0079] 9. A multi-piece fastener as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the multi-piece fastener is adapted to be installed in a hole in a structure.

[0080] 10. A multi-piece fastener as described in Clause 9, wherein said structure is at least one of: aerospace parts or components, automotive parts or components, transportation parts or components, and building and construction parts or components.

[0081] 11. The multi-piece fastener as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the multi-piece fastener comprises at least one of metal, metal alloy and composite material.

[0082] 12. A multi-piece fastener as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the diameter of the shank is in the range of 0.06 inches to 4 inches.

[0083] 13. A locking bolt comprising a multi-piece fastener as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12.

[0084] 14. A method for fastening, the method comprising:

[0085] Insert the second pin end of the multi-piece fastener as described in Clause 1 into the hole in the structure;

[0086] The installation device is used to force contact with the pull zone of the pin of the multi-piece fastener;

[0087] During the installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device, the load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the mounting device and the stroke length of the clamp are measured;

[0088] The fastening collar is forced into contact with the anvil of the mounting device, and the pulling zone is moved distally from the fastening collar, thereby deforming the fastening collar onto the shank of the pin, and securing at least a portion of the multi-piece fastener in the structure; and

[0089] The measured load and the measured stroke length are used to determine whether the collar has deformed onto the first feature of the shank of the multi-piece fastener during installation using the mounting device.

[0090] 15. The method of Clause 14, further comprising normalizing the measured load and the measured stroke length based on a determination of the first feature of a plurality of structural features on the shank of the multi-piece fastener.

[0091] 16. A multi-piece fastener mounting device, comprising:

[0092] Housing, the housing defining a housing cavity;

[0093] The anvil within the housing cavity is configured to force contact with at least a portion of the collar of a multi-piece fastener;

[0094] The chuck within the housing cavity, the chuck including a first chuck end adjacent to the anvil, the first chuck end being configured to forcibly contact at least a portion of the pull area of ​​the shank of the multi-piece fastener; and

[0095] Programmable hardware device, the programmable hardware device being configured to

[0096] During the installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device, the load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the chuck is measured.

[0097] During the installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device, the stroke length of the collet is measured while a load is applied.

[0098] The measured load and the measured stroke length are used to determine whether the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first of a plurality of structural features on the shank of the multi-piece fastener during installation using the mounting device.

[0099] 17. The multi-piece fastener mounting device as described in Clause 16, wherein the first feature is different from the second feature among the plurality of structural features on the shank of the multi-piece fastener.

[0100] 18. The multi-piece fastener mounting device as described in any one of Clauses 16 to 17, further comprising:

[0101] A display that communicates with the programmable hardware device is configured to display, based on a determination of whether the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first feature of a plurality of structural features on the handle of the multi-piece fastener during installation of the multi-piece fastener by the programmable hardware device using the mounting device, a first mark indicating that the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first feature of the plurality of structural features, a second mark indicating that the collar of the multi-piece fastener has not deformed onto the first feature of the plurality of structural features, or a combination of the first mark and the second mark.

[0102] 19. A multi-piece fastener mounting device as described in any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the programmable hardware device is further configured to normalize the measured load and the measured stroke length based on a determination of the first feature of a plurality of structural features on the shank of the multi-piece fastener having been deformed onto the shank.

[0103] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters should be understood to begin and be modified in all cases by the term “about,” whereby the numerical parameters have the inherent variability of the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the parameter values. At least, and without attempting to limit the application of the equivalence principle to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should be understood at least based on the number of significant figures reported and by applying common rounding techniques.

[0104] Furthermore, any numerical range stated herein includes all subranges contained within the stated range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1 and the stated maximum value of 10 (inclusive), i.e., the minimum value is equal to or greater than 1, and the maximum value is equal to or less than 10. Any maximum numerical limit stated in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit stated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly state any subranges contained within the expressly stated range. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

[0105] Unless otherwise indicated, the grammatical articles “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more,” even when “at least one” or “one or more” is explicitly used in certain cases. Therefore, the aforementioned grammatical articles are used herein to refer to one or more (i.e., “at least one”) elements specifically identified. Furthermore, unless the context of usage requires otherwise, the use of singular nouns includes plural nouns, and the use of plural nouns includes singular nouns.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for clarity of concept, the fasteners, structures, operations / actions, and objects described herein, along with the accompanying discussion, are used as examples, and various configuration modifications are conceivable. Therefore, as used herein, the specific examples / implementations illustrated and the accompanying discussion are intended to represent their more general categories. In general, the use of any specific example is intended to indicate its category, and the exclusion of specific parts, devices, apparatuses, operations / actions, and objects should not be considered limiting. While this disclosure provides descriptions of various specific aspects for illustrating different aspects of this disclosure and / or its potential applications, 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 to be at least as broad as claimed, and not more narrowly defined than the illustrative aspects of the specific examples provided herein.

Claims

1. A multi-piece fastener mounting device, comprising: A housing defining a housing cavity; an anvil within the housing cavity, the anvil being configured to force contact at least a portion of the collar of a multi-piece fastener; a chuck within the housing cavity, the chuck including a first chuck end adjacent to the anvil, the first chuck end being configured to force contact at least a portion of a pulling area of ​​the shank of the multi-piece fastener; and a programmable hardware device configured to: measure a load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the chuck during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device; measure a stroke length of the chuck while the load is applied during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device; and use the measured load and the measured stroke length to determine whether the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto a first of a plurality of structural features on the shank of the multi-piece fastener during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device.

2. The multi-piece fastener mounting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first feature portion is different from the second feature portion among the plurality of structural feature portions on the handle of the multi-piece fastener.

3. The multi-piece fastener installation device as described in claim 1, further comprising: A display that communicates with the programmable hardware device is configured to display, based on a determination of whether the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first feature of a plurality of structural features on the handle of the multi-piece fastener during installation of the multi-piece fastener by the programmable hardware device using the mounting device, a first mark indicating that the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first feature of the plurality of structural features, a second mark indicating that the collar of the multi-piece fastener has not deformed onto the first feature of the plurality of structural features, or a combination of the first mark and the second mark.

4. The multi-piece fastener mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable hardware device is further configured to normalize the measured load and the measured stroke length based on a determination of the first feature of a plurality of structural features on the shank of the multi-piece fastener having been deformed onto the shank.

5. The multi-piece fastener mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first chuck end includes a jaw configured to forcibly contact at least a portion of the pull zone of the shank of the multi-piece fastener.

6. The multi-piece fastener mounting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the measured stroke length is the absolute distance the clamp moves along the longitudinal axis of the multi-piece fastener.

7. The multi-piece fastener installation device of claim 1, wherein the measured stroke length is the relative distance the chuck moves relative to the anvil along the longitudinal axis of the multi-piece fastener during the installation process.

8. The multi-piece fastener mounting device of claim 1, wherein the programmable hardware device is further configured to determine the number of structural features on the shank that have been deformed thereon during installation.

9. The multi-piece fastener mounting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the programmable hardware device configured to determine that the multi-piece fastener has been acceptablely mounted by one or more of the following: comparing the number of structural features deformed thereon to a predetermined number of structural features; comparing the measured stroke length to a predetermined stroke length threshold; comparing the measured load to a predetermined load threshold; analyzing the measured stroke versus measured load curve; and determining the measured stroke versus load curve via a predefined checkbox.

10. The multi-piece fastener mounting apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a display configured to display a first mark indicating that the multi-piece fastener has been acceptablely mounted.

11. The multi-piece fastener installation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the multi-piece fastener installation device is a pulling tool.

12. The multi-piece fastener mounting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of structural features include a first groove and a second groove, and at least one of the first groove and the second groove has a different size.

13. The multi-piece fastener mounting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of structural features include a first annular shoulder and a second annular shoulder, and at least one of the first annular shoulder and the second annular shoulder has a different size.

14. The multi-piece fastener mounting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of structural features include a first thread and a second thread, and at least one of the first thread and the second thread has a different dimension.

15. A method for fastening, the method comprising: A first pin end of a pin in a multi-piece fastener is inserted into a hole in a structure, wherein the multi-piece fastener includes: a fastening collar including a first collar end and a second collar end, wherein a collar cavity extends from the first collar end to the second collar end; and a pin configured to be received at least partially by the collar cavity, the pin including: a first pin end including a tension region, a second pin end, and a shank extending between the first pin end and the second pin end, wherein the shank includes a plurality of structural features; and wherein a first feature of the plurality of structural features has a first configuration, a second feature of the plurality of structural features has a second configuration, and the first The configuration differs from the second configuration; the mounting device is used to force contact with the tension zone; during the installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device, the load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the mounting device and the stroke length of the collet are measured; the fastening collar is forced into contact with the anvil of the mounting device, and the tension zone is moved distally from the fastening collar, thereby deforming the fastening collar onto the shank and securing at least a portion of the multi-piece fastener in the structure; and the measured load and measured stroke length are used to determine whether the collar has deformed onto the first feature during the installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first feature and the second feature are capable of engaging the surfaces of the fastening collar and are capable of being fully located within the collar cavity of the fastening collar after installation.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising normalizing the measured load and the measured stroke length based on a determination that the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first feature of a plurality of structural features on the shank.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the mounting device comprises: A housing defining a housing cavity; an anvil within the housing cavity; and a chuck within the housing cavity, the chuck including a first chuck end adjacent to the anvil. And a programmable hardware device configured to: measure the load applied to the multi-piece fastener by the chuck during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device; measure the stroke length of the chuck while applying the load during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device; and determine, using the measured load and the measured stroke length, whether the collar of the multi-piece fastener has deformed onto the first feature portion during installation of the multi-piece fastener using the mounting device.

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