Fastening system, fastener assembly, and method of preloading fastener assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening system, a fastener assembly, and a method of preloading a fastener assembly. A fastening system includes a first component and a second component. In one embodiment, a fastening system includes a fastener assembly configured to attach a first component and a second component together. The fastening system also includes a layer disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component and / or the second component. The layer is configured to provide an alarm when a predetermined compressive load has been reached in the first component and the second component, the alarm indicating that a preload of the fastener assembly has been reached. A method of preloading a fastener assembly includes applying a torque to the fastener assembly until a predetermined compressive load has been reached in a first component and a second component. When a predetermined compressive load has been reached, an alarm of the layer is activated that indicates that a preload of the fastener assembly has been reached.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Many components of an aircraft are fastened together at joints via fasteners such as bolts or screws. A torque wrench can be used to tighten a nut onto a bolt or screw. The amount of nut tightening via the torque wrench is based on the existing friction of tightening the nut. Generally, the torque wrench tightens the nut until a desired preload has been reached in the fastener. However, variations such as friction variations in the fastener threads can cause variations in the joint preload. Variations in the preload can cause the fastener to fatigue during its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Accordingly, there is a need to develop a fastening system and a fastener assembly that improve the repeatability of preloading, and other benefits are also discussed herein.

[0003] The present disclosure provides a fastening system including a first component and a second component. The fastening system includes a fastener assembly configured to attach the first component and the second component together. The fastening system further includes a layer disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component and / or the second component. The layer is configured to provide an alert when a predetermined compressive load has been reached in the first component and the second component, the alert signaling that the preload of the fastener assembly has been reached.

[0004] The present disclosure also provides a method of preloading a fastener assembly. A fastener of the fastener assembly is inserted through the first component and the second component to attach the first component to the second component. A layer is disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component and / or the second component. The layer is configured to provide an alert signaling that the preload of the fastener has been reached. Torque is applied to the fastener assembly until a predetermined compressive load that activates the alert has been reached in the first component and the second component.

[0005] The present disclosure also provides a fastener assembly for attaching a first component and a second component together. The fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion having a head and a second fastener portion spaced apart from the head. The fastener assembly includes a layer disposed between the head and the first component and / or between the second fastener portion and the second component. The layer is configured to provide an alert when a predetermined compressive load has been reached in the first component and the second component, the alert signaling that the preload of the fastener assembly has been reached.

[0006] The detailed description and the drawings or figures support and describe the present disclosure, but the scope of the claims of the present disclosure is defined only by the claims. Although some best modes and other configurations for carrying out the claims have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and configurations for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a fastening system for removing a layer.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a fastener assembly for clamping a first component and a second component together without using one or more washers, and shows an example position of the layer.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a fastener assembly for clamping a first component and a second component together without using one or more washers, and shows an additional example position of the layer.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a fastener assembly for clamping a first component and a second component together using one or more washers, and shows an additional example position of the layer relative to the one or more washers.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a fastener assembly for clamping a first component and a second component together using one or more washers, and shows other example positions of the layer relative to the one or more washers.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a schematic enlarged view of the layer when a housing is used to separate a first part and a second part, where the first part is outside the housing.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a schematic enlarged view of the layer when a housing is used to separate a first part and a second part, where the second part is outside the housing.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a schematic enlarged view of the layer when a housing is used to separate a first part and a second part, where the first part and the second part are arranged in different housings.

[0015] The present disclosure can be extended to modified and alternative forms, where representative configurations are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The inventive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the disclosed configurations. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications, equivalents, combinations, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure defined by the appended claims. Detailed Description

[0016] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all directional references (e.g., above, below, upward, upper, downward, lower, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used to describe the figures to assist the reader and do not represent a limitation on the scope of the disclosure defined by the appended claims (e.g., limitations on orientation, orientation, or use, etc.). In addition, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used to describe separate components. Such terms may include the specifically mentioned words above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings. In addition, the term "substantially" may refer to a slight inaccuracy or slight variation in a condition, quantity, value, or dimension, some of which are within the manufacturing tolerances or tolerances.

[0017] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should not necessarily be construed as excluding a plurality of elements or steps. In addition, any reference to "a configuration" should not be construed as excluding the existence of additional configurations that also include the recited features. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, a configuration including one or more elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property. The phrase "at least one of..." used herein should be construed to include the non-exclusive logical "or", i.e., A and / or B, etc., depending on the number of components.

[0018] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts in the plurality of views, the fastening system 10 is generally as Figure 1 shown.

[0019] Continuing to refer to Figure 1 , the fastening system 10 includes a first component 12 and a second component 14 that can be attached together. More specifically, the fastener assembly 16 is configured to attach the first component 12 and the second component 14 together. In certain configurations, the first component 12 may define a first hole 18, and the second component 14 may define a second hole 20. Generally, the first hole 18 and the second hole 20 are aligned with each other to receive the fastener assembly 16.

[0020] The first component 12 and the second component 14 can be of any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples of the components 12, 14 may include panels (e.g., inner panels, outer panels, skin panels, etc.), frames, brackets, spars, bulkheads, keels, ribs, doors, fittings, gears, or any one or more of any other components 12, 14 that can be attached to each other and combinations thereof. Thus, the first component 12 and the second component 14 can be used in various applications, such as but not limited to: aircraft (such as airplanes, drones, payloads, space shuttles, etc.); movable platforms (such as locomotives, automobiles, off-road vehicles, boats, agricultural equipment, etc.); equipment, buildings, or any other application that requires attaching components 12, 14 together.

[0021] Typically, a tool or implement 22 (as shown in Figure 1 ) is used to tighten the fastener assembly 16 to the first member 12 and the second member 14 to attach or clamp the first member 12 and the second member 14 together at the joint. More specifically, the fastener assembly 16 is tightened until a predetermined compressive load 24 is reached, which effectively clamps the first member 12 and the second member 14 together at the joint, which in turn causes a tensile load 26 to be applied to the fastener assembly 16, which in turn creates a preload on the fastener assembly 16. When the fastener assembly 16 is tightened, the first member 12 and the second member 14 are squeezed together to create compression in the first member 12 and the second member 14 and correspondingly create tension in the fastener assembly 16 as a preload. It should be understood that more than two members 12, 14, i.e., any suitable number of members, can be clamped together at the joint. Typically, if one or more washers 28 are used, the preload is equal and opposite to the compressive load 24 in the first member 12, the second member 14 (plus any other number of members used) and the one or more washers 28 (numbered in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). The one or more washers 28 will be discussed further below.

[0022] The predetermined compressive load 24 can be a threshold based on the desired preload of the fastener assembly 16, which can be based on engineering requirements, government requirements, aircraft parameters, etc. In the discussion below, the predetermined compressive load 24 will generally be referred to as the compressive load 24.

[0023] For example, if the first member 12 and the second member 14 are loaded, an external force 30 is applied to the first member 12 and the second member 14 in various directions, some of which may pull the first member 12 and the second member 14 apart. The fastener assembly 16 is designed to counteract the external force 30 and maintain the attachment or clamping between the first member 12 and the second member 14, and in doing so, the fastener assembly 16 is repeatedly subjected to stresses that can cause fatigue. Fatigue can be reduced or improved by preloading the fastener assembly 16, which can increase the structural life of the fastener assembly 16. In addition, as described herein, preloading the fastener assembly 16 can reduce the alternating stress in the fastener assembly 16 under repeated loading.

[0024] In some configurations, tool 22 can include one or more segments 32A, 32B that cooperate to tighten fastener assembly 16. Thus, during tightening via tool 22, one segment 32A can engage one end 34A of fastener assembly 16 while another segment 32B engages the other end 34B of fastener assembly 16. In some configurations, tool or implement 22 is a wrench, optionally a torque wrench, drill, Allen wrench, screwdriver, nut driver, socket wrench, or any other suitable tool or implement 22 capable of tightening fastener assembly 16 to first member 12 and second member 14.

[0025] Turning to example details of fastener assembly 16, in some configurations, fastener assembly 16 can include a first fastener portion 36 and a second fastener portion 38. As Figures 1-5 shown, in some configurations, generally, fastener assembly 16 can include a fastener 40 and a nut 42, where the first fastener portion 36 can include the fastener 40 and the second fastener portion 38 can include the nut 42. More specifically, in some configurations, the first fastener portion 36 can include a head 44 and the second fastener portion 38 includes a nut 42 spaced apart from the head 44. It should be understood that, as Figure 1 shown, the head 44 of the first fastener portion 36 can be external to the first member 12 or the second member 14, or the head 44 of the first fastener portion 36 can be countersunk into the first member 12 or the second member 14.

[0026] Returning to reference to tool 22, to tighten fastener assembly 16, one segment 32A can engage the first fastener portion 36 (e.g., fastener 40 or head 44) to prevent the first fastener portion 36 from moving while another segment 32B moves the second fastener portion 38 (e.g., nut 42), or, one segment 32A can engage the first fastener portion 36 (e.g., fastener 40 or head 42) to move the first fastener portion 36 while another segment 32B prevents the second fastener portion 38 (such as nut 42) from moving. In another example, to tighten fastener assembly 16, one segment 32A can engage the first fastener portion 36 (e.g., fastener 40 or head 44) to move the first fastener portion 36 in a first direction while another segment 32B can move the second fastener portion 38 (e.g., nut 42) in another direction different from the first direction.

[0027] The fastener 40 can be disposed through the first hole 18 and the second hole 20 to attach the first component 12 and the second component 14 together. More specifically, the head 44 can be attached to the fastener 40, and in addition, the fastener 40 can include a post 46 to which the head 44 is attached, whereby the post 46 is disposed through the first hole 18 and the second hole 20. Generally, when the second fastener portion 38 is a nut 42, the fastener 40 and the nut 42 are threadedly engaged together to clamp the first component 12 and the second component 14 together.

[0028] Go to Figures 2-5 , the outer head diameter d of the head 44 of the fastener 40 h is greater than the outer post diameter d of the post 46 p , and is greater than the first hole diameter d of the first hole 18 of the first component 12 1 . Thus, referring to Figures 1-5 , the head 44 can be attached to the end 34A of the fastener 40 to prevent the fastener 40 from passing through the first component 12 and the second component 14.

[0029] Continuing to refer to Figures 1-5 , the outer nut diameter d of the second fastener portion 38 n is also greater than the second hole diameter d of the second hole 20 of the second component 14 2 . The second fastener portion 38 can be attached to the other end 34B of the fastener 40 to prevent the fastener 40 from passing through the first component 12 and the second component 14. Thus, when a preload is applied to the fastener assembly 16, the head 44 and the second fastener portion 38 cooperate to prevent the fastener 40 from being pulled through the holes 18, 20.

[0030] Thus, generally, the tool 22 can engage the head 44 and / or the nut 42 of the fastener assembly 16 to tighten the fastener 40 to the first component 12 and the second component 14. More specifically, one segment 32A of the tool 22 can engage the head 44, while another segment 32B of the tool 22 can engage the nut 42. The tool force 48 can be applied to the fastener assembly 16 via the tool 22 until the compression load 24 is reached and thus the preload is reached. In some configurations, the tool force 48 can be a torque, and thus, the post 46 of the fastener 40 and the nut 42 can be threadedly engaged to cooperate with each other. The fastener assembly 16 can be of any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples can include bolts, shoulder bolts, jo-bolts, studs, screws, hi-loks, composi-loks, rivets, hex wrenches, etc., which can cooperate with nuts 42, collars, etc. In some configurations, the head 44 of the fastener assembly 16 can be replaced via the nut 42, in which case the fastener assembly 16 has nuts 42 at both ends 34A, 34B.

[0031] Referring to Figures 2-5 , the fastening system 10 further includes a layer 50 disposed between the fastener assembly 16 and the first component 12 and / or the second component 14. That is, the layer 50 can be disposed between the fastener 40 and the first component 12 and / or the second component 14. Non-limiting examples of the layer 50 can include materials or fluids that are painted, brushed, sprayed, adhered, dip-coated, deposited, vapor-deposited, heat-melted, etc.

[0032] The layer 50 is configured to provide an alert when a compressive load 24 has been reached in the first component 12 and the second component 14. This alert serves as a signal that the preload of the fastener assembly 16 has been reached. In certain configurations, a tool force 48 (e.g., torque) is applied to the fastener assembly 16 until the alert is activated via the layer 50, which indicates that the compressive load 24 has been reached in the first component 12 and the second component 14. Thus, when the preload of the fastener 40 is reached, the alert is activated, which indicates to stop the tool force 48 (e.g., applying torque) on the fastener 40.

[0033] The fastening system 10 is designed to improve the accuracy and repeatability of obtaining the preload by using the layer 50 as an alert, and thus reduce the variability of the preload that depends on the friction between the thread engagement between the stud 46 and the nut 42. In other words, even considering manufacturing tolerances, the fastening system 10 described herein can obtain the desired preload via the layer 50. Thus, there is no need to rely on and can advantageously avoid using the existing calculations based on friction with a torque wrench as described above in the background section.

[0034] The layer 50 can be disposed in any suitable position relative to the fastener assembly 16 and the components 12, 14 to provide an alert, and non-limiting examples will be discussed below. It should be understood that Figure 1 the layer 50 is not shown in Figure 1 to show other features of the fastening system 10, but the layer 50 can be disposed in any position in

[0035] As Figures 2-5 shown, generally, the layer 50 can be disposed between the head 44 and the second fastener portion 38. More specifically, the layer 50 can be disposed between the head 44 and the first component 12 and / or disposed between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. Thus, in certain configurations, the layer 50 can engage the fastener 40 and / or the nut 42. That is, the layer 50 can be disposed between the head 44 and the first component 12 and / or disposed between the second fastener portion 38 (e.g., nut 42) and the second component 14. Thus, any suitable number of layers 50 can be used, and even if Figures 2-5Shows a plurality of layers 50, and it should also be understood that a single layer 50 may be used.

[0036] Referring Figures 2-4 , generally, the layer 50 can engage the first fastener portion 36 and / or the second fastener portion 38. In these configurations, the layer 50 can be attached to the head 44 of the first fastener 40 component and / or the second fastener portion 38 (e.g., nut 42).

[0037] Turning Figure 2 and Figure 3 , in these configurations, the layer 50 is attached to the head 44 and / or the first component 12, and / or the layer 50 is attached to the second fastener portion 38 and / or the second component 14. More specifically, the first component 12 can include a first face 52 facing outward away from the second component 14, and the head 44 of the first fastener portion 36 can include a first surface 54 facing the first component 12. Thus, the first face 52 and the first surface 54 face each other. The layer 50 can be partially (see Figure 2 ) or completely (see Figure 3 ) disposed around the first surface 54 so as to partially or completely surround the post 46 of the fastener 40, respectively. Similarly, the layer 50 can be partially (see Figure 2 ) or completely disposed around the first face 52 so as to partially or completely surround the first hole 18 of the first component 12, respectively.

[0038] Continuing to refer Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the second component 14 can include a second face 56 facing outward away from the first component 12, and the nut 42 of the second fastener portion 38 can include a second surface 58 facing the second component 14. Thus, the second face 56 and the second surface 58 face each other. The layer 50 can be partially (see Figure 2 ) or completely (see Figure 3 ) disposed around the second surface 58 so as to partially or completely surround the post 46 of the fastener 40, respectively. Similarly, the layer 50 can be partially (see Figure 2 ) or completely disposed around the second face 56 so as to partially or completely surround the second hole 20 of the second component 14, respectively.

[0039] Optionally, the fastener assembly 16 can include one or more washers 28 disposed between the head 44 of the fastener assembly 16 and the first component 12, and / or one or more washers 28 disposed between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. For example, in certain configurations, if one washer 28 is used, the washer 28 can be disposed between the head 44 and the first component 12, or between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. As another example, if two washers 28 are used, a first washer 28 can be disposed between the head 44 and the first component 12, and a second washer 28 can be disposed between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. As yet another example, if two washers 28 are used, the two washers 28 can be disposed or stacked between the head 44 of the fastener assembly 16 and the first component 12, or the two washers 28 can be disposed or stacked between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. It should be understood that any suitable number of washers 28 can be disposed or stacked between the head 44 of the fastener assembly 16 and the first component 12, and / or between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14.

[0040] Generally, the washer 28 includes a first side surface 60 and a second side surface 62 opposite the first side surface 60. The first side surface 60 and the second side surface 62 of each washer 28 can be of any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples of the surfaces 60, 62 can include flat, arcuate, inclined, tapered, beveled, corrugated, etc. If one or more washers 28 are disposed between the head 44 and the first component 12, the first side surface 60 of the corresponding washer 28 faces the first face 52 of the first component 12, and the second side surface 62 of the washer 28 faces the first surface 54 of the head 44. Similarly, if one or more washers 28 are disposed between the nut 42 and the second component 14, the first side surface 60 of the corresponding washer 28 faces the second face 56 of the second component 14, and the second side surface 62 of the washer 28 faces the second surface 58 of the nut 42.

[0041] In certain configurations, the layer 50 can be disposed on a single washer 28, such as on the first side surface 60 and / or the second side surface 62. In other configurations, the layer 50 is disposed on the first washer 28 (such as on the first side surface 60 and / or the second side surface 62 of the first washer 28), and is also disposed on the second washer 28 (such as on the first side surface 60 and / or the second side surface 62 of the second washer 28). It should be understood that the layer 50 can be disposed on any suitable number of washers 28.

[0042] Layer 50 can be any suitable configuration that provides an alert. When layer 50 is activated, the alert can be in the form of an observable feature or state that can be visually seen or perceived, can be in the form of a noise or sound that can be audibly heard or perceived, and / or can be in the form of an odor that can be smelled or perceived, and various implementations are discussed below. Optionally, the alert can be created by an exothermic reaction as described below.

[0043] In some configurations, layer 50 can be a coating. If washer 28 is used, the coating can be applied to the fastener assembly 16 (including, for example, head 44 and / or nut 42), first component 12, second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28, and combinations thereof. The coating can be applied to the fastener assembly 16, first component 12, second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28 in any suitable manner, and non-limiting examples can include materials or fluids such as painting, brushing, spraying, adhering, dip coating, depositing, chemical vapor deposition, hot melt, etc. If washer 28 is used, optionally, washer 28 can be dipped into the coating. In some configurations, the coating can be a liquid fluid or gel, but it should be understood that the coating can be any suitable configuration.

[0044] In some configurations, the coating can include a first part 64 and a second part 66 that mix together to create an alert when the compressive load 24 has been reached. Thus, the first part 64 and the second part 66 can react together via a chemical reaction to create an alert. For example, the first part 64 can be a product, and the second part 66 can be a reactant. More specifically, the first part 64 can be an epoxy resin, and the second part 66 can be a catalyst. In some configurations, the first part 64 and / or the second part 66 can be a dye or a paint pigment. It should be understood that any suitable number of parts 64, 66 (i.e., more than two) can be mixed together to create an alert.

[0045] To prevent the premature mixing of the first part 64 and the second part 66, at least one of the parts 64, 66 is separated from each other until the compressive load 24 is reached, and reaching the compressive load 23 causes the parts 64, 66 to mix, as described in further detail below. For example, the first part 64 and / or the second part 66 can be contained within a housing 68 (see Figures 6-8 ) to prevent the mixing of the first part 64 with the second part 68 until the desired preload has been reached, or to prevent the discharge of the dye or paint pigment until the desired preload has been reached.

[0046] Alternatively, in some configurations, the mixing portions 64, 66 are not required. For example, with respect to a configuration in which a dye or paint pigment is contained within the housing 68, when the housing 68 breaks, the dye or paint pigment can be discharged from the housing 68 to provide a visual alarm. That is, the mixing portions 64, 66 are not required to cause a reaction to provide a visual alarm.

[0047] In some configurations, the second portion 66 is contained within the housing 68, and the first portion 64 is coated on the fastener assembly 16 (including, for example, the head 44 and / or the nut 42), the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28 (see Figure 6 ). In other configurations, the first portion 64 is contained within the housing 68, and the second portion 66 is coated on the fastener assembly 16 (including, for example, the head 44 and / or the nut 42), the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28 (see Figure 7 ). In still other configurations, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 are contained within separate housings 68 (see Figure 8 ), and a coating external to the housing 68 is used to attach the layer 50 to the fastener assembly 16 (including, for example, the head 44 and / or the nut 42), the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28. When the compression load 24 has been reached, the housing 68 breaks or ruptures, which in turn indicates that a predetermined preload has been reached, sufficient to allow the first portion 64 and / or the second portion 66 to leave the housing 68 and mix with another portion to create an alarm, or be discharged from the housing 68 to create an alarm. The discharge or mixing of the portions 64, 66 can create an audible alarm, a fragrance or odor alarm, and / or an exothermic alarm, such as a visual alarm and / or a temperature change alarm.

[0048] In other configurations, the layer 50 can include an audible feature. As an example, the audible feature can include a frangible material that breaks when the compression load 24 has been reached to create a sound as an alarm. Thus, for example, the housing 68 described above can be used, but in some configurations does not contain the first portion 64 and / or the second portion 66. The housing 68 can be empty, or can contain a material that wrinkles, cracks, etc., such that an audible sound is emitted when compressed via the compression load 24. Thus, when the housing 68 breaks or ruptures, a sound is emitted as an audible alarm. Another example is that the audible feature can include a conical or cup-shaped washer similar to a Belleville washer, in place of the housing 68, and when the compression load 24 has been reached, the conical or cup-shaped washer flattens to emit a sound as an alarm. The rupture strength of the housing 68 is determined based on the preload of the fastener assembly 16.

[0049] In still other configurations, layer 50 may include visual features. As an example of a visual feature, the visual feature may include a coating that changes color to create an alert when the compression load 24 has been reached. As another example, the visual feature may also be an exothermic reaction, where the outer shell 68 described above may be used to mix the first part 64 and the second part 66 together, thereby creating a reaction that can be seen as a spark or a flash. Alternatively, the outer shell 68 may rupture to expose a color (such as the dye or paint pigment described above), which does not require mixing between two or more parts 64, 66. Thus, in certain configurations, each outer shell 68 may contain the same part, such as the first part 64 that contains the color. The rupture strength of the outer shell 68 is determined based on the preload of the fastener assembly 16. As an example, a fluorescent color may be exposed, where ultraviolet light or goggles may be used to detect the fluorescent color as a visual feature. In still other configurations, the visual feature may be a material that creates a spark or a flash upon compression as an alert when the compression load 24 has been reached.

[0050] In still other configurations, layer 50 may include temperature features. The temperature feature may also be an exothermic reaction, where the outer shell 68 described above may be used to mix the first part 64 and the second part 66 together, thereby causing a reaction that may create a temperature change that can be physically detected or sensed, such as via a thermal imager or an infrared camera. In still other configurations, the temperature feature may be a material that creates or generates heat when compressed when the compression load 24 has been reached. Thus, the outer shell 68 in the figure may be replaced by a material with a temperature feature and will not be shown further.

[0051] In still other configurations, layer 50 may include aroma or odor features. As an example of an aroma or odor feature, the outer shell 68 may rupture to release an aroma or an odor, which does not require mixing between two or more parts 64, 66 as an aroma or odor feature. Thus, in certain configurations, each outer shell 68 may contain the same part, such as the first part 64 that contains the aroma or the odor. The rupture strength of the outer shell 68 is determined based on the preload of the fastener assembly 16. As another example of an aroma or odor feature, layer 50 may contain one or more materials that frictionally engage with each other or rub against each other to activate the aroma or the odor when the compression load 24 has been reached.

[0052] It should be understood that all the figures may represent different configurations of layer 50, and thus, Figures 6-8 examples related to aroma or odor features, visual features, temperature features, and audible features should not be excluded.

[0053] The present disclosure also provides a method of preloading a fastener assembly 16. Generally, prior to attaching the first component 12 and the second component 14 together, (one or more) layers 50 are applied to the desired locations.

[0054] The fastener 40 of the fastener assembly 16 is inserted through the first component 12 and the second component 14 to attach the first component 12 to the second component 14. Prior to inserting the fastener 40 through the first component 12 and the second component 14, the layer 50 is applied to the desired locations. Generally, as described above, the layer 50 is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener 40 has been reached.

[0055] A tool 22 is used to tighten the fastener assembly 16 onto the first component 12 and the second component 14 to compress the first component 12 and the second component 14 together until a predetermined compression load 24 has been reached at the joint. During this process, a tool force 48 is applied to the fastener assembly 16 until the compression load 24 is reached. In some configurations, torque is applied to the fastener assembly 16 until the compression load 24 has been reached in the first component 12 and the second component 14, which activates the alert. When the tool force 48 (such as torque) is applied to the fastener assembly 16 via the operation of the tool 22, a force 70 is applied to the layer 50. When the first component 12 and the second component 14 are clamped together via the compression load 24, the force 70 can be a compressive force. When the compression load 24 has been reached, the alert of the layer 50 is activated, which indicates that the preload of the fastener assembly 16 has been reached.

[0056] As described above, in some configurations, the layer 50 can include a coating, an audible feature, a visual feature, a temperature feature, and / or an aroma or odor feature, which can provide the alert as described above and will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

[0057] When the alert is activated, the tool force 48 (such as torque) is removed from the fastener assembly 16. Then, another fastener assembly 16 can be disposed through the first hole 18 of the first component 12 and the second hole 20 of the second component 14 at a different location along the joint and preloaded as described herein, which can be repeated for the desired number of fastener assemblies 16 used to clamp the first component 12 and the second component 14 together along the joint.

[0058] It should be understood that the order or sequence of performing the above method(s) is for illustrative purposes, and other orders or sequences are also within the scope of this teaching. It should also be understood that the method(s) can include other features not specifically identified in the above method discussion.

[0059] Although the best mode and other configurations for carrying out the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art related to the present disclosure will recognize various alternative designs and configurations for practicing the present disclosure within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, the characteristics of the configurations shown in the drawings or described in the various configurations mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be understood as independent configurations from each other. Instead, each characteristic described in one of the examples of a configuration can be combined with one or more other desired features from other configurations, resulting in other configurations that are not described in words or with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other configurations fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any change, and not merely has the potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a specified function is selected, created, implemented, used, programmed, and / or designed specifically for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, "configured to" denotes the existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For the purposes of the present disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as "configured to" perform a particular function can alternatively or additionally be described as "adapted to" and / or "operable to" perform that function.

[0061] The illustrations of the configurations described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various configurations. These illustrations are not intended as a complete description of all elements and features of the devices and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other configurations may be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure. Other configurations can be utilized and derived from the present disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure and the drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0062] The following clauses provide some example configurations of the fastening system 10, the fastener assembly 16, and the methods disclosed herein.

[0063] Clause 1: A fastening system comprising: a first component; a second component; a fastener assembly configured to attach the first component and the second component together; a layer disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component and / or the second component; and wherein the layer is configured to provide an alert when a predetermined compression load has been reached in the first component and the second component, the alert indicating that the preload of the fastener assembly has been reached.

[0064] Clause 2: The system as described in Clause 1, wherein the fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, and wherein the layer is engaged with the first fastener portion and / or the second fastener portion.

[0065] Clause 3: The system as described in Clause 2, wherein the first fastener portion includes a head, and wherein the layer is attached to the head and / or the second fastener portion.

[0066] Clause 4: The system as described in Clause 2 or Clause 3, wherein the second fastener portion includes a nut spaced apart from the head, and wherein the layer is attached to the head and / or the nut.

[0067] Clause 5: The system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion having a head, and the fastener assembly includes a second fastener portion spaced apart from the head, and wherein the layer is disposed between the head and the first component and / or between the second fastener portion and the second component.

[0068] Clause 6: The system as described in Clause 5, wherein the fastener assembly includes a first washer disposed between the head and the first component or disposed between the second fastener portion and the second component, and wherein the layer is disposed on the first washer.

[0069] Clause 7: The system as described in Clause 6, wherein the fastener assembly includes a second washer, wherein the first washer is disposed between the head and the first component, and the second washer is disposed between the second fastener portion and the second component, and wherein the layer is disposed on the first washer and the second washer.

[0070] Clause 8: The system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the layer is a coating.

[0071] Clause 9: The system as described in Clause 8, wherein the coating includes a first portion and a second portion, and when a predetermined compressive load has been reached, the first portion and the second portion are mixed together to create an alarm.

[0072] Clause 10: The system as described in Clause 9, wherein the first portion is a product and the second portion is a reactant.

[0073] Clause 11: The system as described in any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the layer includes an audible feature.

[0074] Clause 12: The system as described in Clause 11, wherein the audible feature includes a frangible material that fractures to create a sound as an alarm when a predetermined compressive load has been reached.

[0075] Clause 13: The system as described in any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the layer includes a visual feature.

[0076] Clause 14: A system as described in Clause 13, wherein the visual feature includes a coating that changes color to create an alert when a predetermined compression load has been reached.

[0077] Clause 15: A system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fastener assembly includes a fastener and a nut, wherein the layer engages the fastener and / or the nut, and wherein the fastener and the nut are threadedly connected together to clamp a first component and a second component together, and wherein torque is applied to the fastener assembly until an alert is activated via the layer, the alert indicating that a predetermined compression load has been reached in the first component and the first component.

[0078] Clause 16: A method of preloading a fastener assembly, the method comprising: inserting a fastener of the fastener assembly through a first component and a second component to attach the first component to the second component, wherein a layer is disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component and / or the second component, and wherein the layer is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener has been reached; and applying torque to the fastener assembly until a predetermined compression load that activates the alert has been reached in the first component and the second component.

[0079] Clause 17: The method as described in Clause 16, further comprising removing torque from the fastener assembly when the alert is activated.

[0080] Clause 18: The method as described in Clause 16 or 17, further comprising applying a force to the layer when applying torque to the fastener assembly.

[0081] Clause 19: The method as described in one of Clauses 16 - 18, wherein the layer is a coating.

[0082] Clause 20: A fastener assembly for attaching a first component and a second component together, the fastener assembly comprising: a first fastener portion having a head; a second fastener portion spaced apart from the head; a layer disposed between the head and the first component and / or between the second fastener portion and the second component; and wherein the layer is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener assembly has been reached when a predetermined compression load has been reached in the first component and the second component.

Claims

1. A fastening system (10), comprising: first component (12); Second component (14); a fastener assembly (16) configured to attach the first component (12) and the second component (14) together; a layer (50) disposed between the fastener assembly (16) and the first component (12) and / or the second component (14); and wherein the layer (50) is configured to provide an alarm when a predetermined compressive load (24) has been reached in the first component (12) and the second component (14), the alarm indicating that a preload of the fastener assembly (16) has been reached.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fastener assembly (16) includes a first fastener portion (36) and a second fastener portion (38), wherein the layer (50) engages the first fastener portion (36) and / or the second fastener portion (38).

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first fastener portion (36) includes a head (44), wherein the layer (50) is attached to the head (44) and / or the second fastener portion (38).

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second fastener portion (38) includes a nut (42) spaced apart from the head (44), wherein the layer (50) is attached to the top (44) and / or the nut (42).

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the fastener assembly (16) includes a first fastener portion (36) having a head (44), and the fastener assembly (16) includes a second fastener portion (38) spaced apart from the head (44), wherein the layer (50) is disposed between the head (44) and the first component (12) and / or between the second fastener portion (38) and the second component (14).

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the fastener assembly (16) includes a first washer (28) disposed between the head (44) and the first component (12) or between the second fastener portion (38) and the second component (14), wherein the layer (50) is disposed on the first washer (28).

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the fastener assembly (16) includes a second washer (28), wherein the first washer (28) is disposed between the head (44) and the first component (12), and the second washer (28) is disposed between the second fastener portion (38) and the second component (14), wherein the layer (50) is disposed on the first washer (28) and the second washer (28).

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the layer (50) is a coating.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the coating comprises a first portion (64) and a second portion (66) that mix together to create the alarm when the predetermined compressive load (24) has been reached.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first portion (64) is a product and the second portion (66) is a reactant.

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