Fastening system with sealing arrangement

Abstract

A deformable fastening system includes a clamped component and a fastener including a bolt having: a shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the fastener; and a head having a surface including at least one engaging portion and one or more protrusions formed on the at least one engaging portion. The one or more protrusions are formed on the at least one engagement portion substantially proximate the shaft portion. One or more protrusions formed on the at least one engagement portion engage a mating surface of the clamped component to clamp the clamped component as the bolt is moved into the nut member, resulting in an increase in axial load during a tightening cycle to deform the clamped component.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application serial number 16 / 460,559 filed on July 2, 2019, and U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 423,987 filed on November 9, 2022, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] The present invention generally relates to systems for reducing the clamping force required to effectively install bolts, such as flow bolts and fastening systems with improved sealing arrangements.

[0004] Fasteners, such as threaded screws and rivets, can be used to mechanically couple components at a joint. Fasteners use complementary, mating threads in the case of screws, or deformed ends in the case of rivets, to apply a compressive or clamping load on the joined components, with a corresponding tensile load applied to the fastener.

[0005] When one or more fasteners are used to assemble two or more materials together, the fasteners provide the clamping load or clamping force that clamps the materials together. While the clamping force needs to be large enough to adequately secure the materials together, it should not be so large as to damage the materials being secured.

[0006] In an attempt to apply just the right amount of clamping force, a torque wrench is often used to tighten fasteners. The torque wrench includes a dial that provides a visual indication of the amount of torque being applied. Other clamp load indicating devices, such as encapsulated liquids, are sometimes used in industry to prevent excessive clamping force from being applied.

[0007] Some applications require a flow bolt. A flow bolt is a bolt that is specifically configured to provide a seal at one or more points but allows fluid to flow along a through hole formed through the axis of the bolt or along a fluid flow path provided along the axis of the bolt. For example, some flow bolts have one or more external grooves cut across the threads or otherwise formed. Because the flow bolt has one or more external grooves formed across the threads, the flow bolt can generally withstand a smaller clamping force before the threads of the bolt or nut member strip. More specifically, the threads on the flow bolt and / or nut member are susceptible to stripping when tightening the fastener in an attempt to achieve sufficient axial force to obtain a proper sealing effect. Due to the smaller cross-sectional area of the bolt, even a standard flow bolt without one or more external grooves cut across the threads or otherwise formed would still require a reduced clamping load.

[0008] like Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown in FIG, a typical application for using the flow bolt 10 is in conjunction with a brake hose 12 of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the flow bolt 10 is inserted through a hole 14 in a connector 16 at the end of the brake hose 12 so that one metal washer 20 is located between the head 22 of the flow bolt 10 and the connector 16 at the end of the brake hose 12, and another metal washer 24 is located between the connector 16 and a fastening member 26 (such as a nut member) on the flow bolt 10. The flow bolt 10 is then tightened, thereby compressing the washers 20, 24, thereby forming a seal between the connector 16 and each of the washers 20, 24, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Because the washers 20, 24 must be compressed during installation of the flow bolt 10, copper is often the material of choice for the washers. Furthermore, because the washers are effectively compressed or squeezed during installation, washers used in such applications are often referred to as "squeeze washers."

[0009] In order to properly form a seal between the copper washers 20, 24 and the connector 16 at the end of the brake hose 12, sufficient axial force must be applied to the flow bolt 10. In other words, the flow bolt 10 and nut member 26 must be tightened sufficiently so that the copper washers 20, 24 are pressed into the connector 16 with sufficient force to form a seal. However, the threads on the flow bolt 10 and / or nut member 26 may strip when an axial force sufficient to form a seal is applied, especially if the bolt includes one or more external grooves 28 extending across the threads. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a deformable fastening system that requires a reduced clamp load to seal the deformable fastening system compared to the clamp load required to seal conventional fastening systems.

[0011] It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system that reduces the axial force required to install a fastening member.

[0012] It is another object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system for controlling the amount of axial force required to obtain a desired clamp load when installing a fastener, such as a washer and bolt combination, a bolt, or a flow bolt.

[0013] It is another object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a reduction in the clamping force range for a given torque, thereby requiring less axial force to properly install the fastener.

[0014] It is another object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system that reduces the clamp load required to obtain a seal when installing a flow bolt, wherein the reduction in clamp load is equal to or greater than the reduction in clamp load that would be withstood due to the provision of one or more external grooves across the threads of the bolt or simply because the bolt is a flow bolt and is provided with a reduced cross-section.

[0015] It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system that reduces the crush area of a deformable member.

[0016] It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a system that provides a deformable fastening system including a seal rivet feature.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a deformable fastening system includes: a deformable member; and a mating member that is sealed with the deformable member, wherein the clamping load required to seal the deformable member with the mating member is less than the clamping load required to seal a non-deformable member with a conventional mating member in a conventional fastening system.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the deformable member includes: a fastener, the fastener including at least one step, the step having: an interior, the interior having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the interior is defined by an interior maximum dimension; and at least one first exterior, the at least one first exterior being integrally formed with the interior first side and protruding outward therefrom to define a first exterior surface, the first exterior surface being defined by a first exterior maximum dimension that is smaller than the interior maximum dimension.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first axial force applied to the fastening member to achieve the desired axial force is less than a second axial force applied to a conventional fastener to seal a conventional fastening system.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one outer portion has a rectangular side profile or a first tapered portion defining a first tapered profile and a first planar portion defining the first outer portion.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the deformable member is a washer having a uniform middle portion defining the interior.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washer has at least one rectangular step or one tapered portion on each side of the interior of the washer. The at least one rectangular step or tapered portion on the washer reduces the effective contact surface area compared to conventional shapes. Conventional washers are round with a hole in the middle and are flat on both the top and bottom. Unlike conventional washers, a washer according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a stepped or tapered configuration, wherein both the top and bottom of the washer are stepped or tapered, thereby providing a reduced contact surface area, which effectively translates into less axial force required to properly install the fastener.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gasket has at least one second outer portion, which is integrally formed with the uniform middle portion, and the second outer portion protrudes outward from the second side of the uniform middle portion to define a second outer surface, and the second outer surface is defined by a second outer maximum dimension that is smaller than the inner maximum dimension.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one outer portion of the gasket comprises a first rectangular side profile.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second outer portion of the gasket comprises: a second rectangular side profile.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first outer portion of the gasket includes a first tapered portion defining a first tapered profile and a first planar portion defining the first outer surface.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second outer portion of the gasket comprises a second tapered portion defining a second tapered profile and a second planar portion defining the second outer surface.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mating member comprises: a non-deformable fastener having at least one outer portion, wherein the at least one outer portion of the non-deformable fastener contacts the deformable member to deform the deformable member.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-deformable fastener is a bolt having a shaft and a head, the head including a bottom side, the bottom side including at least one step defining the outer portion, wherein the at least one step cooperates with the deformable member to deform the deformable member and continues to deform the deformable member until the outer portion contacts the deformable member under the desired clamping load.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the deformable member receives the bolt and may include a clamped component such as a workpiece.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the non-deformable fastener comprises a rivet fastener sealed to the deformable member, wherein the deformable member is a riveted or mating material.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rivet fastener comprises: a bolt having a shaft and a head, the head comprising a lower surface, the lower surface comprising at least one step defining the at least one exterior, wherein the at least one step cooperates with the mating material to deform and rivet, and seals with the mating material.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rivet fastener includes at least one retaining groove, wherein when the bolt is riveted through the mating material, a portion of the deformable mating material flows into the at least one retaining groove.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one step is non-deformable and cooperates with the deformable member. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one step is deformable and forms a seal with the cooperating member.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bolt can be used in a system, which also includes a nut member and a clamped part located between the bolt and the nut member, wherein preferably, the clamped part is made of a softer material than both the bolt and the nut member, and when the system is clamped together, the clamped part deforms to seal with the bolt and the nut member.

[0036] One embodiment of the present invention generally relates to fluid handling circuits requiring tube or hose end fittings, wherein a clamping force is applied to form a leak-proof joint. The clamping force is generated by applying torque to a mechanical fastener that connects two or more components together to form an intimate contact. One or more of the components in the joint will be softer than the other components (typically a gasket or clamping component) and deform under the clamping load to promote a leak-proof seal. However, if the material deformation is not sufficient to seal the fluid path, leakage may occur even under normal application of torque. This is because adjacent soft and hard surfaces are flat and smooth, forcing the seal to rely primarily on the stiffness difference between the soft and hard materials. One embodiment of the present invention integrates geometric features that promote deformation of the softer material, thereby forming a more effective seal.

[0037] The present invention also includes embodiments directed to indicating and thereby assisting in controlling clamp force in bolted joints. Torque is typically used to achieve a desired clamp load, but actual clamp loads often vary significantly due to variations in friction. One embodiment of the present invention integrates geometric features into the fastener to create a visual clamp load indicator that can be used to identify when the desired clamp load has been achieved.

[0038] The present invention also includes embodiments directed to providing a seal in a riveted fastener system.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fastening system is provided that includes a non-deformable fastener having at least one outer portion, wherein the at least one outer portion of the non-deformable fastener contacts the deformable member to deform the deformable member.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, a deformable fastening system includes a deformable member and a non-deformable mating member. The non-deformable mating member is a fastener comprising a bolt having a shaft including threads formed thereon and a head having a lower surface including at least one internal step formed thereon. The shaft of the bolt is inserted through a passage in the deformable member to engage with corresponding threads on the nut member, and the head of the bolt is rotated during a tightening cycle to move the bolt into the nut member. The at least one internal step of the bolt engages with a mating surface of the deformable member to clamp the deformable member as the bolt moves into the nut member, thereby causing an increase in axial load during the tightening cycle to deform the deformable member.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, a deformable fastening system includes a clamped component and a fastener, the fastener including a bolt having: a shaft having threads formed thereon; and a head having a lower surface including at least one inner step formed thereon. The lower surface of the head includes at least one inner step formed thereon, the inner step defining at least one outer portion of the head. The shaft of the bolt is inserted through a hole in the clamped component to engage with corresponding threads on the nut member, and the head of the bolt is rotated during a tightening cycle to move the bolt into the nut member. The at least one inner step of the bolt engages with a mating surface of the clamped component to clamp the clamped component as the bolt moves into the nut member, thereby causing an increase in axial load during the tightening cycle to deform the clamped component.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-deformable fastener is a bolt having a shaft and a head, the head including a bottom side, the bottom side including at least one step defining the at least one outer portion, wherein the at least one step cooperates with the deformable member to deform the deformable member and continues to deform the deformable member until the outer portion contacts the deformable member under the desired clamping load.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one step defining at least one exterior portion of the non-deformable fastener engages a mating surface of the deformable member to clamp the deformable member as the bolt moves, resulting in a significant increase in torque during the tightening cycle compared to a conventional head having a flat, unstepped lower surface, indicating that a predetermined clamp load has been reached. During installation, increasing axial loads cause the deformable member to deform until the desired clamp load is reached. When using torque and angle feedback installation equipment, the torque suddenly increases once the lower surface engages the clamping component. This feedback enables the installation equipment to ensure full contact and achieve the desired clamp load.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, a deformable fastening system includes a clamped component and a fastener, the fastener comprising a bolt having a shaft extending along the longitudinal axis of the fastener. The shaft includes a securing portion formed thereon. The shaft of the bolt is inserted through a passage in the clamped component to engage corresponding threads on a nut member, and the head of the bolt rotates during a tightening cycle to move the bolt into the nut member.

[0045] The head of the fastener includes a surface having at least one engagement portion and one or more protrusions formed on the at least one engagement portion. The one or more protrusions are formed on the at least one engagement portion of the surface of the head, the engagement portion being generally arranged proximate to the shaft portion in a substantially circular and concentric arrangement with the longitudinal axis and the shaft portion. The one or more protrusions formed on the at least one engagement portion of the surface of the bolt head engage with a mating surface of the clamped component to clamp the clamped component as the bolt moves into the nut member, thereby causing an increase in axial load during the tightening cycle to deform the clamped component.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fastener comprises a bolt having a shaft portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the fastener, wherein the shaft portion includes a fixing portion formed thereon. The head of the fastener comprises a surface having at least one engaging portion integrally formed thereon. The at least one engaging portion comprises one or more protrusions formed on the surface of the head approximately adjacent to the shaft portion and arranged along the longitudinal axis and the shaft portion. The one or more protrusions comprise at least one first protrusion extending circumferentially around the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis. The at least one first protrusion is formed with at least one geometric profile as part of the surface of the head of the fastener to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the clamped component.

[0047] In another embodiment, a fastener includes a bolt having a head and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the fastener, the shaft including a securing portion formed thereon. The head includes a surface including at least one engaging portion integrally formed thereon. The at least one engaging portion includes one or more protrusions formed on the surface of the head approximately adjacent to the shaft and arranged along the longitudinal axis and the shaft. The one or more protrusions include at least one first protrusion extending approximately circumferentially around the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis. The at least one first protrusion is formed with at least one geometric profile as part of the surface of the fastener head to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the clamped component. A second protrusion extends approximately circumferentially along the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis. The second protrusion is formed as a plurality of discrete components that are cooperatively arranged to extend circumferentially around the surface of the head to provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the one or more protrusions and the clamped component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 2A and Figure 2B A prior art fastening system is shown having a deformable fastening member mounted at the end of a brake hose. Figure 1A An assembled view (partial cross section) of the state before installation is shown, and wherein Figure 1B Shown along Figure 1A The line AA in the Figure 1A Magnified cross-sectional view of . Figure 2A An assembled view (partial cross section) of the mounted state is shown, and wherein Figure 2B Shown along Figure 2A The line BB in the Figure 2A Magnified cross-sectional view of .

[0050] Figure 3 A top view of a deformable gasket according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided, wherein the deformable gasket has exterior portions at both a top and a bottom, wherein each exterior portion has a respective rectangular side profile;

[0051] Figure 4 Provided Figure 3 Side view of the deformable gasket shown in .

[0052] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6A and Figure 6BA deformable fastening system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is installed at the end of a brake hose, wherein the fastening system includes a deformable member, which is a stepped washer, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in . Figure 5A An assembled view (partial cross section) of the state before installation is shown, and wherein Figure 5B Shown along Figure 5A The line CC in the Figure 5A Magnified cross-sectional view of . Figure 6A An assembled view (partial cross section) of the mounted state is shown, and wherein Figure 6B Shown along Figure 6A The line DD in the Figure 6B Magnified cross-sectional view of .

[0053] Figure 7 is a top view of a deformable gasket according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein both the top and bottom of the deformable gasket are tapered;

[0054] Figure 8 Provided Figure 7 A side view of the deformable gasket shown in ;

[0055] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 10A and Figure 10B A deformable fastening system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is installed at the end of a brake hose, wherein the deformable fastening system includes a deformable member, which is a stepped washer, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown.

[0056] Figure 9A An assembled view (partial cross section) of the state before installation is shown, and wherein Figure 9B Shown along Figure 9A The line EE intercepts Figure 9A Magnified cross-sectional view of .

[0057] Figure 10A An assembled view (partial cross section) of the mounted state is shown, and wherein Figure 10B Shown along Figure 10A The line FF in the Figure 10B Magnified cross-sectional view of .

[0058] Figure 11 shows a top view of a non-deformable fastener of a fastening system defined by a bolt according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 12 Shown Figure 11 The bolts shown in Figure 11 a side cross-sectional view taken along line GG;

[0060] Figure 13 Shown Figure 11 and Figure 12 Bottom view of the bolt shown in .

[0061] Figure 14 shows a fastening system in a pre-installation state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 15 shows a fastening system in an installed state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 16 、 Figure 17 and Figure 18 A deformable fastening system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown (side view, cross-sectional view and bottom view), wherein the fastening system comprises a non-deformable fastener defined by a bolt, and wherein Figure 16 shows the pre-installation state of the system, Figure 17 Shown Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of section HH, and Figure 18 Shown Figure 16 Bottom view of

[0064] Figure 19 Shown Figures 16 to 19 , wherein the bolt is installed to form a sealed deformable fastening system with the deformable member;

[0065] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a fastening system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 21 shows a bottom plan view of a fastening system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 22 shows a side plan view of a fastening system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional side plan view of a portion of a head of a fastener of a fastening system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 24 shows a top plan view of a fastener of a fastening system positioned adjacent a workpiece or component according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 25 shows a cross-sectional side plan view of a fastening system positioned adjacent a workpiece or component according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 26 showing a cross-sectional side plan view of a portion of a head of a fastener of a fastening system positioned adjacent a workpiece or component in a pre-installation state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 27 a cross-sectional side plan view illustrating a fastening system engaging a portion of a workpiece or component in a pre-installation state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 28 a cross-sectional side plan view showing a portion of a head of a fastener of a fastening system engaging a portion of a workpiece or component in an installed state according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0074] Figure 29 A perspective view illustrating another aspect of a fastening system in an installed state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0075] The accompanying drawings may present somewhat simplified representations of various features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes. The details associated with such features will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] As described and illustrated herein, the components of the disclosed embodiments can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure claimed, but merely represents possible embodiments thereof. In addition, although many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some of these details. In addition, for the sake of clarity, certain technical materials understood in the relevant art have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.

[0077] The accompanying drawings are in simplified form and are not to exact scale. For convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as upper, lower, top, bottom, left, right, upward, above, above, below, below, rear, and front may be used relative to the accompanying drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure as shown and described herein may be practiced in the absence of elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0078] The detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. No one wishes to be bound by any theory, expressed or implied, presented herein. The use of ordinal numbers such as first, second, and third does not necessarily imply an ordering sense, but rather may simply distinguish between multiple instances of an action or structure.

[0079] The deformable fastening system includes a deformable member and a mating member that seals with the deformable member. Figure 3 A top view of a deformable member defined by a stepped washer 30 is provided according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 A side view of the same gasket 30 is provided. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the gasket 30 includes at least one outer portion 32, shown as two outer portions 32 on the top 34 and bottom 36 of the gasket 30 (although Figure 3 and Figure 4 One step 32 is shown on each of the top 34 and bottom 36 of the gasket, but it is also possible to have only one outer portion on one side of the gasket 30). In addition, the gasket 30 can be provided with more than one outer portion on each of the top 34 and bottom 36, or even an unequal number of outer portions on each of the top 34 and bottom 36, with the hole 38 provided in the center 40 of the gasket. Thus, the gasket 30 has a uniform middle portion with an outer diameter 42 (defined by the maximum measurement (i.e., the inner maximum dimension through the middle 44 of the gasket 30)). Figure 3 ) and a minimum inner diameter 46 defined by the hole 38 in the middle of the gasket 30.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gasket has sides, namely, a first side and a second side ( Figure 4 34 and bottom 38 shown in the figures, wherein the first and second sides are defined by respective first and second outer axial maximum dimensions, which are shown as outer diameters 48, 50 defined by at least one first and second outer portions (steps 32) of the gasket 30.

[0081] Preferably, the washer 30 is symmetrical such that the outer diameters 48 , 50 of each of the steps 32 (ie, on the top 34 and bottom 36 of the washer 30 , respectively) are substantially equal.

[0082] The outer portion 32 on the top 34 and bottom 36 of the gasket 30, respectively, is preferably formed using two opposing dies with a step shape formed therein. A fixed-stroke machine is preferably used to compress the gasket material and form the step using the dies. The step can be formed during normal gasket production using a specially shaped tool (with a stepped feature) or in a secondary operation using a similar tool.

[0083] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6A and Figure 6B The deformable fastening system 52 for mounting the flow bolt 10 on the brake hose 12 is shown, wherein the deformable fastening system 52 adopts the aforementioned Figure 3 and Figure 4 Specifically, Figure 5A and Figure 5B shows the pre-installation state, while Figure 6A and Figure 6B The mounted state is shown. In practice, two stepped washers 30 are used. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the embodiment, one washer is identified by reference numeral 30a and the other washer is identified by reference numeral 30b in order to distinguish them from each other, but the two are preferably the same. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The gasket 30 shown in FIG.

[0084] First, the deformable stepped washer 30a (with Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) is slid onto the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10, and then the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10 is inserted through the hole 14 in the connector 16 provided at the end of the brake hose 12. At this time, the washer 30a is provided between the head 22 of the flow bolt 10 and the connector 16. Then, another stepped washer 30b (also preferably Figure 3 and Figure 4 5 . The deformable fastener system 52 is then tightened, such as by rotating the head 22 of the flow bolt 10 and / or the fixing member 26, or the fixing member 26 is riveted to the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10. In any case, tightening of the fastening system 52 causes the stepped washers 30a, 30b to compress or squeeze the connector 16, thereby forming a seal. During installation, the top 34 and bottom 36 of each of the washers 30a, 30b (see FIG. 6 ) may be squeezed so that the thickness of each washer after installation is equal to the middle 44 of each washer before installation (for illustrative purposes, as shown in FIG. 5 ). Figure 4 shown) thickness (see Figure 5A and Figure 5B ), but this is not required.

[0085] Assume that the washers 30a, 30b have at least an outer portion 32 on both the top 34 and the bottom 36 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The washers 30 shown in FIG, which are identical, are effectively pre-compressed prior to use in the flow bolt installation process, thereby reducing clamping forces due to the reduced contact area of the sealing joint compared to that of a conventional non-stepped washer. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The washer 30 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to have one or more external features on the top 34 and bottom 36 to reduce the force required to install, for example, a flow bolt, while still maintaining the radial strength of the washer. Additionally, the washer 30, prior to installation in the deformable fastening system, has a first thickness 49 that is equal to the sum of a center thickness 43a measured longitudinally across a uniform center portion and a step thickness 45 measured longitudinally across at least one step (or across each step in the case of multiple steps), wherein when installed in the deformable fastening system, due to deformation of the washer, the washer has a second thickness 43b (e.g., equal to the center thickness 43a) that is equal to the center thickness 43a. Figure 6B shown).

[0086] In contrast, conventional washers have a single thickness and an extrusion area that is larger than that required to seal and ensure adequate radial strength. Preferably, the washer design is matched to compensate for the reduced thread strength because the extrusion area is reduced by approximately the amount that the thread strength is reduced. If the flow bolt includes one or more external grooves 28 across the threads to provide a fluid flow path (such as shown in Figures 5 and 6), the thread strength may be affected because the threads on the flow bolt 10 or nut member 26 may be susceptible to stripping. Compared to conventional washers, the use of stepped washers 30a, 30b (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 , which shows the same gasket 30 ), since the gasket contact area is smaller, less axial force is required to squeeze and seal the gasket to the flow bolt 10 and the connector assembly 16 and the fixed member 26 .

[0087] Figure 7 A top view of a deformable member defined by a conical washer 60 is provided according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 A side view of the same gasket 60 is provided. As shown, the gasket 60 includes at least one outer portion having at least one tapered portion 62 and at least one uniform middle portion 72 having an inner maximum dimension 71. Figure 8 In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG, there are two tapered portions 62, each defined by a first tapered profile and a second tapered profile, respectively. Figure 8Also shown are two planar portions, a first planar portion, i.e., top portion 64; and a second planar portion, i.e., bottom portion 66, which define the first and second outer surfaces of the gasket respectively, and a hole 68 is provided at the center 70 of the gasket, which has a minimum inner diameter 63.

[0088] The top first planar surface 64 and the bottom second planar surface 66 each define a first outer maximum dimension 65 and a second outer maximum dimension 67, respectively, that are less than a first inner maximum dimension 71 of a uniform middle portion 72 of the gasket 60. Preferably, the gasket 60 is symmetrical such that the height and slope of each of the tapered portions 62 (i.e., at the top 64 and bottom 66 of the gasket) are approximately the same.

[0089] In addition, the gasket 60 ( Figure 8 ) has a first thickness 79 prior to installation in the deformable fastening system that is equal to the sum of a middle thickness 73a measured longitudinally across the uniform middle portion and a step thickness 75 measured longitudinally across at least one step (or across each step in the case of multiple steps), wherein when installed in the deformable fastening system, due to the deformation of the gasket, the gasket has a second thickness 73b (as shown in FIG. Figure 10B ). The taper 62 on the gasket 60 is preferably formed using two opposing dies that are specifically shaped to form the taper. A fixed stroke machine is preferably used to compress the gasket material and form the taper 62 using the dies. The taper 62 can be formed during normal gasket production using a specially shaped tool (with a tapered feature) or in a secondary operation using a similar tool.

[0090] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 10A and Figure 10B A fastening system 70 is shown for mounting the flow bolt 10 on the brake hose 12. The fastening system utilizes the aforementioned Figure 7 and Figure 8 The conical washer 60 shown. Specifically, Figure 9A and Figure 9B shows the pre-installation state, while Figure 10A and Figure 10B The mounted state is shown. In practice, two of the conical washers 60 are used. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In FIG. 1 , one washer is identified by reference numeral 60a and the other washer is identified by reference numeral 60b in order to distinguish them from each other. Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 10A and Figure 10BIn the embodiment, one washer is identified by reference numeral 60a and the other washer is identified by reference numeral 60b to distinguish them from each other, but the two are preferably the same. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The gasket 60 shown in FIG.

[0091] First, place the tapered washer 60a (with Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is slid onto the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10, and then the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10 is inserted through the hole 14 in the connector 16 provided at the end of the brake hose 12. At this time, the washer 60a is provided between the head 22 of the flow bolt 10 and the connector 16. Then, another conical washer 60b (also preferably the same as Figure 7 and Figure 8 The conical washer 60 (same as shown in FIG) is slid onto the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10. Then, the fixing member 26, such as a nut member, is screwed or otherwise engaged with the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10. At this point, the washer 60b is disposed between the connector 16 and the fixing member 26, and the entire assembly is as shown. Figure 9A and Figure 9B Then, the fastener system 70 is tightened, such as by rotating the head 22 and / or the fixing member 26 of the flow bolt 10, or the fixing member 26 is riveted to the shaft 54 of the flow bolt 10. In any case, tightening the fastener system 70 causes the conical washers 60a, 60b to compress or squeeze the connector 16, thereby forming a seal, such as Figure 10A and Figure 10B During installation, the top 64 and bottom 66 of the gasket 60 (see Figure 10A and Figure 10B ) may be squeezed so that the thickness of the gasket 60 after installation is equal to the middle portion 72 ( Figure 8 shown) thickness (see Figure 9A and Figure 9B ), but this is not required.

[0092] Assume that the washers 60a, 60b have at least one tapered portion 62 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8, which are identical) and are effectively pre-compressed prior to use in the flow bolt installation process, the clamping force is reduced because the contact area of the gasket forming the sealing joint is reduced compared to the contact area of a conventional non-tapered gasket. The fact that the gaskets 60a, 60b have at least one taper 62 on the top 64 and bottom 66 reduces the force required to install the gasket to seal with the flow bolt 10 and to install the gasket to the connector assembly 16 (e.g., the flow bolt 10) while still maintaining the radial strength of the gaskets 60a, 60b. Preferably, the gasket design is matched to compensate for the reduced thread strength because the compression area is reduced by approximately the amount of the thread strength reduction. As discussed above, if the flow bolt 10 includes one or more external grooves 28 across the threads (e.g., Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B ) to provide a fluid flow path, the thread strength may be affected because the threads of the bolt or nut member may be easily stripped. Compared with conventional washers, the use of conical washers 60a, 60b (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 , which shows the same gasket 60 ), since the compression area is smaller, less axial force is required to compress and seal the gasket to the flow bolt 10 and the connector assembly 16 and the fixed member 26 .

[0093] like Figures 3 and 4 and Figures 7 and 8 The stepped and tapered washers, respectively, shown in FIG, can be used to install standard, non-flow bolts, as well as flow bolts, particularly flow bolts having one or more external grooves extending across the threads. Regardless, the use of the unconventional washers disclosed herein provides a reduced compression area, thereby reducing the clamping force required for proper installation. Even standard flow bolts without one or more external grooves cut or otherwise formed across the threads will benefit from the reduced clamping load due to the bolt's smaller cross-sectional area.

[0094] During installation, increasing axial loads cause the deformable fastening member (i.e., the stepped or tapered washer described above) to deform until the desired clamp load is reached. This results in a contact area that is smaller than that of a conventional, non-deformable, or non-stepped washer. Even with less material in contact, the loaded gasket material still deforms significantly to better seal any gaps in the joint. This seals the joint with lower axial force (torque) than would be achieved using a standard extruded washer.

[0095] Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13A top view, a side cross-sectional view, and a bottom view are provided, respectively, of a non-deformable fastener defined by a bolt 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the bolt 100 includes a head 102 (see Figure 11 and Figure 12 ) and a shaft 104 having a thread 106 formed thereon (see Figure 12 and Figure 13 ). The head 102 and shaft 104 may be conventional except for a lower surface 108 below the head 102, which is configured with at least one internal step or joint 110 formed on a portion of the lower surface 108 of the head 102 of the bolt 100, wherein the at least one internal step 110 defines at least one exterior portion of the deformable fastening system.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one geometric feature may be formed on the lower surface 108. This at least one geometric feature may be a "torque-compensating feature," such as texture or ribs added to the lower surface 108. This texture or rib provides high friction to the lower surface 108 when contacting a mating surface of a deformable member, such as the clamped component 124. It should be understood that the clamped component 124 may be formed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, and the like. It is contemplated that a layer of material, such as a paint, coating, or the like, may be applied to the clamped component 124. This layer of material may cooperate with the clamped component to provide additional features, such as a decorative appearance, material protection, or other physical or aesthetic features. The texture may be any geometric shape that transforms the lower surface 108 into a high-friction surface. One such feature may preferably be at least one geometric feature integrally formed on the metal bolt 100, such as texture or ribs added to the lower surface 108. This makes the lower surface 108 a high-friction surface and allows for the application of less torque to more quickly reach the desired clamp load to seal the deformable fastening system.

[0097] like Figure 13 As shown in FIG, at least one step or junction 110 is preferably circular and concentric with the shaft 104 (and generally with the bolt 100). Figure 14 and Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a fastening system 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided. The fastening system 120 utilizes the aforementioned Figures 11 to 13 , and a nut member 122 and a clamped component 124, such as a workpiece, disposed between the nut member 122 and the lower surface 108 of the head 102 of the bolt 100. Preferably, the clamped component 124 is made of a softer material than the metal bolt 100 and the nut member 122, such as a metal, polymer, or composite material. In another embodiment, if the clamped component 124 is not deformable, a deformable washer (not shown) may be utilized.

[0098] exist Figures 14 and 15 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the bolt 100 is a non-deformable fastener, and the clamped component is a deformable member. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, at least one step or engagement portion 110 can be a material softer than the mating surface and deformable to seal the mating surface. In this embodiment, the at least one step is a deformable member, and the mating surface is a mating member. In yet another embodiment, each of the at least one step 110 formed in the lower surface of the head 102 of the fastener 100 and the clamped component 124 are deformable when the at least one step 102 mates with the clamped component 124.

[0099] Figure 14 The fastening system 120 is shown before the bolt 100 is installed, and Figure 15 The fastening system 120 is shown after the bolt 100 has been installed. Figure 14 As shown in the figure, the shaft 104 of the bolt 100 is first inserted through the hole or channel 126 in the clamped component 124, and the threads 106 on the shaft 104 engage with the corresponding threads 128 in the nut member 122, thereby causing the clamped component 124 or workpiece to be effectively captured between the head 102 of the bolt 100 and the nut member 122.

[0100] In one embodiment of the tightening cycle, to fully install the bolt 100 and the nut member 122 with the clamped component 124, the bolt 100 is rotated using the head 102 so that the bolt 100 moves more completely into the nut member 122 and clamps the clamped component 124. In another embodiment of the tightening cycle, the nut member 122 is rotated along the threads 106 of the shaft 104 of the bolt 100 so that the nut member 122 moves toward the head 102 of the bolt 100 and captures the clamped component 124 therebetween. Compared to conventional heads having a flat, non-stepped lower surface, the provision of at least one internal step or one or more external portions of the engagement portion 110 below the head 102 (i.e., on the lower surface 108 of the head 102) results in a significant increase in torque during the tightening cycle, indicating that a predetermined clamp load has been reached.

[0101] During installation, increasing axial loads cause the clamped material (i.e., the clamped component 124) to deform until the desired clamp load is reached. The area of the outer portion 110 is calculated so that once the lower surface 108 (i.e., Figure 14 The desired clamping load is achieved if the lower surface (ie, the surface indicated by reference numeral 108 in FIG. 1 ) contacts the clamped component 124. Figure 14The sufficiency of the clamping force is visually verified by the absence of a gap between the lower surface (i.e., the surface indicated by reference numeral 108 in the figure) and the clamped part 124. In addition, when installing the equipment using torque and angle feedback, once the lower surface (i.e., Figure 14 The torque will suddenly rise as soon as the surface (indicated by reference numeral 108 in the figure) engages the clamped component 124. This feedback will enable the installation equipment to ensure full contact and achieve the desired clamping load.

[0102] While the bolt 100 has been shown with the head 102 having an external hexagonal profile, the head 102 may also be configured to have many other different shapes, such as an internal hexagonal profile, or even an internal or external multi-lobed profile. Additionally, while the term "nut member" has been used with respect to part number 122, the nut member may be any member to which the bolt is intended to be mounted. Thus, the clamped component may be any member that is clamped or captured between a mating component and another component of the deformable fastening system. Finally, the clamped component 124 may be a member of an overall assembly that is clamped using the bolt 100. In another embodiment of the system, the non-deformable fastener comprises a riveted fastener that is sealed and riveted to the deformable component.

[0103] like Figures 16 to 19 As shown in FIG, a deformable fastening system is consistent with another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the deformable fastening system 220 (such as Figure 19 ) includes a non-deformable fastener defined by a bolt 200 having rivet features. Figure 16 shows the pre-installation state of the system; Figure 17 Shown Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of section HH, Figure 18 Shown Figure 16 bottom view, and Figure 19 The system is shown in an installed state, wherein the deformable member is a riveted or mating material 222 .

[0104] As shown in the figure, with Figures 11 to 15 The bolt 200 similar to the bolt 100 in FIG. 1 includes a head 202 (see FIG. Figure 16 and Figure 19 ) and shaft 204 (see Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 19 ). The head 202 and shaft 204 may be conventional except for a lower surface 208 below the head 200, which is configured to have at least one inner step 210 thereon (e.g., Figure 17 ), wherein the lower surface 208 and the at least one inner step 210 have similar features to the corresponding lower surface 108 and the at least one inner step 210 associated with the bolt 100 .

[0105] like Figure 18 As shown in , additional features, such as ribs 232, may be added to provide resistance to axial rotation.

[0106] Additionally, the bolt 200 has a caulking feature, shown as a retaining groove 230, which allows the retaining material 222 to flow and remain during the caulking operation (e.g., Figure 19 ). Preferably, the retained rivet material 222 is softer than the bolt material. At least one step 210 defining at least one exterior cooperates with the rivet material and acts as a sealing member, and may include more than one step to further seal with the rivet material 222.

[0107] Figure 16 The fastening system 220 is shown before the bolt 200 is installed, and Figure 19 The fastening system 220 is shown after the bolt 200 has been installed into the caulking material 222 .

[0108] During installation, the increasing axial load causes the caulking material 222 to deform and a portion of the caulking material flows into the retaining groove, thereby caulking the caulking material 222 and forming a seal with the caulking material 222 .

[0109] although Figures 16 to 19 The embodiment shown in FIG is directed to a rivet bolt, but other embodiments may be directed to equivalent rivet features of a rivet nut.

[0110] For installation of any of the fastening systems disclosed herein (i.e., Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B and Figures 14 and 15 ), a programmable drive system may be utilized, preferably one capable of executing a torque angle tightening strategy. Regardless, the bolt-clamped component configuration disclosed herein provides a reduced compression area, which effectively translates into a smaller axial force required to properly install the bolt. Additionally, as Figures 16 to 19 As shown in FIG, in several embodiments of the present invention, additional sealing features are provided.

[0111] Now refer to Figures 20 to 28 , presents another embodiment of the fastening system of the present invention. Fastening system 150 includes a fastener or bolt 100 having a head 102 defining a flange portion 101 and an outer drive profile 103. In one embodiment, fastener 100 can be made of one or more of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloys; nickel-chromium alloys, stainless steel, mild steel, cast iron, aluminum, aluminum alloys, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0112] As shown, the external drive profile 103 of the head 102 includes a plurality of drive surfaces or drive walls 105 configured as a hexagonal or "hexagonal" profile. It should be understood that the drive surfaces or drive walls of the external drive profile of the head 102 can be formed to have a variety of other geometric shapes or profiles, including (for exemplary purposes) an internal hexagonal profile, an internal multi-lobed profile, or an external multi-lobed profile.

[0113] Fastener 100 further defines a shaft portion 104 having threads or a securing portion 106 formed thereon for mechanically coupling the fastener to a workpiece, a clamped component, etc. Shaft portion 104 extends along and defines a longitudinal axis 107 of fastener 100. As shown, shaft portion 104 has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of flange portion 101 of head portion 102.

[0114] The flange portion 101 of the head portion 102 projects generally radially outward from the longitudinal axis 107 and the shaft portion 104. The flange portion 101 can have a generally circular shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 107, or alternatively, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, or another shape, depending on the needs of a particular application. The head portion 102 generally defines a surface 108 including at least one inner step or engagement portion 110.

[0115] exist Figure 20 and Figure 21 In some embodiments shown in FIG, at least one engagement portion 110 can include one or more protrusions 112, 114. The one or more protrusions 112 can be formed on the surface 108 of the head 102 generally proximate the shaft 104 of the fastener 100 in a substantially circular shape and concentrically arranged with the longitudinal axis 107 of the fastener 100 and the shaft 104. It should be understood that other geometric shapes (including, but not limited to, elliptical shapes, etc.) can be utilized with the one or more protrusions 112, 114. It should be understood that the one or more protrusions 112, 114 of the at least one engagement portion 110 can be formed as one or more integral rings extending circumferentially around the surface 108 of the head 102.

[0116] In some embodiments, the at least one engagement portion 110 of the head 102 of the fastener 100 can include at least one first protrusion 112 that extends generally circumferentially around the surface 108 of the head 102 relative to the longitudinal axis 107. It is also contemplated that the at least one first protrusion 112 can be formed as a sealing ring. In some embodiments, the at least one first protrusion 112 is integrally formed on the surface 108 of the head 102 of the fastener 100. The at least one first protrusion 112 can be provided on the at least one engagement portion 110 of the fastener 100 to provide a sealing arrangement when the fastener 100 is secured to the clamped component 124.

[0117] In some embodiments, the at least one first protrusion 112 may be formed with a geometric profile, including but not limited to a plurality of arcuate profiles or a plurality of gradually decreasing diameter profiles, etc., as part of the surface 108 of the head 102 of the fastener 100. The geometric profile of the at least one first protrusion 112 may include a plurality of mating profiles, such as redundant plurality of arcuate surfaces, to engage and deform the workpiece or clamped component 124 at various depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener 100 and the clamped component 124, wherein the sealing ring 112 provides a continuous plurality of contact lines between the sealing ring 112 and the mating surfaces of the clamped component 124 and protects areas of the clamped component 124 exposed by one or more of the protrusions 112, 114 from corrosion.

[0118] exist Figure 23 、 Figure 26 and Figure 28 In some embodiments shown in , the at least one first protrusion 112 may be formed with multiple geometrically shaped engagement surfaces 116, 118 to engage the workpiece or clamped component at various depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener 100 and the clamped component 124. In some embodiments, the at least one first protrusion 112 may include two or more protrusions, wherein the two or more protrusions are adjacently disposed and arranged in a mating arrangement to form two or more sealing rings.

[0119] The plurality of engagement surfaces 116, 118 may include at least two engagement surfaces formed with a variety of geometric profiles, including but not limited to a generally arcuate profile, a gradually decreasing diameter profile, etc. In some embodiments, the engagement surface 116 of the at least one first protrusion 112 may be positioned at a greater distance from the longitudinal axis 107 relative to the engagement surface 118. In some embodiments, the engagement surface 116 may be positioned at a higher position or a greater distance from the surface 108 of the head 102 relative to the height of the engagement surface 118 to form offset positions of the engagement surfaces 116 and 118 to provide different engagement depths and enhanced sealing features when the at least one first protrusion 112 is connected to the workpiece or clamped component 124.

[0120] It is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, the engagement surface 118 of the at least one first projection 112 can be positioned at a greater distance from the longitudinal axis 107 relative to the engagement surface 116. In some embodiments, the engagement surface 118 can be positioned at a higher position or at a greater distance from the surface 108 of the head 102 relative to the height of the engagement surface 116 to form offset positions of the engagement surfaces 116 and 118 to provide different engagement depths and enhanced sealing features when the at least one first projection 112 is connected to the workpiece or clamped component 124.

[0121] In some embodiments, the increased depth and offset position of engagement surface 116 relative to engagement surface 118, or the increased depth and offset position of engagement surface 118 relative to engagement surface 116, results in the engagement surface increasing in height or further increasing in distance relative to surface 108 of head 102 to engage a workpiece or clamped component 124 to provide a first sealing arrangement. The engagement surface (shown in the figures as engagement surface 116) having an increased depth and offset position helps protect engagement surface 118, which has a reduced height relative to engagement surface 116, from damage during material and component handling before and during engagement of fastener 100 with clamped component 124. Further, the engagement surface (shown in the figures as engagement surface 118) can be formed to have a reduced height relative to engagement surface 116 to provide a second sealing arrangement. In some embodiments, the at least one engagement surface 110 of the fastener 100 may include three or more engagement surfaces or rings, wherein two or more engagement surfaces 116 may be formed with an increased height relative to the height or position of the engagement surface 118 or positioned at a greater distance from the surface 108 of the head 102 to protect the engagement surfaces 118 from damage during component handling, thereby ensuring that the engagement surfaces 118 provide a sealed arrangement of the fastener 100 on the clamped component 124.

[0122] Now refer to Figure 21 and Figure 23 , the one or more protrusions of at least one engagement portion 110 of the head 102 of the fastener 100 include a second protrusion 114 that extends generally circumferentially around the surface 108 of the head 102 relative to the longitudinal axis 107. It should be understood that the at least one engagement portion 110 may be formed with the second protrusion 114 that extends generally circumferentially around the surface 108 of the head 102 relative to the longitudinal axis 107. The second protrusion 114 may be formed radially inward of the at least one first protrusion 112 relative to the longitudinal axis 107. It should also be understood that the second protrusion 114 may be formed radially outward of the at least one first protrusion 112 relative to the longitudinal axis 107. It is also contemplated that the at least one engagement portion 110 of the fastener 100 may include only the at least one protrusion 112 on the at least one engagement portion 110 of the surface 108 of the fastener 100.

[0123] The second protrusion 114 may be formed with a geometric profile, including but not limited to a generally arcuate profile, as part of the surface 108 of the head 102 of the fastener 100. It should be understood that various geometric profiles, such as a tapering diameter profile, etc., may be utilized to form the second protrusion 114 on the surface 108 of the head 102.

[0124] It is also contemplated that the second protrusion 114 extending from the surface 108 of the head 102 may be formed as a grounding ring. The grounding ring 114 provides a continuous plurality of contact lines between the grounding ring 114 and the mating surface of the clamped component 124. In some embodiments, the grounding ring 114 is provided on at least one engagement portion 110 of the fastener 100 to engage and penetrate a coating, such as paint, applied to the engagement surface 126 of the clamped component 124.

[0125] It is contemplated that the cooperation between the second protrusion acting as grounding ring 114 and the at least one first protrusion acting as sealing ring 112 allows grounding ring 114 to be sealed from any external corrosive elements and maintain connectivity, while also capturing debris generated during installation of fastener 100 onto clamped component 124, where grounding ring 114 penetrates and displaces coatings and materials of clamped component 124. Furthermore, the use of second protrusion 114 and at least one first protrusion 112 of at least one engagement portion 110 of head 102 of fastener 100 can significantly reduce or lower the torque required to seal fastener 100 to clamped component 124 relative to standard fasteners, reduce damage to clamped component 124 or coatings applied thereto due to engagement of fastener 100 of fastening system 150 relative to standard fasteners, and reduce or eliminate the use of chemical sealants or sealing washers during the fastening process.

[0126] As with the at least one first protrusion 112, it should be understood that a variety of geometric profiles can be utilized to form the second protrusion 114 on the surface of the head 102. It is further contemplated that the second protrusion 114 can be formed with multiple engagement surfaces, including but not limited to one or more ramped or contoured surfaces having different heights with the multiple engagement surfaces 116, 118 of the at least one first protrusion 112 as described above, to achieve the objectives of the present invention, wherein the second protrusion 114 includes multiple engagement surfaces to reduce the torque required to deform and engage the engagement surface 126 of the clamped component 124 to provide a grounding arrangement for the fastener 100 around the second protrusion 114. It is also contemplated that the at least one second protrusion 114 can be formed as a sealing ring. The second protrusion 114 can include two or more protrusions, wherein the two or more protrusions are adjacently positioned and configured in a mating arrangement to form two or more sealing rings.

[0127] exist Figure 29 In some embodiments shown in , the one or more protrusions 112, 114 may be formed as a plurality of discrete members or protrusions that are cooperatively arranged to extend circumferentially around the surface 108 of the head 102 to provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the one or more protrusions 112, 114 and the mating surface of the workpiece or clamped component 124, as shown in FIG. Figure 24 、 Figure 27 and Figure 28In some embodiments shown in the figures, the second protrusion 114 is formed as a grounding ring having a plurality of arcuate discrete members or protrusions 117, wherein the plurality of discrete members or protrusions 117 extend generally circumferentially around the surface 108 of the head 102 relative to the longitudinal axis 107. The plurality of discrete members or protrusions provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the protrusion and the mating surface of the clamped component. It should be understood that the number, location, and geometric profile of the discrete members or protrusions 117 may vary based on the application associated with the fastener 100.

[0128] It is contemplated that multiple discrete components may be cooperatively arranged to form the grounding ring 114, wherein the use of multiple discrete components significantly reduces the surface area, size, and material mass required to form the grounding ring 114 on the fastener 100. It is also contemplated that the use of multiple discrete components may reduce the overall length of the grounding ring 114 embedded in the clamped component, thereby requiring a smaller torque load to secure the fastener 100 to the clamped component. Figure 29 The plurality of discrete components shown in FIG. 1 are arranged to assess the depth to which the grounding ring 114 penetrates the clamped component during the tightening process.

[0129] Figure 25 and Figure 26 A fastening system 150 is shown in which the fastener 100 is shown prior to engagement with the workpiece 124 . Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of a fastening system 150 in which the shaft portion 104 of the fastener 100 extends at least partially through a hole 130 in a workpiece or clamped component 124 to position the surface 108 of the head 102 adjacent a receiving portion 126 of the clamped component 124. One or more protrusions 112, 114 of at least one engaging portion 110 extending from the surface 108 of the head 102 are positioned adjacent the receiving surface 126 of the clamped component 124.

[0130] As shown, a second protrusion 114 is disposed on the surface 108 of the head portion 102 of the fastener 100 proximate the shaft portion 104, while the at least one first protrusion 112 is disposed on the surface 108 of the head portion 102 radially outward of the second protrusion 114. It is also contemplated that the at least one engagement portion 110 of the head portion 102 of the fastener 100 may be formed with only one of the at least one first protrusion 112 or the second protrusion 114 on the surface 108 of the head portion 102.

[0131] Now refer to Figure 27 and Figure 28 , a fastening system 150 is shown in which the fastener 100 is engaged with a workpiece or component 124. Figure 26As best shown, one or more projections 112 , 114 of at least one engagement portion 110 extending from the surface 108 of the head 102 engage and deform the receiving portion 126 of the clamped component 124 to form a sealing arrangement between the head 102 of the fastener 100 and the clamped component 100 .

[0132] It is contemplated that the cooperation between the second protrusion acting as grounding ring 114 and the at least one first protrusion acting as sealing ring 112 allows grounding ring 114 to be sealed from any external corrosive elements and maintain connectivity, while also capturing debris generated during installation of fastener 100 onto clamped component 124, where grounding ring 114 penetrates the coating. Furthermore, the use of first protrusion 112 and at least one second protrusion 114 of at least one engagement portion 110 of head 102 of fastener 100 can significantly reduce or lower the torque required to seal fastener 100 to clamped component 124 relative to standard fasteners, reduce damage to clamped component 124 or coatings applied thereto due to engagement of fastener 100 of fastening system 150 relative to standard fasteners, and reduce or eliminate the use of chemical sealants or sealing gaskets during the fastening process.

[0133] The specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings or figures support and describe the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is limited only by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for implementing the present teachings have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the present teachings defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A deformable fastening system comprising: clamped parts; as well as a fastener comprising a bolt having: a shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the fastener, the shaft portion including a fixing portion formed thereon; and a head having a surface including at least one engagement portion, wherein the shaft portion of the bolt is inserted through a passage in the clamped component to engage corresponding threads on the nut member, and the head of the bolt is rotated during a tightening cycle to move the bolt into the nut member, wherein the at least one engagement portion comprises one or more protrusions formed on the surface of the head generally adjacent to the shaft portion and arranged along the longitudinal axis and the shaft portion, The one or more protrusions formed on the at least one engagement portion of the surface of the head of the bolt engage with a mating surface of the clamped component as the bolt moves into the nut member, thereby causing an increase in axial load to deform the clamped component during the tightening cycle.

2. The deformable fastening system of claim 1 wherein said one or more protrusions include at least one first protrusion extending generally circumferentially around said surface of said head relative to said longitudinal axis.

3. The deformable fastening system of claim 2, wherein the at least one first protrusion is formed with at least one geometric profile as a portion of the surface of the head of the fastener to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the mating surface of the clamped component.

4. The deformable fastening system of claim 3, wherein the at least one geometric profile of the at least one first protrusion is formed with a plurality of arcuate engagement surfaces as part of the surface of the head of the fastener to engage with the clamped component at various depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the mating surfaces of the fastener and the clamped component.

5. The deformable fastening system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of arcuate engagement surfaces are formed on the at least one first protrusion in offset positions to provide different engagement depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the mating surface of the clamped component.

6. The deformable fastening system of claim 1 wherein the one or more protrusions of the at least one engagement portion of the head of the fastener include a second protrusion extending generally circumferentially around the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. The deformable fastening system of claim 6 wherein said second protrusion is formed with at least one geometric profile as part of said surface of said head of said fastener to form a grounding ring.

8. The deformable fastening system of claim 7, wherein the at least one geometric profile of the second protrusion is formed with an arcuate profile as part of the surface of the head of the fastener to form the grounding ring.

9. A deformable fastening system as described in claim 6, wherein the second protrusion is formed as a plurality of discrete components, and the plurality of discrete components are cooperatively arranged to extend circumferentially around the surface of the head to provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the one or more protrusions and the mating surface of the clamped part.

10. The deformable fastening system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first protrusion is a sealing ring and the second protrusion is a grounding ring, the grounding ring being disposed radially inward from the at least one first protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis.

11. The deformable fastening system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more protrusions of the at least one engaging portion are formed as one or more rings, the one or more rings extending circumferentially around the surface of the head in a substantially circular and concentric arrangement to provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the one or more protrusions and the mating surface of the clamped component.

12. A fastener comprising: a bolt having a head and a shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the fastener, the shaft portion including a securing portion formed thereon; as well as at least one engagement portion formed on a surface of the head portion, wherein the at least one engagement portion comprises one or more protrusions formed on the surface of the head portion generally adjacent to the shaft portion and arranged along the longitudinal axis and the shaft portion, wherein the one or more protrusions include at least one first protrusion extending generally circumferentially around the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis, Wherein the at least one first protrusion is formed with at least one geometric profile as a portion of the surface of the head of the fastener to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and a clamped component.

13. The fastener of claim 12, wherein the at least one geometric profile of the at least one first protrusion is formed with a plurality of arcuate engagement surfaces as part of the surface of the head of the fastener to engage the clamped component at various depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the clamped component.

14. The fastener of claim 13, wherein the plurality of arcuate engagement surfaces are formed on the at least one first protrusion in offset positions to provide different engagement depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the clamped component.

15. The fastener of claim 12, wherein the one or more projections of the at least one engagement portion of the head of the fastener include a second projection extending generally circumferentially around the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis.

16. The fastener of claim 15, wherein the second protrusion is formed with at least one geometric profile as part of the surface of the head of the fastener to form a grounding ring.

17. The fastener of claim 16, wherein the at least one geometric profile of the second protrusion is formed with an arcuate profile as part of the surface of the head of the fastener to form the grounding ring.

18. The fastener of claim 15, wherein the second protrusion is formed as a plurality of discrete members cooperatively arranged to extend circumferentially around the surface of the head to provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the one or more protrusions and the clamped component.

19. The fastener of claim 12, wherein the at least one first protrusion is a sealing ring and the second protrusion is a grounding ring, the grounding ring being disposed radially inward from the at least one first protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis.

20. The fastener of claim 12, wherein the one or more projections of the at least one engagement portion are formed as one or more rings extending circumferentially around the surface of the head in a substantially circular and concentric arrangement to provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the one or more projections and the clamped component.

21. A fastener comprising: a bolt having a head and a shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the fastener, the shaft portion including a securing portion formed thereon; as well as at least one engagement portion formed on a surface of the head portion, wherein the at least one engagement portion comprises one or more protrusions, the one or more protrusions being formed on the surface of the head portion substantially adjacent to the shaft portion and arranged along the longitudinal axis and the shaft portion, wherein the one or more protrusions comprise, at least one first protrusion extending generally circumferentially about the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one first protrusion is formed with at least one geometric profile as a portion of the surface of the head of the fastener to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and a clamped component; as well as and a second protrusion extending generally circumferentially around the surface of the head relative to the longitudinal axis, the second protrusion being formed as a plurality of discrete members cooperatively arranged to extend circumferentially around the surface of the head to provide a continuous plurality of contact lines between the one or more protrusions and the clamped component.

22. The fastener of claim 21 , wherein the at least one geometric profile of the at least one first protrusion is formed with a plurality of arcuate engagement surfaces as part of the surface of the head of the fastener to engage the clamped component at various depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the clamped component.

23. The fastener of claim 22, wherein the plurality of arcuate engagement surfaces are formed on the at least one first projection in offset positions to provide different engagement depths to provide a sealing arrangement between the fastener and the clamped component.

24. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the at least one first protrusion is a sealing ring and the second protrusion is a grounding ring, the grounding ring being disposed radially inward or radially outward from the at least one first protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis.

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