Fastening system, fastener assembly, and method of preloading fastener assembly
The fastening system addresses preload variations in aircraft joints by using a layer to indicate when a predetermined compressive load is achieved, ensuring consistent preload application and reducing fatigue.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024216062
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-12
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing fastening systems in aircraft face variations in preload due to friction inconsistencies, leading to potential fatigue and reduced structural life of fasteners.
A fastening system with a layer that provides an alert when a predetermined compressive load is reached, ensuring consistent preload application by eliminating reliance on friction-based torque calculations.
The system enhances the reproducibility and accuracy of preload application, reducing variations and fatigue in fasteners, thereby improving the structural life and reliability of joints.
Smart Images
Figure 2025106198000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001]
[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 tightening of the nut via the torque wrench is based on existing calculation methods of the friction for tightening the nut. Generally, the torque wrench tightens the nut until a desired preload is applied to the fastener. However, variations such as variations in the friction on the threads of the fastener can result in variations in the preload of the joint. If there are variations in the preload, fatigue can occur as the service life of the fastener extends.
Summary of the Invention
[0002]
[0002] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a fastening system and a fastener assembly that improve the reproducibility of the preload, and other advantages are also described herein.
[0003]
[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 couple the first component and the second component. The fastening system also includes a layer disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component / or the second component. This layer is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener assembly has been reached when a predetermined compressive load has been reached in the first component and the second component.
[0004]
[0004] The present disclosure also provides a method of applying preload to a fastener assembly. The fastener of the fastener assembly is inserted through a first component and a second component to couple the first component and the second component. A layer is disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component and / or the second component. This layer is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener has been reached. Torque is applied to the fastener assembly until a predetermined compressive load is reached in the first component and the second component. When the predetermined compressive load is reached, an alert is activated.
[0005]
[0005] The present disclosure further provides a fastener assembly for coupling a first component and a second component. The fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion having a head and a second fastener portion spaced 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. This layer is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener assembly has been reached when a predetermined compressive load is reached in the first component and the second component.
[0006]
[0006] The detailed description and the drawings, i.e., the figures, support and explain the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the claims. Although the best mode for carrying out the claims and some of the other configurations have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and configurations for practicing the present disclosure as defined within the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007]
Figure 1
[0007] It is a schematic diagram of a fastening system with the layer removed.
Figure 2
[0008] It is a schematic diagram of a fastener assembly that clamps a first component and a second component together without using one or more washers, and an exemplary position of the layer is shown.
Figure 3
[0009] A schematic view of a fastening assembly that clamps both a first component and a second component without using one or more washers, with further exemplary positions of the layers shown.
Figure 4
[0010] A schematic view of a fastening assembly that clamps both a first component and a second component using one or more washers, with further exemplary positions of the layers with respect to the one or more washers shown.
Figure 5
[0011] A schematic view of a fastening assembly that clamps both a first component and a second component using one or more washers, with yet another exemplary position of the layers with respect to the one or more washers shown.
Figure 6
[0012] A schematic enlarged view of the layers when a housing is used to separate a first part and a second part, where the first part is outside the housing.
Figure 7
[0013] A schematic enlarged view of the layers when a housing is used to separate a first part and a second part, where the second part is outside the housing.
Figure 8
[0014] A schematic enlarged view of the layers when a housing is used to separate a first part and a second part, where the first part and the second part are disposed within different ones of the housing.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0008]
[0015] The present disclosure can be extended to variations and alternative forms using representative configurations shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail below. The multiple aspects of the invention of the present disclosure are not limited to the multiple configurations of the present disclosure. Rather, the present disclosure is intended to cover variations, equivalents, combinations, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0009]
[0016] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all directional references (e.g., above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used descriptively with respect to the figures to assist the reader's understanding and are not intended to be limitations on the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims (e.g., position, orientation, or use). Further, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used to describe separate components. Such terms may include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and similar words. Further, the term "substantially" may refer to a slight inaccuracy or a slight variation in a condition, quantity, value, or dimension, some of which may be within the manufacturing variations or tolerances.
[0010]
[0017] As used herein, it should be understood that an element or step in the singular following the words "a" or "an" does not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Further, any reference to "a configuration" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional configurations that also incorporate the recited features. Further, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, a plurality of configurations "comprising" or "having" one or more elements with a particular property may include additional elements that do not have that property. The expression "at least one" as used herein should be interpreted as a non-exclusive logical "or," i.e., including A and / or B, etc., depending on the number of components.
[0011]
[0018] Referring to the drawings, like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and a fastening system 10 is generally shown in FIG. 1.
[0012]
[0019] Continuing with FIG. 1, the fastening system 10 includes a first component 12 and a second component 14 that can be joined together. More specifically, a fastener assembly 16 is configured to join the first component 12 and the second component 14. In certain configurations, the first component 12 may define a first opening 18 and the second component 14 may define a second opening 20. Generally, the first opening 18 and the second opening 20 are aligned with each other to receive the fastener assembly 16.
[0013]
[0020] The first component 12 and the second component 14 can be of any suitable configuration. Non-limiting examples of components 12, 14 include one or more of panels such as inner panels, outer panels, outer skin panels, frames, brackets, stringers, bulkheads, keels, ribs, doors, joints, gears, or any other components 12, 14 that can be joined to each other, and combinations thereof. Thus, the first component 12 and the second component 14 can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to, aircraft, drones, payloads, space shuttles, etc., flying vehicles, locomotives, automobiles, off-road vehicles, ships, agricultural implements, etc., mobile platforms, facilities, buildings, or any other application where it is desired to join components 12, 14.
[0014]
[0021] Generally, a fastener assembly 16 is tightened onto a first component 12 and a second component 14 to join or sandwich together the first component 12 and the second component 14 at a joint using a tool or instrument 22 (shown in FIG. 1). More specifically, the fastener assembly 16 is tightened until a predetermined compression load 24 effective to sandwich the first component 12 and the second component 14 together at the joint is reached. Thereby, in turn, a tensile load 26 is applied to the fastener assembly 16 and, next, a preload applied to the fastener assembly 16 is established. When the fastener assembly 16 is tightened, the first component 12 and the second component 14 are clamped together and compression is generated in the first component 12 and the second component 14, and correspondingly, tension is generated as preload in the fastener assembly 16. It is to be understood that more than two components 12, 14, i.e., any suitable number of components, may be clamped together at the joint. Generally, for the first component 12, the second component 14 (and any other number of components being used), and, when (one or more) washers 28 are being used, in the (one or more) washers 28 (numbered in FIGS. 4 and 5), the preload is equal and opposite to the compression load 24. The (one or more) washers 28 will be further described below.
[0015]
[0022] The predetermined compression load 24 may be a threshold value based on a desired preload of the fastener assembly 16. This threshold value may be based on engineering requirements, government regulations, aircraft parameters, etc. The predetermined compression load 24 will generally be referred to as the compression load 24 in the following description.
[0016]
[0023] For example, when a load is applied to the first component 12 and the second component 14, an external force 30 is applied to the first component 12 and the second component 14 in various directions. Some of the external forces 30 may attempt to separate the first component 12 and the second component 14. The fastener assembly 16 is designed to react to the external force 30 and maintain the connection or clamping between the first component 12 and the second component 14. By doing so, the fastener assembly 16 repeatedly receives stresses that can cause fatigue. Fatigue can be reduced or improved by applying a preload to the fastener assembly 16. Thereby, the structural life of the fastener assembly 16 can be improved. Further, as described herein, by applying a preload to the fastener assembly 16, the alternating stress within the fastener assembly 16 under repeated loads can be reduced.
[0017]
[0024] In certain configurations, the tool 22 may include one or more segments 32A, 32B. The one or more segments 32A, 32B cooperate to tighten the fastener assembly 16. Thus, one of the segments 32A may engage the end 34A of the fastener assembly 16 while tightening through the tool 22, and another one of the segments 32B may engage another end 34B of the fastener assembly 16. In certain configurations, the tool or instrument 22 is a wrench, optionally a torque wrench, drill, hex wrench, screwdriver, nut driver, socket wrench, or any other suitable tool or instrument 22 capable of tightening the fastener assembly 16 to the first component 12 and the second component 14.
[0018]
[0025] Turning to an exemplary detail of the fastener assembly 16, in certain configurations, the fastener assembly 16 can include a first fastener portion 36 and a second fastener portion 38. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, in certain configurations, generally, the fastener assembly 16 can include a fastener 40 and a nut 42. In that case, the first fastener portion 36 can include the fastener 40 and the second fastener portion 38 can include the nut 42. More specifically, in certain configurations, the first fastener portion 36 can include a head 44 and the second fastener portion 38 can include a nut 42 spaced from the head 44. The head 44 of the first fastener portion 36 can be external to the first component 12 or the second component 14, as shown in FIG. 1, or the head 44 of the first fastener portion 36 can be countersunk into the first component 12 or the second component 14.
[0019]
[0026] Returning to the tool 22, to tighten the fastener assembly 16, one of the segments 32A can engage a first fastener portion 36, such as the fastener 40 or the head 44, to prevent the first fastener portion 36 from moving. Meanwhile, the other one of the segments 32B moves a second fastener portion 38, such as the nut 42. Alternatively, one of the segments 32A can engage a first fastener portion 36, such as the fastener 40 or the head 44, to move the first fastener portion 36. Meanwhile, the other one of the segments 32B prevents a second fastener portion 38, such as the nut 42, from moving. In yet another example, to tighten the fastener assembly 16, one of the segments 32A can engage a first fastener portion 36, such as the fastener 40 or the head 44, to move the first fastener portion 36 in a first direction. Meanwhile, the other one of the segments 32B moves a second fastener portion 38, such as the nut 42, in another direction different from the first direction.
[0020]
[0027] The fastener 40 can be arranged to pass through the first opening 18 and the second opening 20 in order to couple the first component 12 and the second component 14. More specifically, the head 44 can be coupled to the fastener 40. Further, the fastener 40 can include a post 46 to which the head 44 is coupled. Thereby, the post 46 can be arranged to pass through the first opening 18 and the second opening 20. Generally, the second fastener portion 38 is a nut 42, and the fastener 40 and the nut 42 are screwed together to clamp the first component 12 and the second component 14 together.
[0021]
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the head 44 of the fastener 40 has an outer head diameter d that is larger than the outer post diameter d of the post 46 and larger than the first hole diameter d1 of the first opening 18 of the first component 12. p Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the head 44 can be coupled 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. h
[0022]
[0022]
[0029] Continuing with FIGS. 1-5, the second fastener portion 38 also has an outer nut diameter d that is larger than the second hole diameter d2 of the second opening 20 of the second component 14. The second fastener portion 38 can be coupled to another end 34B of the fastener 40 to prevent the fastener 40 from passing through the first component 12 and the second component 14. Accordingly, the head 44 and the second fastener portion 38 cooperate to prevent the fastener 40 from being pulled out of the openings 18, 20 when a preload is applied to the fastener assembly 16. n
[0023]
[0023]
[0030] Thus, generally, the tool 22 can engage with the head 44 and / or the nut 42 of the fastener assembly 16 to clamp the fastener 40 to the first component 12 and the second component 14. More specifically, one of the segments 32A of the tool 22 can engage with the head 44, and another one of the segments 32B of the tool 22 can engage with the nut 42. A 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 certain plural configurations, the tool force 48 is torque, and thus the post 46 of the fastener 40 and the nut 42 can be screwed to cooperate with each other. The fastener assembly 16 can be of any suitable configuration and can include, without limitation, bolts, shoulder bolts, jo bolts, studs, screws, hi-locks, composite locks, rivets, hex keys, etc. They can cooperate with the nut 42, collar, etc. In certain plural configurations, the head 44 of the fastener assembly 16 can be replaced by the nut 42. In that case, the fastener assembly 16 has nuts 42 at both ends 34A, 34B.
[0024]
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the fastening system 10 also 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 plural examples of the layer 50 can include materials or fluids that have been painted, brush painted, sprayed, adhered, dip coated, vapor deposited, heat fused, etc.
[0025]
[0032] Layer 50 is configured to provide an alert when a compression load 24 is 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, such as torque, is applied to the fastener assembly 16 until the alert is activated via layer 50. This alert informs that the compression load 24 has been reached in the first component 12 and the second component 14. Thus, this alert is activated when the preload of the fastener 40 has been reached. This instructs to stop the tool force 48, such as torque tightening of the fastener 40.
[0026]
[0033] Fastening system 10 is designed to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of obtaining preload by using layer 50 as an alert, and thus reduce the variation in preload that depends on the friction during the threading between the post 46 and the nut 42. In other words, even considering manufacturing tolerances, the fastening system 10 described herein can obtain the desired preload via layer 50. Thus, as described in the background section, there is no need to rely on using existing calculation methods based on friction with a torque wrench, and such calculation methods can be beneficially removed.
[0027]
[0034] Layer 50 can be disposed at any suitable position relative to the fastening assembly 16 and components 12, 14 to provide an alert, and a plurality of non-limiting examples thereof are described below. Although layer 50 is not shown in FIG. 1 to show other features of the fastening system 10, it should be understood that layer 50 can be disposed within FIG. 1 at any position described herein.
[0028]
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, generally, layer 50 can be disposed between head 44 and second fastener portion 38. More specifically, layer 50 can be disposed between head 44 and first component 12 and / or between second fastener portion 38 and second component 14. Thus, in certain configurations, layer 50 can engage fastener 40 and / or nut 42. That is, layer 50 can be disposed between head 44 and first component 12 and / or between second fastener portion 38 such as nut 42 and second component 14. Thus, any suitable number of layers 50 can be used, and it should be understood that even if FIGS. 2 to 5 show multiple layers 50, one layer 50 can be utilized.
[0029]
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, generally, layer 50 can engage first fastener portion 36 and / or second fastener portion 38. In these configurations, layer 50 can be attached to head 44 of first fastener portion 36 and / or second fastener portion 38 such as nut 42.
[0030]
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in these configurations, layer 50 is attached to head 44 and / or first component 12 and / or layer 50 is attached to second fastener portion 38 and / or second component 14. More specifically, first component 12 can include a first face 52 facing outwardly away from second component 14, and head 44 of first fastener portion 36 can include a first surface 54 facing toward first component 12. Thus, first face 52 and first surface 54 face each other. Layer 50 can be disposed partially (see FIG. 2) or completely (see FIG. 3) around first surface 54 so as to partially or completely surround post 46 of fastener 40. Similarly, layer 50 can be disposed partially (see FIG. 2) or completely (see FIG. 3) around first face 52 so as to partially or completely surround first opening 18 of first component 12.
[0031]
[0038] Continuing with FIGS. 2 and 3, the second component 14 may include a second face 56 facing outwardly away from the first component 12, and the nut 42 of the second fastener portion 38 may include a second surface 58 facing toward the second component 14. Thus, the second face 56 and the second surface 58 face each other. The layer 50 may be disposed partially (see FIG. 2) or completely (see FIG. 3) around the second surface 58 so as to partially or completely surround the posts 46 of the fastener 40. Similarly, the layer 50 may be disposed partially (see FIG. 2) or completely (see FIG. 3) around the second face 56 so as to partially or completely surround the second openings 20 of the second component 14.
[0032]
[0039] Optionally, the fastener assembly 16 may 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, when using one washer 28, the washer 28 may be disposed between the head 44 and the first component 12, or may be disposed between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. As another example, when using two washers 28, the first washer 28 may be disposed between the head 44 and the first component 12, and the second washer 28 may be disposed between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. As yet another example, when using two washers 28, both washers 28 may be disposed or stacked between the head 44 of the fastener assembly 16 and the first component 12, or both washers 28 may be disposed or stacked between the second fastener portion 38 and the second component 14. Any suitable number of washers 28 may be disposed or stacked between the head 44 of the fastener assembly 16 and the first component 12, and / or may be disposed or stacked between the second fastener assembly 38 and the second component 14.
[0033]
[0040] Generally, washer 28 includes a first side 60 and a second side 62 opposite the first side 60. Each of the first side 60 and the second side 62 of washer 28 can be of any suitable configuration. Non-limiting examples of sides 60, 62 can include flat, arcuate, angled, tapered, chamfered, corrugated, and the like. When one or more washers 28 are disposed between head 44 and first component 12, the first side 60 of the corresponding washer 28 faces the first face 52 of first component 12, and the second side 62 of that washer 28 faces the first surface 54 of head 44. Similarly, when one or more washers 28 are disposed between nut 42 and second component 14, the first side 60 of the corresponding washer 28 faces the second face 56 of second component 14, and the second side 62 of that washer 28 faces the second surface 58 of nut 42.
[0034]
[0041] In certain configurations, layer 50 can be disposed in contact with a single washer 28, such as on first side 60 and / or second side 62. In other configurations, layer 50 is disposed in contact with a first washer 28, such as on first side 60 and / or second side 62 of the first washer 28, and similarly in contact with a second washer 28, such as on first side 60 and / or second side 62 of the second washer 28. Layer 50 can be disposed in contact with any suitable number of washers 28.
[0035]
[0042] Layer 50 can be of any suitable configuration for providing an alert. When layer 50 is activated, it can take the form of an observable feature or condition that can be visually seen or perceived, can take the form of a noise or sound that can be audibly heard or perceived, and / or can take the form of an odor that can be smelled or perceived, and various ways of doing so are described below. Optionally, the alert can be generated by an exothermic reaction as described below.
[0036]
[0043] In certain configurations, layer 50 may be a coating. The coating may be applied to the fastener assembly 16 (e.g., including the head 44 and / or the nut 42), the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28 (when washers 28 are used), and combinations thereof. The coating may be applied to the fastener assembly 16, the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28 in any suitable manner, and non-limiting examples may include materials or fluids that have been painted, brushed, sprayed, adhered, dip-coated, vapor-deposited, heat-sealed, etc. When washers 28 are used, optionally, the washers 28 may be immersed in the coating. In certain configurations, it should be understood that the coating may be a liquid fluid or a gel, but the coating may be of any suitable configuration.
[0037]
[0044] In certain configurations, the coating may include a first portion 64 and a second portion 66 that are mixed together to generate an alert when the compressive load 24 is reached. Thus, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may react together via a chemical reaction to generate an alert. In one example, the first portion 64 may be a product and the second portion 66 may be a reactant. More specifically, the first portion 64 may be an epoxy and the second portion 66 may be a catalyst. In certain configurations, the first portion 64 and / or the second portion 66 may be a die, or a paint pigment. It should be understood that any suitable number of portions 64, 66, i.e., two or more, may be mixed to generate an alert.
[0038]
[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 the other until the compressive load 24 is reached. As will be described in more detail below, when the compressive load 24 is reached, the parts 64, 66 are mixed. For example, the first part 64 and / or the second part 66 can be housed within the housing 68 (Figs. 6 - 8) to prevent the mixing of the first part 64 and the second part 66 until a desired preload is reached, or to prevent the die or coating pigment from being discharged until a desired preload is reached.
[0039]
[0046] Alternatively, in certain configurations, the mixing of the parts 64, 66 is not required. For example, with respect to a configuration in which the die or coating pigment is housed within the housing 68, if the housing 68 is damaged, the die or coating pigment can be discharged from the housing 68 to provide a visual alert. That is, the mixing of the parts 64, 66 to cause a reaction is not required to provide a visual alert.
[0040]
[0047] In certain configurations, the second portion 66 is housed within the housing 68, and the first portion 64 is coated over the fastener assembly 16 (e.g., including the head 44 and / or nut 42), the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28 (see FIG. 6). In other configurations, the first portion 64 is housed within the housing 68, and the second portion 66 is coated over the fastener assembly 16 (e.g., including the head 44 and / or nut 42), the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28 (see FIG. 7). In yet other configurations, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 are housed within separate housings 68 (see FIG. 8), and a coating outside the housing 68 is used to attach the layer 50 to the fastener assembly 16 (e.g., including the head 44 and / or nut 42), the first component 12, the second component 14, and / or one or more washers 28. The housing 68 breaks or fractures when the compressive load 24 is reached. This break or fracture then indicates that a predetermined preload has been reached and is sufficient to allow the first portion 64 and / or the second portion 66 to exit the housing 68 and mix with each other, thereby generating an alert or being discharged from the housing 68 to generate an alert. The discharge or mixing of the portions 64, 66 can generate an audible alert, a scent or odor alert, and / or a heat generation alert (a visual alert and / or a temperature change alert).
[0041]
[0048] In other configurations, layer 50 may include auditory features. As an example, the auditory features may include a frangible material that breaks when the compressive load 24 is reached and generates a sound as an alert. Thus, for example, the housing 68 described above may be used without including the first portion 64 and / or the second portion 66 in certain configurations. The housing 68 may be empty or may include a material that wrinkles or cracks, thereby emitting an audible sound when compressed via the compressive load 24. Thus, when the housing 68 is broken or destroyed, a sound is generated as an auditory alert. In another example, the auditory features may include a conical or cup-shaped washer similar to a Belleville washer instead of the housing 68, and the conical or cup-shaped washer flattens when the compressive load 24 is reached and emits a sound as an alert. The breaking strength of the housing 68 is determined based on the preload of the fastener assembly 16.
[0042]
[0049] In still other configurations, layer 50 may include visual features. As an example of visual features, the visual features may include a coating that changes color when the compressive load 24 is reached to generate an alert. As another example, the visual features may also be an exothermic reaction. In that case, the housing 68 described above is used to mix the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 to cause a reaction that can be visually seen as a spark or flash. Alternatively, the housing 68 may be broken to expose a color such as the die or paint pigment described above. This does not require mixing between two or more of the portions 64, 66. Thus, in certain configurations, each of the housings 68 may include the same portion, such as the first portion 64 containing a color. The breaking strength of the housing 68 is determined based on the preload of the fastener assembly 16. As an example, a fluorescent color may be exposed. In that case, ultraviolet light or goggles can be used to detect the fluorescent color as a visual feature. In other configurations, the visual features may be a material that emits a spark or flash as an alert when the compressive load 24 is reached when compressed.
[0043]
[0050] In other configurations, layer 50 may include a temperature characteristic. The temperature characteristic may also be an exothermic reaction. In that case, using the housing 68 described above, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 can be mixed to cause an exotherm that can result in a temperature change. This temperature change can be physically detected, for example, via a thermal camera or an infrared camera. In other configurations, the temperature characteristic may be a material that generates or produces heat when the compression load 24 is reached when compressed. Thus, the housing 68 in the figure may be replaced via the material of the temperature characteristic and furthermore is not shown.
[0044]
[0051] In still other configurations, layer 50 may include a scent or odor characteristic. As an example of a scent or odor characteristic, the housing 68 may be broken to release a scent or odor. This scent or odor does not require mixing between the two portions 64, 66 as a scent or odor characteristic. Thus, in certain configurations, each of the housings 68 may include the same portion such as a first portion 64 that contains a scent or odor. The breaking strength of the housing 68 is determined based on the preload of the fastener assembly 16. As another example of a scent or odor characteristic, layer 50 may include one or more materials that, when the compression load 24 is reached, actively engage in frictional engagement with each other or rub against each other to activate a scent or odor.
[0045]
[0052] All of the figures may represent various configurations of layer 50, and thus, it should be understood that FIGS. 6-8 cannot exclude multiple embodiments related to scent or odor characteristics, visual characteristics, temperature characteristics, and auditory characteristics.
[0046]
[0053] The present disclosure also provides a method of applying preload to the fastener assembly 16. Generally, the (one or more) layers 50 are added in a desired position before the first component 12 and the second component 14 are joined.
[0047]
[0054] The fastener 40 of the fastener assembly 16 is inserted through the first component 12 and the second component 14 to couple the first component 12 and the second component 14. The layer 50 is added at a desired position before the fastener 40 is inserted through the first component 12 and the second component 14. Generally, as described above, the layer 50 is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener 40 has been reached.
[0048]
[0055] Using the tool 22, the fastener assembly 16 is tightened against the first component 12 and the second component 14 to compress both the first component 12 and the second component 14 until a predetermined compressive load 24 is reached at the joint. During this process, a tool force 48 is applied to the fastener assembly 16 until the compressive load 24 is reached. In certain configurations, torque is applied to the fastener assembly 16 until the compressive load 24 is reached in the first component 12 and the second component 14. When this compressive load 24 is reached, an alert is activated. When a 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. The force 70 can be a compressive force because the first component 12 and the second component 14 are clamped together via the compressive load 24. The alert of the layer 50 is activated when the compressive load 24 is reached. This alert indicates that the preload of the fastener assembly 16 has been reached.
[0049]
[0056] As described above, in certain configurations, the layer 50 can include a coating, an auditory feature, a visual feature, a temperature feature, and / or a scent or odor feature. These can provide an alert as described above and will not be repeated.
[0050]
[0057] When an alert is activated, tool forces 48, such as torque, are removed from the fastener assembly 16. Then, along the joint, another fastener assembly 16 may be arranged to pass through the first opening 18 of the first component 12 and the second opening 20 of the second component 14, and preload may be applied as described above. This may be repeated until the desired number of fastener assemblies 16 are used to clamp both the first component 12 and the second component 14 together along the joint.
[0051]
[0058] The order or sequence of performing the (one or more) methods as described above is for illustrative purposes, and it should be understood that other orders or sequences are within the scope of the present teachings. It should be understood that the (one or more) methods may also include other features not specifically described in the methods immediately above.
[0052]
[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 technology to which the present disclosure pertains will recognize various alternative designs and configurations for practicing the present disclosure within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the features of the configurations shown in the drawings or described in this specification do not necessarily have to be understood as independent embodiments from each other. Rather, each of the features described in one example of a configuration can be combined with one or more other desired features from other configurations, resulting in other configurations not described either verbally or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other configurations are included within the framework of the appended claims.
[0053]
[0060] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a given function is not one that is incapable of performing that given function without any modification, and is merely capable of performing that given function after further modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a given function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing that given function. As used herein, the phrase “configured to” means an existing characteristic of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enables the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform a given function without further modification. For purposes of the present disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as “adapted to” and / or “operative to” perform that function.
[0054]
[0061] The exemplification of the plurality of configurations described herein is for the purpose of providing an overall understanding of the structures of the various configurations. These exemplifications are not intended to comprehensively describe all elements and features of the apparatuses and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. By examining the present disclosure, many other plural configurations may become apparent to those skilled in the art. Other plural configurations may be utilized and derived from the present disclosure such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure and the drawings should be regarded as exemplary rather than restrictive.
[0055]
[0062] The following clauses provide some exemplary configurations of the fastening system 10, the fastener assembly 16, and the method as disclosed herein.
[0056]
[0063] Clause 1. A fastening system comprising a first component, a second component, a fastener assembly configured to couple the first component and the second component, and a layer disposed between the fastener assembly and the first component and / or the second component, the layer being configured to provide an alert indicating that a preload of the fastener assembly has been reached when a predetermined compressive load has been reached in the first component and the second component.
[0057]
[0064] Clause 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, and the layer engages with the first fastener portion and / or the second fastener portion.
[0058]
[0065] Clause 3. The system according to Clause 2, wherein the first fastener portion includes a head, and the layer is attached to the head and / or the second fastener portion.
[0059]
[0066] Clause 4. The system according to Clause 2 or 3, wherein the second fastener portion includes a nut spaced from the head, and the layer is attached to the head and / or the nut.
[0060]
[0067] Clause 5. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the fastener assembly includes a first fastener portion having a head, the fastener assembly includes a second fastener portion spaced from the head, and the layer is disposed between the head and the first component and / or between the second fastener portion and the second component.
[0061]
[0068] Clause 6. The fastener assembly includes a first washer disposed between the head and the first component, or between the second fastener portion and the second component, and the layer is disposed in contact with the first washer, the system according to clause 5.
[0062]
[0069] Clause 7. The fastener assembly includes a second washer, the first washer is disposed between the head and the first component, the second washer is disposed between the second fastener portion and the second component, and the layer is disposed in contact with the first washer and the second washer, the system according to clause 6.
[0063]
[0070] Clause 8. The layer is a coating, the system according to any one of clauses 1 to 7.
[0064]
[0071] Clause 9. The coating includes a first part and a second part that are mixed to generate the alert when the predetermined compressive load is reached, the system according to clause 8.
[0065]
[0072] Clause 10. The first part is a product, and the second part is a reactant, the system according to clause 9.
[0066]
[0073] Clause 11. The layer includes an auditory feature, the system according to any one of clauses 1 to 7.
[0067]
[0074] Clause 12. The auditory feature includes a frangible material that breaks when the predetermined compressive load is reached to generate a sound as an alert, the system according to clause 11.
[0068]
[0075] Clause 13. The layer is the system according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, including visual features.
[0069]
[0076] Clause 14. The visual feature is the system according to clause 13, including a coating that changes color to generate the alert when the predetermined compression load is reached.
[0070]
[0077] Clause 15. The fastening assembly includes a fastener and a nut, the layer engages with the fastener and / or the nut, the fastener and the nut are screwed together to sandwich the first component and the second component together, torque is applied to the fastening assembly until the alert is activated through the layer, and the alert informs that the predetermined compression load has been reached in the first component and the second component. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 14.
[0071]
[0078] Clause 16. A method of applying preload to a fastening assembly, including inserting the fastener of the fastening assembly through the first component and the second component to couple the first component and the second component, wherein a layer is disposed between the fastening assembly and the first component and / or the second component, the layer is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener has been reached, and applying torque to the fastening assembly until a predetermined compression load is reached in the first component and the second component, and when the predetermined compression load is reached, the alert is activated. The method includes applying torque.
[0072]
[0079] Clause 17. The method according to clause 16, further including removing the torque from the fastening assembly when the alert is activated.
[0073]
[0080] Clause 18. The method according to clause 16 or 17, further comprising applying a force to the layer when the torque is applied to the fastener assembly.
[0074]
[0081] Clause 19. The method according to any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the layer comprises a coating.
[0075]
[0082] Clause 20. A fastener assembly for joining a first component and a second component, the fastener assembly comprising a first fastener portion having a head, a second fastener portion spaced from the head, and a layer disposed between the head and the first component and / or between the second fastener portion and the second component, the layer being configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener assembly has been reached when a predetermined compressive load has been reached in the first component and the second component.
Claims
1. A fastening system (10) comprising: a first component (12); a second component (14); a fastener assembly (16) configured to couple the first component (12) and the second component (14); and a layer (50) disposed between the fastener assembly (16) and the first component (12) and / or the second component (14), wherein the layer (50) is configured to provide an alert indicating that a preload of the fastener assembly (16) has been reached when a predetermined compressive load (24) is reached in the first component (12) and the second component (14).
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fastener assembly (16) includes a first fastener portion (36) and a second fastener portion (38), and 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), and 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 from the head (44), and the layer (50) is attached to the head (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), the fastener assembly (16) includes a second fastener portion (38) spaced from the head (44), and 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), and the layer (50) is disposed in contact with the first washer (28).
7. The fastening assembly (16) includes a second washer (28), the first washer (28) is disposed between the head (44) and the first component (12), the second washer (28) is disposed between the second fastening part (38) and the second component (14), and the layer (50) is disposed in contact with the first washer (28) and the second washer (28). The system according to claim 6.
8. The layer (50) is a coating. The system according to claim 1.
9. The coating includes a first part (64) and a second part (66) that are mixed together to generate the alert when the predetermined compression load (24) is reached. The system according to claim 8.
10. The first part (64) is a product, and the second part (66) is a reactant. The system according to claim 9.
11. The layer (50) includes an auditory feature. The system according to claim 1.
12. The auditory feature includes a breakable material that breaks when the predetermined compression load (24) is reached to generate a sound as an alert. The system according to claim 11.
13. The layer (50) includes a visual feature. The system according to claim 1.
14. The visual feature includes a coating that changes color to generate the alert when the predetermined compression load (24) is reached. The system according to claim 13.
15. The fastening assembly (16) includes a fastener (40) and a nut (42), the layer (50) engages with the fastener (40) and / or the nut (42), the fastener (40) and the nut (42) are screwed together to sandwich the first component (12) and the second component (14) together, and torque is applied to the fastening assembly (16) until the alert is activated through the layer (50). The alert notifies that the predetermined compression load (24) has been reached in the first component (12) and the second component (14). The system according to claim 1.
16. A method of applying a preload to a fastening assembly (16), To couple the first component (12) and the second component (14), inserting the fastener (40) of the fastener assembly (16) so as to penetrate the first component (12) and the second component (14), wherein a layer (50) is disposed between the fastener assembly (16) and the first component (12) and / or the second component (14), and the layer (50) is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener (40) has been reached, inserting the fastener (40), and applying torque to the fastener assembly (16) until a predetermined compressive load (24) is reached in the first component (12) and the second component (14), wherein when the predetermined compressive load (24) is reached, the alert is activated, the method including applying torque.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising removing the torque from the fastener assembly (16) when the alert is activated.
18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising applying a force (70) to the layer (50) as the torque is applied to the fastener assembly (16).
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the layer (50) is a coating.
20. A fastener assembly (16) for coupling a first component (12) and a second component (14), a first fastener portion (36) having a head (44), a second fastener portion (38) spaced from the head (44), and a layer (50) disposed between the head (44) and the first component (12) and / or between the second fastener portion (38) and the second component (14), wherein the layer (50) is configured to provide an alert indicating that the preload of the fastener assembly (16) has been reached when a predetermined compressive load (24) is reached in the first component (12) and the second component (14), the fastener assembly.