Assembly including two bodies, a fastener, and a disposable nut

Abstract

An assembly includes a first body, a second body, a fastener, and a nut. The first body includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The first body includes a first body through-hole that includes a first body threaded portion. The second body includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The second body includes a second body through-hole that is unthreaded. The fastener includes a fastener head and a fastener shank. The fastener shank extends through the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole. The fastener shank includes a fastener threaded portion located at least at a distal end of the fastener shank opposite the fastener head. The nut has a nut threaded portion. The nut threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion.

Description

ASSEMBLY INCLUDING TWO BODIES, A FASTENER, AND A DISPOSABLE NUTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS1000.11 This P.C.T. Patent Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 533,845, filed August 21, 2023.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an assembly including two bodies, a fastener, and a disposable nut.BACKGROUND[00031 A fastener, such as a rivet or a threaded bolt, may be used to couple two bodies. Generally, rivets do not loosen when subjected to loads (e.g., vibrations) and can secure joints with a relatively shorter clamp length (e.g., the total length of the fastener) compared to threaded bolds. However, compared to threaded bolts, rivets are time consuming to install and remove.SUMMARY

[0004] Threaded bolts and nuts may improve the ease of coupling and decoupling joints. The nut may be removed during uninstalling and reused when reinstalling. However, the nut may become lost after removal. Additionally, it can be difficult to reinstall a nut due to space constraints limiting access to the nut. For example, structures around the nut may limit access for a wrench to be used to hold a nut in place while a bolt is threaded into the nut using a socket, or structures around the head of the bolt may limit access to a driver to be used to secure the bolt to the nut.

[0005] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to address these problems.

[0006] In one embodiment, an assembly includes a first body, a second body, a fastener, and a nut. The first body includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The first body includes a first body through-hole that includes a first body threaded portion. The second body includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the second body faces the inner surface of the first body. The second body includes a second body through-hole that is unthreaded. The fastener includes a fastener head and a fastener shank. The fastener shank extends through the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole. The fastener shank includes a fastener threaded portion located at least at a distal end of the fastener shank opposite the fastener head. The nut has a nut threaded portion. The fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the first body. The nut is located on an outer surface side of the second body. The nut threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a component assembly. The component assembly includes a component bod and the first body, which is a component body flange that extends outwardly from the component body.[O0O8| In some embodiments, the assembly includes a conduit assembly. The conduit assembly includes a conduit body and the second body, which is a conduit body flange that extends outwardly from the conduit body.|0009] In some embodiments, the fastener threaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first body through-hole includes a first body non-threaded portion. The first body threaded portion extends from the outer surface and towards the inner surface and the first body non-threaded portion that extends from the first body threaded portion to the inner surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a sealing member positioned between the first body and the second body. The sealing member has a sealing member through-holealigned with the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole. The fastener extends through the sealing member through-hole.|0012] In some embodiments, the fastener threaded portion extends between the distal end of the fastener shank and the fastener head and engages the first body threaded portion.|0013] In some embodiments, the the fastener shank includes a fastener unthreaded portion extending between the fastener head and the fastener threaded portion. The fastener unthreaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion.[0014| In some embodiments, the fastener unthreaded portion is aligned with the first body threaded portion such that no portion of the fastener shank engages the first body threaded portion.|0015] Another embodiment relates to an assembly. The assembly includes a first body, a second body, a fastener, and a nut. The first body has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The first body includes a first body through-hole that has a first body threaded portion. The second body includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the second body faces the inner surface of the first body. The second body includes a second body through-hole that is unthreaded. The fastener includes a fastener head and a fastener shank. The fastener shank extends through the first body through- hole and the second body through-hole. The fastener shank includes a fastener threaded portion located at least at a distal end of the fastener shank opposite the fastener head. The nut has a nut threaded portion. The assembly is reconfigurable from a first configuration to a second configuration. When the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the first body, the nut is located on an outer surface side of the second body, and the nut threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion. When the assembly is in the second configuration, the fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the second body and the first body threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the assembly is in the second configuration, the first body is coupled to the second body without using the nut.|0017] In some embodiments, when the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener threaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first body through-hole includes a first body non-threaded portion that extends from the outer surface and towards the inner surface. The first body nonthreaded portion extends from the first body threaded portion to the inner surface.[0019| In some embodiments, the fastener threaded portion extends between the distal end of the fastener shank and the fastener head. When the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener threaded portion engages the first body threaded portion. When the assembly is in the second configuration, the fastener threaded portion engages the first body threaded portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fastener shank includes a fastener unthreaded portion extending between the fastener head and the fastener threaded portion. When the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener unthreaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion. When the assembly is in the second configuration, the fastener unthreaded portion does not engage the second body through-hole.|002l] In some embodiments, when the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener unthreaded portion is aligned with the first body threaded portion, and no portion of the fastener shank engages the first body threaded portion.[00221 In another embodiment, a method includes providing an assembly including a first body, a second body, a fastener, and a nut. The first body includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The first body includes a first body through-hole that includes a first body threaded portion. The second body includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the second body faces the inner surface of the first body. The second body includes a second body through-hole that is unthreaded. The fastener includes a fastener head and a fastener shank. The fastener shank extends through the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole. The fastener shank includes afastener threaded portion located at least at a distal end of the fastener shank opposite the fastener head. The nut has a nut threaded portion. The fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the first body. The nut is located on an outer surface side of the second body. The nut threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion. The method also includes disengaging the fastener threaded portion from the nut threaded portion. The method also includes removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole. The method also includes coupling the first body to the second body by providing the fastener shank through the second body through-hole and the first body through- hole and engaging the fastener threaded portion with the first body threaded portion, such that the fastener head is located on the outer surface side of the second body.

[0023] In some embodiments, in the step of coupling the first body to the second body, the first body is coupled to the second body without using the nut.|0024] In some embodiments, in the step of removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole, the fastener shank includes a fastener unthreaded portion extending between the fastener head and the fastener threaded portion, and, prior to removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole, the fastener unthreaded portion is translatable relative to the first body through-hole without engaging the first body threaded portion.|0025] In some embodiments, the fastener threaded portion extends between the distal end of the fastener shank and the fastener head. Prior to removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole, the fastener threaded portion engages the first body threaded portion. The step of removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole includes disengaging the fastener threaded portion from the first body threaded portion.

[0020] Numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The described features of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and / or implementations. In this regard, one or more features of an aspect of an embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more features of a differentaspect of another embodiment. Moreover, additional features may be recognized in certain embodiments and / or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements unless otherwise indicated.[0028| FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly, shown in a first configuration.[00291 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first component of the assembly of FIG. 1.[0030| FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first component, shown with a sealing member.[0031 [ FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 1 along plane A, according to an example embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 1 along plane A, according to another example embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1, shown in a second configuration.|0034] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 6, along plane B.|0035[ FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a method of assembling and disassembling the assembly of FIG. 1.

[0036] It will be recognized that the Figures are schematic representations for the purposes of illustration. The Figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that the Figures will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods and assemblies for an assembly including two bodies, a fastener, and a disposable nut. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of a number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0038] As used herein, “threaded” is used to mean having one or more screw threads. For example, a threaded surface or component may have one or more screw threads disposed thereon. The one or more screw threads may be external (e.g., “male”) threads or internal (e.g., “female”) threads. A threaded surface or component may threadably engage another threaded surface or component. For example, an internal threads of an internally threaded surface may threadably engage external threads of an externally threaded component. Through this threaded engagement, two threaded components become coupled.|0039[ As used herein, “not threaded,” “non-threaded,” “unthreaded,” and similar terms are used to mean not having any screw threads. For example, a non-threaded surface or component does not include screw threads. A non-threaded surface cannot be threadably engaged by a threaded surface.I. Overview

[0040] In an assembly, components may be coupled to each other using a fastener, such as a threaded bolt. It is understood that discussion of the assembly including two components herein similarly describes the assembly including one or two conduits (e.g., in place of one or both components), unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0041] The first component may be coupled to the second component in a first configuration during an initial assembly process. When further components are assembled on or near the first component and the second component, it may become difficult to decouple the first component from the second component (e.g., when servicing or replacing at least one of the firstcomponent or second component) and subsequently recouple the first component to the second component (e.g., after servicing or replacing at least one of the first component or second component, etc.). Therefore, it is desirable to improve the ease of decoupling and recoupling an assembly to improve the ease of servicing at least one of the first component or second component.[00421 Implementations described herein are directed to an assembly including two bodies, a fastener, and a disposable nut that improves the ease of decoupling and recoupling an assembly. The assembly includes a component assembly and a conduit assembly. In other embodiments, the assembly may include a first component assembly coupled to a second component assembly or a first conduit assembly coupled to a second conduit assembly. The component assembly is coupled to the conduit assembly by fasteners. For example, the component includes a first flange having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The first flange includes through-holes that are at least partially threaded. The conduit assembly includes a second flange having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the second flange faces the inner surface of the first flange. The second flange includes through-holes that are unthreaded. The fasteners each include a fastener shank that has a threaded portion and a nonthreaded portion. When the assembly is initially assembled, each fastener shank extends through the through-holes of the first flange and the through-holes of the second flange, such that the nonthreaded portion is aligned with the threaded through-holes of the first flange. Each fastener engages a corresponding nut at the outer surface of the second flange.

[0043] The implementations described herein further include methods for disassembling the assembly and re-assembling the assembly in a different (e.g., second) configuration. After the initial assembly, it may be difficult to decouple the component assembly and the conduit assembly. For example, the presence of surrounding components may interfere with decoupling and subsequent recoupling of the component assembly to the conduit assembly. The embodiments described herein advantageously improve the ease of decoupling and recoupling the assembly. The component assembly is decoupled form the conduit assembly by disengaging the fasteners from the corresponding nuts. When the component assembly isrecoupled to the conduit assembly (e.g., after a service event, etc.), the fasteners are provided through the through-holes of the second flange and through the through-holes of the first flange such that the threaded portion of the fasteners engage the threaded through-holes of the first flange. Advantageously, the nuts are not used in recoupling the assembly, such that the assembly can be recoupled by accessing only one side of the assembly (e.g., the outside of the second flange).IL Overview of Example Assembly

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. As explained in more detail herein, the assembly 100 includes two bodies (e.g., flanges) that are selectively coupled together. One of these bodies may be part of a component, such as an exhaust aftertreatment system component, and the other body may be part of a conduit, such as an exhaust aftertreatment system conduit. The assembly 100 facilitates decoupling of the bodies and recoupling of the bodies in an expedited and simplified manner by enabling bolts to be reinstalled without nuts and in a manner that is different from how the bolts were installed. In this way, the assembly 100 is more desirable than other systems that require nuts to be reused and bolts to be reinstalled in the same manner that the bolts were installed.]0045] The assembly 100 includes a component assembly 110. In some embodiments, the component assembly 110 is or includes a component of an exhaust aftertreatment system (i.e., a “treatment system”). The component assembly 110 may include a catalyst member (e.g., an oxidation catalyst, a selective catalytic reduction catalyst, etc.), a filter (e.g., a particulate filter), etc. In other embodiments, the component assembly 110 is not part of an exhaust aftertreatment system. The component assembly 110 may be coupled to another assembly, such as a conduit assembly.|0046] The component assembly 110 includes a component body 112. As shown, the component body 112 is substantially cylindrical in shape. More specifically, the component body 112 is shown to include an extended portion 114 and a restricted portion 116. The extended portion 114 has a first diameter and the restricted portion 116 has a second diameterthat is smaller than the first diameter. A distance between the extended portion 114 and the restricted portion 116 is relatively small (e.g., compared to the first diameter or compared to a difference between the first diameter and the second diameter).

[0047] In some embodiments, coupling the component assembly 110 to another assembly, such as a conduit assembly, may be difficult. For example, the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, combined with the relatively small distance between the extended portion 114 and the restricted portion 116, and / or the presence of surrounding components (e.g., components which are coupled to the component assembly 110 or components which are not coupled to the component assembly 110) may interfere with coupling the component assembly 110 to another assembly. Advantageously, these difficulties are minimized if the component assembly 110 is coupled to another assembly prior to some, or all of the surrounding components being located proximate the assembly 100.|0048J It should be understood that the shape of the component body 112 shown in FIG. 1 is an example only, and the component body 112 may have a different shape (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, etc.).

[0049] The component assembly 110 includes a first body 120. The first body 120 may be a flange, for example, a component body flange. As used herein a “flange” refers to a plate having two planar faces that are parallel to one another and extend around an opening. Further, a “flange” may include more than one fastener opening such that a flange can be coupled to another flange using multiple fasteners. While the component body flange is an example of the first body 120, the first body 120 is not limited to being a flange.[005 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the first body 120 extends outwardly from the component body 112. More specifically, the first body 120 extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the component body 112. The first body 120 includes an outer surface 122 and an inner surface 124, opposite the outer surface 122.|0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the first body 120 includes a first body through-hole 126. The first body through-hole 126 extends through the first body 120 (e.g., from the outer surface 122 tothe inner surface 124). As shown, the first body 112 includes four of the first body through- holes 126. It should be understood that the first body 112 may include more or fewer of the first body through-holes 126 (e.g., at least one of the first body through holes 126). Each of the first body through-holes 126 is center on a corresponding axis that is substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 124 and the outer surface 122 such that each of the corresponding axes are parallel to each other.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first body through-hole 126 includes a first body threaded portion 128. The first body threaded portion 128 is threaded. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4, the threaded portion 128 extends along the length of the through-hole 126. In some embodiments, the threaded portion 128 extends from the outer surface 122 to the inner surface 124. In other embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 5, the threaded portion 128 extends only part way between the outer surface 122 and the inner surface 124 such that the through-hole 126 includes a non-threaded portion 130. For example, the threaded portion 128 extends from the outer surface 122 and towards the inner surface 124 and a non-threaded portion 130 that extends from the threaded portion 128 to the inner surface 124.

[0053] In any of the above-described embodiments, the threaded portion 128 is configured to engage a threaded portion of a fastener. The threaded portion 128 does not engage a nonthreaded portion of a fastener. The non-threaded portion 130 does not engage a threaded portion of a fastener and does not engage a non-threaded portion of a fastener. In this way, a fastener may be rotated and / or translated relative to the first body through-hole 126 without the fastener engaging the non-threaded portion 130. In some embodiments, the non-threaded portion 130 does not contact a fastener that is provided in the first body through-hole 126. In other embodiments, the non-threaded portion 130 contacts but does not engage a fastener that is provided in the first body through-hole 126.

[0054] Referring back to FIG. 1, the assembly 100 includes a conduit assembly 140. The conduit assembly 140 includes a conduit body 142. As shown, the conduit body 142 is substantially cylindrical in shape. It should be understood that the shape of the conduit body-l i142 shown in FIG. 1 is an example only, and the conduit body 142 may have a different shape (e.g., rectangular, etc.).(0055] In some embodiments, the conduit body 142 is or includes a component of an exhaust aftertreatment system. For example, the conduit body 142 may be a conduit that fluidly couples an upstream component to a downstream component or an upstream component to atmosphere (e.g., a tailpipe).[0056| The conduit assembly 140 may be coupled to the component assembly 110. As described above, when the component assembly 110 to another assembly, such as the conduit assembly 140, it may be difficult to decouple the component assembly 110 and the conduit assembly 140. For example, the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, combined with the relatively small distance between the extended portion 114 and the restricted portion 116, and / or the presence of surrounding components (e.g., components which are coupled to the component assembly 110 or the conduit assembly 140 and / or components which are not coupled to the component assembly 110 or conduit assembly 140) may interfere with coupling the component assembly 110 to the conduit assembly 140. Advantageously, these difficulties are minimized when the component assembly 110 is coupled to the conduit assembly 140 prior to some, or all of the surrounding components being located proximate the assembly 100.|<M)57] The conduit assembly 140 includes a second body 150. The second body 150 may be a flange, for example, a conduit body flange. While the conduit body flange is an example of the second body 150, the first body 150 is not limited to being a flange.[0058| The second body 150 extends outwardly from the conduit body 142. More specifically, the second body 150 extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the conduit body 142. The second body 150 includes an outer surface 152 and an inner surface 154, opposite the outer surface 152. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner surface 154 of the second body 150 faces the inner surface 124 of the first body 120.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second body 150 includes a second body through-hole 156. The second body through-hole 156 extends through the second body 120 (e.g., from the outer surface 122 to the inner surface 124). The second body through-hole 156 is unthreaded. The second body through-hole 156 does not engage a threaded portion of a fastener and does not engage a non-threaded portion of a fastener. In this way, a fastener may be rotated and / or translated relative to the second body through-hole 156 without the fastener engaging the second body through-hole 156. In some embodiments, the second body through-hole 156 does not contact a fastener that is provided in the second body through-hole 156. In other embodiments, the second body through-hole 156 contacts but does not engage a fastener that is provided in the second body through-hole 156.

[0060] In an example embodiment, the second body 150 includes four of the second body through-holes 156. It should be understood that the second body 150 may include more or fewer of the second body through-holes 156 (e.g., at least one of the second body through holes 156). Each of the second body through-holes 156 is center on a corresponding axis that is substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 154 and the outer surface 152, such that each of the corresponding axes are parallel to each other. Each second body through-hole 156 is aligned with a corresponding first body through hole 126 when the component assembly 110 is coupled to the conduit assembly 140. In this way, a fastener may be provided through a first body through-hole 126 and a corresponding second body through hole 156.[00611 The assembly 100 includes a sealing member 160. The sealing member 160 is disposed between the first body 120 and the second body 150. More specifically, the sealing member 160 is disposed between the inner surface 154 of the second body 150 and the inner surface 124 of the first body 120. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sealing member 160 contacts the inner surface 154 of the second body 150 and the inner surface 124 of the first body 120. In this way, the sealing member 160 forms a seal therebetween. In this way, the sealing member 160 may substantially prevent a fluid (e.g., gas, liquid, air, water, etc.) from flowing between the inner surface 124 of the first body 120 and the inner surface 154 of the second body 150 (e.g., in a radial direction). In various embodiments, the sealing member 160 is constructed from a suitable material, such as TEFLON®, rubber, polymers, elastomers (e.g., buna nitrile, lowtemperature buna nitrile, extreme low temperature nitrile, extreme high temperature nitrile, butyl, ethylene propylene, fluoro elastomer, acrylonitrile butadiene, ethyleneoxide epichlorohydrin, etc.), natural or synthetic leathers, fabric, any other suitable material or a combination thereof.[00621 As shown in FIG. 3, the sealing member 160 includes a sealing member through-hole 162 formed therethrough. In the embodiment shown, the sealing member 160 includes four of the sealing member through-holes 162. It should be understood that the sealing member 160 may include more or fewer of the sealing member through-holes 162 (e.g., at least one of the sealing member through-hole 162). Each sealing member through-hole 162 is aligned with a corresponding first body through-hole 126 and a corresponding second body through-hole 156 when the component assembly 110 is coupled to the conduit assembly 140. In this way, a fastener may be provided through a first body through-hole 126, a corresponding second body through hole 156, and a corresponding sealing member through-hole 162.

[0063] Referring back to FIG. 1, the assembly 100 includes fasteners 170. The assembly 100 includes a number of fasteners equal to the number of first body through-holes 126. The assembly 100 includes a number of fasteners equal to the number of second body through-holes 156. Advantageously, and as described in greater detail herein, the fasteners 170 may be selectively installed in a first configuration (e.g., the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) or in a second configuration (e.g., the configuration shown in FIG. 7), due to the presence of the threaded portion 128 of the first body through-hole 126.[00641 As described above, coupling the component assembly 110 the conduit assembly 140, may be difficult. For example, the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, combined with the relatively small distance between the extended portion 114 and the restricted portion 116, and / or the presence of surrounding components (e.g., components which are coupled to the component assembly 110 or the conduit assembly 140 and / or components which are not coupled to the component assembly 110 or conduit assembly 140) may interfere with coupling the component assembly 110 to the conduit assembly 140. Advantageously, these difficulties are minimized when the component assembly 110 is coupled to the conduitassembly 140 prior to some, or all the surrounding components being located proximate the assembly 100. For example, the fasteners 170 may be installed in the first configuration during an initial assembly of the assembly 100 (e.g., when few or no other components are located proximate the component assembly 110 or conduit assembly 140). After an initial assembly of the assembly 100, the fasteners 170 may be installed in the second configuration, thereby increasing the ease of installing the fasteners 170.

[0065] Each of the fasteners 170 includes a fastener head 172 and a fastener shank 174. The fastener head 172 is disposed at a proximal end of the fastener shank 174. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastener shank 174 extends through the first body through-hole 126 and the second body through-hole 156. The fastener shank 174 includes a fastener threaded portion 178 disposed at least at a distal end of the fastener shank 174, opposite the fastener head 172. The fastener threaded portion 178 is threaded.|0066] In some embodiments, the fastener shank 174 includes a fastener unthreaded portion 180. The fastener unthreaded portion 180 extends between the fastener head 172 and the fastener threaded portion 178. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastener unthreaded portion 180 is disposed proximate the first body threaded portion 128 of the first body through-hole 126. Advantageously, the fastener unthreaded portion 180 does not engage the threaded portion 128 of the first body through-hole 126, such that the fastener 170 is rotatable and / or translatable relative to the first body through-hole 126, without engaging the threaded portion 128 of the first body through-hole 126.[0067| The fastener head 172 is substantially hexagonal in shape. The fastener head 172 may have a first length measured between two flat portions of the hexagonal shape of between 17 millimeters (mm) and 145 mm. The fastener head 172 may have a second length measured between two comer portions of the hexagonal shape of between 18.84 mm and 167.43 mm. The fastener head 172 is disposed on an outer surface side of the first body 120. The fastener head 172 is disposed proximate the outer surface 122 of the first body 120. The fastener head 172 contacts the outer surface 122 of the first body 120.

[0068] In some embodiments, the fastener threaded portion 178 does not engage the first body threaded portion 128. The fastener unthreaded portion 180 may be aligned with the first body threaded portion 128 such that no portion of the fastener shank 174 engages the first body threaded portion 128.[0069| In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fastener threaded portion 178 is aligned with the second body through-hole 156. In these embodiments the fastener threaded portion 178 does not engage any portion of the second body through-hole 156 (e.g., because the second body through-hole 156 is unthreaded).|0070] In some embodiments, when the entire fastener shank 174 is threaded (e.g., the fastener threaded portion 178 extends along the length of the fastener shank 174), the fastener threaded portion 178 engages the first body threaded portion 128. In these embodiments, the engagement of the fastener 170 with the first body 120 does not provide a coupling function.[00711 Referring back to FIG. 1, the assembly 100 includes nuts 190. The assembly 100 may include a number of nuts 190 equal to the number of fasteners 170. That is, each fastener 170 may have a corresponding nut 190. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each nut 190 includes a nut body 191. Each nut 190 includes a nut through-hole 192 that extends through the nut body 191. Each nut 190 includes a nut threaded portion 194. More specifically, the nut through-hole 192 includes a nut threaded portion 194 therein. That is, the nut through-hole 192 is threaded.

[0072] In some embodiments, the nut body 191 is substantially hexagonal in shape. The nut body 191 may have a first length measured between two flat portions of the hexagonal shape of between 17 millimeters (mm) and 145 mm. The nut body 191 may have a second length measured between two corner portions of the hexagonal shape of between 18.84 mm and 167.43 mm.

[0073] In some embodiments, the nut body 191 and the fastener head 172 substantially the same shape and size, such that the same sized tool (e.g., socket, wrench, etc.) can be utilized for manipulating (e.g., rotating, etc.) the fasteners 170 and the nuts 190. Advantageously, when the nut body 191 and the fastener head 172 substantially the same shape and size, the instillationand subsequent removal of the fasteners 170 and the nuts 190 occurs using two of the same sized tool. Furthermore, during a subsequent assembly of the assembly 100 installation of the fasteners 170 can occur using either of these tools (e.g., rather than having to select the correct one of two differently sized tools, if removal required two differently sized tools).[0074[ The nut 190 is disposed on an outer surface side of the second body 150. The nut 190 is disposed proximate the outer surface 152 of the second body 150. The nut 190 contacts the outer surface 152 of the second body 150. The nut threaded portion 194 engages the fastener threaded portion 178. In this way, the fastener 170 and the nut 190 cooperate to couple the first body 120 to the second body 150.

[0075] The nut 190 is used for an initial assembly of the assembly 100. For example, during the initial assembly of the assembly 100 other components or other assemblies are not located proximate the assembly 100, the nut 190 may be threadably engaged with the fastener 170 without interference from the other components or other assemblies. In some embodiments, the nut 190 is a flared nut 190. The flared nut 190 includes a nut flange 196. The nut flange 196 is disposed on a first side of the nut body 191 and proximate the outer surface 152 of the second body 150. In some embodiments, the nut flange 196 contacts the outer surface 152 of the second body 150. Advantageously, the nut flange 196 distributes a compressive force over a greater surface area (e.g., of the second body 142) which mitigates stress accumulation near the second through-holes 156.

[0076] The nut 190 is not used for a subsequent assembly of the assembly 100. For example, because the other components and / or other assemblies (e.g., frame, brackets, wiring, etc.) may make it difficult to access both the outside surface 122 of the first body 120 and the outside surface 152 of the second body 150 to position the fasteners 170 and the nuts 190, respectively, for engagement.|0077] Now referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, various views of the assembly 100 are shown in a second configuration. As shown, the component assembly 110 is coupled to the conduit assembly 140 by the fastener 170. More specifically, the component assembly 110 is coupled to the conduit assembly 140 by the fastener 170, without the nut 190.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the fastener shank 174 of the fastener 170 extends through the second body through-hole 154 and the first body through-hole 126. The fastener threaded portion 178 engages the first body threaded portion 128. The fastener head 172 is located on the outer surface side of the second body 150. The fastener head 172 is disposed proximate the outer surface 152 of the second body 150. The fastener head 172 contacts the outer surface 152 of the second body 150. As briefly described above, when the first body 120 is coupled to the second body 150 in this way, the first body 120 is coupled to the second body 150 without using the nut 190.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the fastener shank 174 includes the fastener unthreaded portion 180, the the fastener unthreaded portion 180 is positioned proximate the second body through-hole 156, such that the fastener unthreaded portion 180 does not engage the second body through-hole 156.|0080] In some embodiments, when the entire fastener shank 174 is threaded (e.g., the fastener threaded portion 178 extends along the length of the fastener shank 174), the fastener threaded portion 178 engages the first body threaded portion 128, and the the fastener threaded portion 178 does not engage the second body through-hole 156.[0081 [ As described above, after an initial assembly of the assembly 100, it may be difficult to access both the outside surface 122 of the first body 120 and the outside surface 152 of the second body 150 (e.g., due to the presence of surrounding components). Advantageously, when the first body 120 is coupled to the second body 150 in the manner shown in FIG. 7, a user does not have to access the outside surface 122 of the first body 120 thereby improving the ease of assembling the assembly 100.III. Example Method of Assembling, Disassembling, and Reassembling the Assembly[0082 [ Now referring to FIG. 8, a method 300 of assembling, disassembling, and re-assembling the assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. As shown the method 300 includes a first process 302 of assembling the assembly 100 (e.g., in a first configuration, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 1). The method 300 includes a second process 330 ofdisassembling the assembly 100 and reassembling the assembly 100. It should be understood that the first process 302 and the second process 330 may be performed in sequential order, but may be performed by different actors.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first process 302 is performed by an OEM employee, such as a mechanic, a technician, or other person related to the OEM. In other embodiments, the first process 302 is performed by a machine or automated assembler owned or operated by the OEM.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second process 330 may be performed by a mechanic, technician, or other person not related to the OEM. In other embodiments, the second process 330 is performed by a machine or automated assembler owned or operated by an entity other than the OEM, such as a repair shop.

[0085] The process 302 of assembling the assembly 100 includes, at step 310, providing the component assembly 110. At step 312 the fasteners 170 are inserted through each first body through-hole 126. In some embodiments, step 312 is performed after step 314 and / or after step 316. More specifically, a fastener shank 174 of each fastener 170 is inserted through the first body through-hole 126 of the component assembly 110, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the process 302 includes step 314. At step 314, the sealing member 160 is positioned at the inner surface 124 of the first body 120, such that the fastener shank 174 of the fastener 170 extends through the sealing member through-hole 162, as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, when step 312 is performed after step 314 and / or after step 316, the sealing member 160 is positioned at the inner surface 124 of the first body 120, such that the sealing member through-holes 162 are aligned with the first body through holes 126. At step 316 the conduit assembly 140 is positioned at the component assembly 110, such that the inner surface 154 of the second body 150 is disposed at the inner surface 124 of the first body 120 and the fastener shank 174 of the fastener 170 extends through the second body through-hole 156. In some embodiments, when step 312 is performed after step 316, the second body 150 is positioned such that the second body through-hole 156 are aligned with the first body through holes 126. When step 312 is performed after step 316, the fastener shank 174 of each fastener170 is inserted through the first body through-hole 126, the second body through-hole 156, and, in embodiments that include the sealing member 160, the sealing member through-hole 162. At step 318, the nuts 190 are provided and each nut is coupled to a corresponding fastener 170 by engaging the nut threaded portion 194 with the fastener threaded portion 178. In this way, the first body 120 is coupled to the second body 150.[O086| As briefly described above, the component assembly 110 may be decoupled from the conduit assembly 140. When the assembly 100 is assembled in a first configuration (e.g., the configuration shown in FIG. 1), the assembly 100 may be disassembled and re-assembled in a second configuration (e.g., the configuration shown in FIG. 6).

[0087] The process 330 includes, at step 332, providing the assembly 100 as described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-5. At step 334 the fasteners 170 are disengaged from the nuts 190. More specifically, the fastener threaded portion 178 of each fastener 170 is disengaged from the nut threaded portion 192 of each nut 190. At step 336, each of the fasteners 170 are removed from the corresponding first body through-hole 126 and the corresponding second body through-hole 154. More specifically, the fastener shank 174 of each fastener 170 is removed from a corresponding first body through-hole 126 and a corresponding second body through-hole 154. As described above, in some embodiments, the fastener threaded portion 178 extends between the distal end of the fastener shank 174 and the fastener head 172, such that the fastener threaded portion 178 engages the first body threaded portion 128 prior to removing the fastener shank 174 from the first body through-hole 126. In these embodiments, removing the fastener shank 174 from the first body through-hole 126 includes disengaging the fastener threaded portion 178 from the first body threaded portion 128. In other embodiments, the fastener shank 174 includes a fastener unthreaded portion 180 extending between the fastener head 172 and the fastener threaded portion 178, and the fastener unthreaded portion 180 is positioned proximate the first body threaded portion 128 prior to removing the fastener shank 174 from the first body through-hole 126, such that the fastener unthreaded portion 180 is translatable relative to the first body through-hole 126, without engaging the first body threaded portion 128.

[0088] At step 338, the first body 120 is coupled (e.g., recoupled) to the second body 150 without using the nut 190, by providing the fastener shank 174 through the second body through-hole 154 and the first body through-hole 152 and engaging the fastener threaded portion 178 with the first body threaded portion 128, such that the fastener head 172 is located on the outer surface side of the second body 150.[O089| As described above, in the step of coupling the first body 120 to the second body 150, the first body 120 is coupled to the second body 150 without using the nut 190. The nut 190 is not used for the re-assembly of the assembly 100 because the other components and / or other assemblies (e.g., frame, brackets, wiring, etc.) may make it difficult to access both the outside surface 122 of the first body 120 and the outside surface 152 of the second body 150 to position the fasteners 170 and the nuts 190 for engagement. After an initial assembly of the assembly 100, it may be difficult to access both the outside surface 122 of the first body 120 and the outside surface 152 of the second body 150 (e.g., due to the presence of surrounding components). Advantageously, when the first body 120 is coupled to the second body 150 as described in process 330, a user (e.g., a mechanic, a technician, etc.) does not have to access the outside surface 122 of the first body 120. That is, the user can assemble the assembly 100 by only accessing the outside surface 152 of the second body 150 to position the fasteners 170, thereby improving the ease of assembling the assembly 100. Furthermore, during a re-assembly of the assembly 100 installation of the fasteners 170 can occur using only one of the tools used to disassemble the assembly 100.IV. Configuration of Example Embodiments

[0090] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0091] As utilized herein, the terms “substantially,” “generally,” “approximately,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.|<M>92] The term “coupled” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, with the two components, or with the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.|<M)93] The terms “fluidly coupled to” and the like, as used herein, mean the two components or objects have a pathway formed between the two components or objects in which a fluid, such as air, reductant, an air-reductant mixture, exhaust, may flow, either with or without intervening components or objects. Examples of fluid couplings or configurations for enabling fluid communication may include piping, channels, or any other suitable components for enabling the flow of a fluid from one component or object to another.|0094] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various systems shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and / or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that somefeatures may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.[0095| Also, the term “or” is used, in the context of a list of elements, in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.|0096[ Additionally, the use of ranges of values (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) herein are inclusive of their maximum values and minimum values (e.g., W1 to W2 includes W1 and includes W2, etc.), unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, a range of values (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) does not necessarily require the inclusion of intermediate values within the range of values (e.g., W1 to W2 can include only W1 and W2, etc.), unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An assembly comprising: a first body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the first body comprises a first body through-hole that comprises a first body threaded portion; a second body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the second body faces the inner surface of the first body, and the second body comprises a second body through-hole that is unthreaded; a fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank, the fastener shank extending through the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole and having a fastener threaded portion located at least at a distal end of the fastener shank opposite the fastener head; and a nut having a nut threaded portion; wherein: the fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the first body; the nut is located on an outer surface side of the second body; and the nut threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion.

2. The assembly of claim 1, comprising: a component assembly comprising: a component body, and the first body, which is a component body flange that extends outwardly from the component body.

3. The assembly of claim 1, comprising: a conduit assembly comprising: a conduit body, and the second body, which is a conduit body flange that extends outwardly from the conduit body.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener threaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first body through-hole comprises a first body nonthreaded portion, wherein the first body threaded portion extends from the outer surface and towards the inner surface and the first body non-threaded portion that extends from the first body threaded portion to the inner surface.

6. The assembly of claim 1, comprising: a sealing member positioned between the first body and the second body, the sealing member having a sealing member through-hole aligned with the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole, wherein the fastener extends through the sealing member through-hole.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener threaded portion extends between the distal end of the fastener shank and the fastener head and engages the first body threaded portion.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener shank comprises a fastener unthreaded portion extending between the fastener head and the fastener threaded portion, and the fastener unthreaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the fastener unthreaded portion is aligned with the first body threaded portion such that no portion of the fastener shank engages the first body threaded portion.

10. An assembly comprising:a first body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the first body comprises a first body through-hole that comprises a first body threaded portion; a second body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the second body faces the inner surface of the first body, and the second body comprises a second body through-hole that is unthreaded; a fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank, the fastener shank extending through the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole and having a fastener threaded portion located at least at a distal end of the fastener shank opposite the fastener head; and a nut having a nut threaded portion; wherein: the assembly is reconfigurable from a first configuration to a second configuration; when the assembly is in the first configuration: the fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the first body; the nut is located on an outer surface side of the second body; and the nut threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion; and when the assembly is in the second configuration: the fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the second body; and the first body threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein, when the assembly is in the second configuration, the first body is coupled to the second body without using the nut.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein, when the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener threaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion.

13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: the first body through-hole comprises a first body non-threaded portion that extends from the outer surface and towards the inner surface, andthe first body non-threaded portion extends from the first body threaded portion to the inner surface.

14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: the fastener threaded portion extends between the distal end of the fastener shank and the fastener head; when the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener threaded portion engages the first body threaded portion; and when the assembly is in the second configuration, the fastener threaded portion engages the first body threaded portion.

15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: the fastener shank comprises a fastener unthreaded portion extending between the fastener head and the fastener threaded portion; when the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener unthreaded portion does not engage the first body threaded portion; and when the assembly is in the second configuration, the fastener unthreaded portion does not engage the second body through-hole.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein, when the assembly is in the first configuration, the fastener unthreaded portion is aligned with the first body threaded portion, and no portion of the fastener shank engages the first body threaded portion.

17. A method compri sing : providing an assembly comprising: a first body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the first body comprises a first body through-hole that comprises a first body threaded portion;a second body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the second body faces the inner surface of the first body, and the second body comprises a second body through-hole that is unthreaded; a fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank, the fastener shank extending through the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole and having a fastener threaded portion located at least at a distal end of the fastener shank opposite the fastener head; and a nut having a nut threaded portion, wherein: the fastener head is located on an outer surface side of the first body, the nut is located on an outer surface side of the second body, and the nut threaded portion is engaged with the fastener threaded portion; disengaging the fastener threaded portion from the nut threaded portion; removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole; and coupling the first body to the second body by providing the fastener shank through the second body through-hole and the first body through-hole and engaging the fastener threaded portion with the first body threaded portion, such that the fastener head is located on the outer surface side of the second body.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, in the step of coupling the first body to the second body, the first body is coupled to the second body without using the nut.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, in the step of removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole and the second body through-hole, the fastener shank comprises a fastener unthreaded portion extending between the fastener head and the fastener threaded portion, and, prior to removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole, the fastener unthreaded portion is translatable relative to the first body through-hole without engaging the first body threaded portion.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: the fastener threaded portion extends between the distal end of the fastener shank and the fastener head; prior to removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole, the fastener threaded portion engages the first body threaded portion; and the step of removing the fastener shank from the first body through-hole comprises disengaging the fastener threaded portion from the first body threaded portion.

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