Blind Fastener Thread-Forming Seal for One-Side Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind fasteners struggle to provide controlled clamping force and fluid tight sealing while being cost-effective, especially in applications where access to one side of the structure is limited.
Innovation Solution
A blind fastener comprising a sleeve and a pin, where the pin's threads form threads on the sleeve's inner surface during installation, creating a fluid tight seal and controlled clamping force without requiring additional sealing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If typical blind fasteners are used, then installation from one side is enabled, but controlled clamping force and fluid tight sealing are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the fastening function by integrating a seal member into the blind fastener assembly. The seal member is positioned within the bore and engages with the blind bolt to create a fluid tight seal while the blind bolt provides the clamping force, merging two functions into one integrated fastening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as an intermediary element between the blind bolt and the bore wall. It mediates the interaction by providing a sealing interface that prevents fluid leakage while allowing the blind bolt to maintain clamping force on the workpieces from one side only.
2Reliability
If supplemental sealant or separate deformable sealing component is added, then fluid tight sealing is achieved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the seal member with the blind fastener assembly itself, making the sealing component an integral part of the fastening system. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealants or additional sealing components, reducing both cost and installation complexity while maintaining fluid tight sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind fastener assembly is designed to create its own seal through the integrated seal member that automatically engages with the bore and workpieces during installation. The system is self-sufficient and does not require external sealants or additional sealing operations, achieving self-service sealing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fastener achieves a desired clamping force and fluid tight seal with minimal manufacturing costs, suitable for structures with limited access, by forming threads on the sleeve's inner surface using the pin's threads.
Implementation Method 1
forcibly contacting the threads of the shank of the pin with the second inner surface of the sleeve, thereby deforming the second inner surface and forming threads thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid tight blind fasteners and methods tor fastening are provided. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve end comprising a first inner surface, a second sleeve end comprising a second inner surface, and an elongate portion extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The first inner surface and the second inner surface define a sleeve cavity extending into the sleeve from the first sleeve end toward or to the second sleeve end. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the sleeve cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end portion configured to receive a torque, a second pin end, and a shank extending from the first pin end portion to the second pin end. Tire shank comprises threads and the threads are configured to form threads on the second inner surface of the sleeve.