Lockbolt Collar Assembly With Interference-Fit Pin Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockbolt fasteners require time-consuming threading or costly elastomeric materials to retain collars on pins before deformation, making the installation process inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece fastener design featuring a fastening collar with a lock region and a pin with a complementary lock region, forming an interference fit without the need for threads or elastomeric materials, allowing for efficient retention and deformation of the collar onto the pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threading is used to retain the collar on the pin, then the collar is securely retained, but the installation process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threading process from the collar retention mechanism. Instead of using threads to secure the collar to the pin, the patent employs a deformation process where the collar is deformed onto the pin body, removing the time-consuming threading step while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-configured with deformation features that allow it to be deformed onto the pin in a single action. The collar includes features such as deformation zones or indicators that enable the deformation process to occur during installation, ensuring proper retention before final assembly
2Reliability
If elastomeric material is used to retain the collar, then the collar is retained without threading, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive elastomeric retention materials with a simpler, more economical deformation-based retention system. The collar itself is designed to be deformed and retained on the pin through plastic deformation, eliminating the need for additional elastomeric components and reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the collar material through deformation. The collar transitions from a deformable state during installation to a locked state after deformation, achieving secure retention through parameter change rather than through expensive elastomeric materials
3Reliability
If the collar is deformed onto the pin, then secure retention is achieved, but the collar must be retained on the pin prior to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the retention function and the deformation function into a single integrated process. The collar is designed so that its deformation onto the pin simultaneously achieves both retention and secure locking, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms and simplifying the overall device complexity
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
This design simplifies the installation process and reduces production costs by enabling secure retention and deformation of the collar onto the pin through an interference fit, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The first lock region is forcibly contacted with the second lock region, thereby forming an interference fit between the fastening collar and the pin
Implementation Method 2
The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank
Data Source
AI summary
Non-limiting embodiments of a multi-piece fastener and a fastening method are disclosed. The multi-piece fastener comprises a fastening collar and a pin. The fastening collar comprises a first collar end, a second collar end, and an inner collar surface extending from the first collar end to the second collar end. The inner collar surface comprises a first lock region and defines a collar cavity. The pin is configured to be at least partially received by the collar cavity. The pin comprises a first pin end, a second pin end, and a shank extending intermediate the first pin end and the second pin end. The shank comprises a second lock region configured to engage the first lock region to form an interference fit between the fastening collar and the pin when the pin is received in the collar cavity. The fastening collar is configured to be deformed onto the shank.