Snap-On Threaded Fastener for Tolerance-Tolerant Aircraft Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems in aerospace manufacturing require high assembly times and expensive materials like titanium, which are often over-dimensioned, and fail to efficiently accommodate varying production tolerances of aircraft components.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with elastically deformable segments that engage with a complementary thread by interlocking and snapping over thread tips, featuring a peripheral breaking point for easy separation, allowing quick assembly and reduced material use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive bonding, riveting and screwing are used for mounting brackets, then reliable fastening is achieved, but assembly time increases and expensive materials like titanium fasteners are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device segments the fastening function into multiple elastically deformable segments that independently engage with the threaded pin, allowing quick snap-in assembly without complex bonding or multiple fasteners while maintaining reliable connection through distributed engagement points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive titanium fasteners with a cost-effective fastening device that uses elastic deformation for engagement. The device is designed as a single-use component that provides sufficient service life for the application, eliminating the need for costly reusable titanium fasteners while reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If titanium fasteners are used for fastening interior cladding, then high strength is achieved, but weight increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidfastener weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from titanium to elastic material, and changes the engagement mechanism from rigid mechanical connection to elastic deformation-based engagement. This parameter change reduces weight while maintaining sufficient fastening strength through the elastic segments' ability to deform and lock onto the threaded pin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device employs composite construction with elastically deformable segments made from elastic material combined with a base body, creating a multi-material solution that achieves titanium-level strength requirements while significantly reducing weight through the use of lighter elastic materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If adhesive bonding, riveting and screwing are used for mounting, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple fastening functions (engagement, locking, and securing) into a single integrated fastening device structure. The elastically deformable segments combine the functions of engagement and locking in one component, eliminating the need for separate adhesives, rivets, and screws, thereby simplifying manufacturing while ensuring secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces assembly time and costs, saves weight by eliminating titanium, and accommodates varying production tolerances without altering existing interface locations, facilitating material recycling.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of elastically deformable segments (113), which are arranged around an axis of rotation (X) on a head portion (111)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Fastening device for connecting to a holding device by interlocking and frictional engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20260070648A1Fastening device for connecting to a holding device by interlocking and frictional engagement, fastening system for a supporting structure of a means of transport, in particular for a stiffening profile of an aircraft, and aircraft

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A fastening device for connecting to a holding device by interlocking and frictional engagement, including a base body, which has along an axis of rotation a head portion and a handling portion, a plurality of elastically deformable segments arranged around the axis of rotation on the head portion and together form a thread which can be brought into engagement with a complementary thread of a holding device. The elastically deformable segments are configured such that, when the fastening device is pushed onto the complementary thread along the axis of rotation in a mounting direction, they will snap axially over the thread tips of the two threads, and a peripheral predetermined breaking point, which connects the head portion to the handling portion and is configured to break when there is a predetermined torque around the axis of rotation, so that the handling portion is separable from the head portion.