Method of installing a grommet in a wall of composite material
US5083363A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53987
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides a method of installing a grommet within an opening in a wall of composite material. An opening (10) is formed in a wall of composite material (12). A countersink (20) is formed at one end of the opening (10). A grommet (22) is placed into the opening (10). A split sleeve (28) is placed on the small diameter portion (30) of a mandrel (32) which is attached to a power puller (36). The mandrel (32) with the split sleeve (28) is placed through the opening (10) and a grommet (22). The power puller (36) is then operated to pull the mandrel (32) back through the opening (10) and the grommet (22) thereby expanding the split sleeve (28) which in turn provides for the radial expansion of the grommet (22). During the radial expansion of the grommet (22), ends of fibers (16) are forced into the surface of the grommet (24 ). After the mandrel (32) has been pulled all the way through the split sleeve (28) both it and the split sleeve (28) are removed from the grommet (22). This leaves the grommet (22) securely fastened within the opening (10) in the composite wall (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.