Apparatus for reducing fastener bending stress in flanged connections
US6176663A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S411/916
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for reducing the bending stress imparted to threaded fasteners in flanged connections is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stress reducing washer positioned between the head of the threaded fastener and a counterbore in the backface of the flange. In a first embodiment, the stress reducing washer uses a tapered upper surface oriented with respect to the flange to compensate for flange deflection as the threaded fastener is tightened to a predetermined torque value. Second and third embodiments utilizing spherical and cylindrical surfaces are also shown. A fourth embodiment eliminates the need for the stress reducing washer and machines the tapered surface in the backface of the flange.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.