Stress induced interposed connector
US6257593A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/909
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A connecting assembly is disclosed having a first component defining an opening, a second component adapted to be retained together with the first component and a connector component made of a superelastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation of the connector wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components together with the connector interposed jointly therebetween. Preferably the connector component is pre-assembled to one of the first and second components. More preferably, the first component is pre-assembled with the connector and the second component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector. Alternatively, the second component is pre-assembled with the connector and the first component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector. In another alternative assembly, the first and second components are pre-assembled and relative motion occurs between the connector and the pre-assembled components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.