Super-elastic rivet assembly
US6637995B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S411/902
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fastening assembly has a first component containing a first aperture and a second component containing a second aperture. A pin made of a super-elastic alloy defines a shank with a bore having an axis, the shank being at least partially constrained within and juxtaposed with both the first and second apertures. Activation of the super-elastic alloy generates a retaining force normal to the axis of the pin, fastening the components together. Several embodiments are shown where a unitary pin fastens the components, while other embodiments are shown where the super-elastic properties of the pin are activated by another independent element of the fastener, for example a retainer that co-acts with the pin to fasten the components together. Activation forces can be applied to the pin through relative motion, or stretching against a shoulder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.