Reactive fasteners
US7857566B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49863
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners are described. The fasteners are utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners provide a means for interfacing with a self-reacting tightening power tool thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for reaction arms. Additionally, several embodiments through the incorporation of a threaded bore effectively act to create a substantially torsionless live load on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein and accordingly lessens the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as but not limited to vibration and thermal expansion and contraction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.