Self expanding fastener
US8388292B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49954
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment a method to join a first structure to a second structure, comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state. The method further comprises heating the fastener above an austenite start transition temperature, such that the fastener initiates free expansion from the second shape back to the first shape and establishes physical contact with the surface of the first hole and the second hole and continuing to heat the fastener such that first structure and the second structure proximate the holes and the fastener undergo plastic deformation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.