Self expanding fastener
US8918978B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49954
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.