Howmet Aerospace has filed a patent for self-forming thread blind fasteners and methods for fastening. The fastener includes a sleeve and a pin, with the pin being received by the bore of the sleeve. The pin has a threaded portion that forms threads on the inner wall of the sleeve when rotated by a torque, allowing for axial compression and deformation of the sleeve. GlobalData’s report on Howmet Aerospace gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Howmet Aerospace, selective laser solidification was a key innovation area identified from patents. Howmet Aerospace's grant share as of September 2023 was 65%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Self-forming thread blind fastener with threaded pin and sleeve
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230250842A1) describes a self-forming thread blind fastener. The fastener consists of a sleeve and a pin. The sleeve has a first and second sleeve end, an elongate portion, and an inner wall that defines a bore. The pin is partially received by the bore and includes a pin head portion, a threaded portion, a shank, and a driving portion. The driving portion allows the pin to be rotated within the sleeve, compressing and deforming the sleeve to form threads on the inner wall.
The patent also describes various features and configurations of the blind fastener. For example, the threaded portion of the pin is disposed in the bore, and the inner wall may have a narrowed region where the threads are formed. The sleeve may have a decreasing diameter along its length towards the first sleeve end. Additionally, the sleeve may have a sleeve head portion that prevents it from passing into a structure beyond a certain distance.
The method for fastening using this blind fastener involves inserting the second sleeve end into a bore in a structure. The pin is then rotated and moved axially towards the first sleeve end, forcibly contacting the threaded portion with the inner wall of the sleeve. This deformation of the inner wall forms threads, and the elongate portion of the sleeve deforms to create a bulb shape.
The patent also mentions the use of a breakneck portion in the pin, which can fracture upon installation of the blind fastener. This allows for controlled installation and ensures proper fastening.
Overall, this patent describes a self-forming thread blind fastener with various features and configurations that can be used in aerospace, automotive, transportation, and building and construction industries. The fastener provides a reliable and efficient method for fastening components together.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
