Eccentric conical fastening system
AssigneeEric M. Gawehn
InventorEric Gawehn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Fastening systems for parts that endure high vibration shear loads have traditionally been difficult or expensive to produce. This application describes a fastening system with multiple conical surfaces and eccentric offsets. The novel conical fastener system allows parts to be assembled with reduced tolerance controls at interface features while improving alignment precision. The eccentric conical fastening system is particularly well suited for assemblies with high shear loads in high vibration/shock environments, and/or for systems that have extremely precise pointing requirements.
Claims25
A fastening system comprising:
- a first element, the first element having an inner conical surface and an outer conical surface;
- a second element, the second element having an outer conical surface;
- a first fixed part, the fixed element having an inner conical surface;
- and
- a second fixed part,
- where the first element is proximate the second element,
- where the first element is proximate the fixed part,
- where the first and second fixed parts are securely fastened to each other with the first and second elements.
A method of assembling a conical fastening system comprising:
- measuring axial offsets of attachment geometries in first and second parts, where the first and second parts are to be fastened to each other;
- determining two largest axial offsets;
- positioning the first and second parts such that the two largest axial offsets are within a range of adjustability of the fastening system;
- snugly tightening conical fasteners that correspond with the two largest axial offsets;
- snugly tightening any remaining conical fasteners;
- and
- tightening all conical fasteners to their final torque specification.
A conical element fastening system comprising:
- a first element, the first element having an inner conical surface and an outer conical surface;
- a second element, the second element having an outer conical surface;
- a torque limiting element, the torque limiting element proximate the second element;
- a fastening element, the fastening element is proximate the torque limiting element;
- a first fixed part, where the fixed element has an inner conical surface;
- and
- a second fixed part,
- where the first element is proximate the second element,
- where the first element is proximate the fixed part,
- where the first fixed part is proximate the second fixed part,
- where the first and second fixed parts are securely fastened to each other with the first and second elements,
- where the conical surfaces have half cone angles in a range of 7 to 8 degrees.
- where the first and second elements have rotation drive enabling features,
- where a half cone angle of the outer surface of the first element is substantially the same as the half cone angle of the inner surface of the first fixed part,
- where a half cone angle of the inner surface of the first element is substantially the same as the half cone angle of the outer surface of the second element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.