Nut, washer & fastener head for electromagnetic effect protection
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsRichard P. Whitlock, Peter A. Coronado, Sean D. Morden, Julie M. Drexler, Randall A. Rogers, Mark A. Woods, Thomas J. Lowe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fastener system for composite structure providing electromagnetic energy (EME) protection incorporates a fastener having a head with an engagement surface and a shank having a threaded end. A nut is received on the threaded end of the fastener, with the nut also having an engagement surface. At least one of the head engagement surface and the nut engagement surface incorporates a reduced area portion for engagement of a first mating surface or second mating surface, respectively.
Claims31
A fastener system for composite structure providing electromagnetic energy protection comprising:
- a fastener having a head with an engagement surface and a shank having a threaded end;
- a nut received on the threaded end of the fastener, said nut having an engagement surface;
- wherein at least one of the head engagement surface and the nut engagement surface incorporates a reduced area portion engaging a first mating surface or second mating surface, respectively.
A method for fastener EME protection comprising:
- identifying a hole in a composite structure for insertion of a fastener;
- inserting a body of a sleeve in the hole with a flange contacting the surface of the structure;
- inserting a fastener having a head with a reduced area engagement surface into the sleeve with the reduced area portion engaging a mating surface on the sleeve flange or a mating surface on the structure;
- torqueing a nut on the fastener.
A method for fabrication of a fastener system with EME protection comprising:
- forming a fastener shank with a taper;
- creating threads on a first end of the shank;
- forming a head having a reduced area engaging surface on a second end of the shank;
- and,
- forming a multi-faceted wrenchable counter-bore in the shank for counter torque and preventing rotation of the fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.