Method for fuel tank spark containment
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsRichard B. Tanner, James Frederick Ackermann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a seal over a hole in a structure. The apparatus comprises a washer, a sleeve, and a fastener. The washer has a first channel. The sleeve has a second channel and an expandable section. The sleeve is positioned inside the first channel in the washer. The fastener has an elongate portion positioned inside the second channel of the sleeve to cause at least a portion of the expandable section of the sleeve to form a first interference fit with the washer.
Claims12
1-10. (canceled)
A method for forming a seal over a hole in a structure, the method comprising:
- positioning a sleeve inside a first channel in a washer;
- positioning the sleeve and the washer relative to the hole;
- moving an elongate portion of a fastener into an expandable section of the sleeve to install the fastener and the sleeve in the hole, wherein moving the elongate portion of the fastener into the sleeve causes at least a portion of the expandable section of the sleeve to form a first interference fit with the washer;
- and
- positioning a securing mechanism on the elongate portion of the sleeve to hold the washer against a surface of the structure.
A method of spark containment in an aircraft, the method comprising:
- positioning a sleeve inside a first channel in a washer, wherein the washer has a countersunk portion;
- positioning the sleeve and the washer relative to a structure in the aircraft having a hole;
- moving an elongate portion of a fastener into an expandable section of the sleeve to install the fastener and the sleeve in the hole, wherein moving the elongate portion of the fastener into the sleeve causes at least a portion of the expandable section of the sleeve to form a first interference fit with the washer;
- and
- positioning a securing mechanism on the elongate portion of the sleeve to hold the washer against a surface of the structure such that the washer forms a seal around the hole.
A fastening system for use on a structure, the fastening system comprising:
- a bolt;
- a washer;
- a sleeve having a body and a flange;
- and
- the fastening system being configured such that the sleeve is disposed about the bolt and the washer is disposed about the sleeve, a seal is formed between the washer and the body of the sleeve to mitigate particle ejection between the washer and the sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.