Abstract: A joining device comprises a die and driving means. A first concave portion is recessed in a substantially cylindrical shape in a driving direction on the die, and a second concave portion is recessed in the driving direction in a central portion on a bottom face of the first concave portion. A portion on an external side of the second concave portion on the bottom face of the first concave portion forms a terrace portion that is shallower than the second concave portion, and a diameter of the foot portion of the self-piercing rivet corresponds to a diameter of the terrace portion. In driving the foot portion of the self-piercing rivet toward the terrace portion of the first concave portion, the foot portion of the self-piercing rivet is spread outward by the terrace portion and a part of the members to be joined runs into the second concave portion.

Abstract: A semi-hollow punch rivet by which a joint is establishable. The rivet includes: a rivet head having a rivet shaft, which comprises a lateral surface, a rivet foot having a foot front surface is provided at an end of the rivet shaft facing away from the rivet head, the foot front surface is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA of the rivet shaft, and a bell-like shaft cavity extends into the rivet shaft beginning at the end facing away from the head. The shaft cavity is formed by: an inlet portion beginning at a radial inner side of the foot front surface and extending arc-shaped with an inlet radius RS in the direction of the rivet head, a linearly extending continuation portion into which the inlet portion transitions tangentially and which is arranged in an acute angle with respect to the lateral surface, and a final dome portion.

Abstract: A joint member is formed of a composite including reinforcement fibers and resin. The joint member is configured to be joined with another joint member to form a joint structure capable of enduring a tensile load in a load direction in which the joint member and the other joint member are separated from each other at a joined portion of the joint structure in a longitudinal direction of the joint member. The joint member includes a main body part and a joint part connected with the main body part at an end part of the main body part in the longitudinal direction of the joint member. The joint part has an orientation pattern having anisotropy such that fiber directions of the reinforcement fibers included in the joint part include a fiber direction different from the longitudinal direction of the joint member.

Abstract: A tamper proof locking mechanism incorporating a first fixture for attachment to an index protective cover, a second fixture for attachment to an instrument, and a third fixture for connecting the first fixture to the second fixture. The first fixture may have a receptacle, the second fixture may have a plate with an opening, and the third fixture may have a protrusive structure that fits into the receptacle of the first fixture and into the opening in the plate to connect the first fixture to the second fixture. The protrusive structure may have a rivet that is partially embedded with a plastic-like material that reveals tampering when an attempt is made to break a connection between the first fixture and the second fixture.

Abstract: Methods of repairing a periphery of a threaded hole of a part are provided. An embodiment of the method includes adding material to a region of the part including on a periphery of the threaded hole. New threads are formed in the added material. The new threads are continuous with existing threads formed in the hole.

Abstract: A cushioning element includes a hollow elastic body, a plurality of first columns, and a plurality of second columns. The hollow elastic body includes a first side wall and a second side wall, where the first side wall includes a first inner surface, the second side wall includes a second inner surface. The first columns are disposed on the first inner surface, where each first column includes a first extending end and a first side surface, and there is a first distance between the first extending end and the second inner surface. The second columns are disposed on the second inner surface, where each second column includes a second extending end and a second side surface, there is a second distance between the second extending end and the first inner surface, and the second side surface and the first side surface are at least partially in contact with each other.

Abstract: A connection element for an interlocking connection to at least one component includes at least one component held between the connection element and a securing element wherein the connection element and the securing element enter into a friction welded connection, having a head with a drive and a shaft having at least two cutting structures on a front side. The at least two cutting structures have cutting edges situated in a cutting plane, wherein the cutting plane borders the shaft, and the at least two cutting structures are also spaced apart in the circumferential direction and define a cutting diameter. A cross-section of the shaft has a reduced extension between the cutting structures relative to the cutting diameter, wherein the area of the reduced extension extends in the axial direction at least with the length of the cutting diameter from the cutting structures in the direction of the head.

Abstract: A holder is used while attached to a chassis of a vibration generator that moves a vibrator to generate a vibration. The holder includes a vibrator retention unit retaining the vibrator, a fixed unit fixed to the chassis, and an arm. The arm connects the fixed unit and the vibrator retention unit, and the arm supports the vibrator retention unit while the vibrator retention unit can be displaced with respect to the fixed unit. The fixed unit, the arm, and the vibrator retention unit are integrally formed using resin.

Abstract: A semi-tubular self-piercing rivet having a rivet head and a rivet shaft, the shaft bore of which satisfies the following relationship in relation to the length of the semi-tubular self-piercing rivet: 0.4 ? T B L N ? 0.6 , the total length of the self-piercing rivet LN being ?4 mm. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding self-piercing rivet joint, to a method for producing the self-piercing rivet, and to a method for producing the self-piercing rivet joint.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for method for joining materials includes a rivet that may extend through a first sheet to be resistance welded to a second sheet. The head of the rivet has a cavity and vents allowing adhesive extruded from a pilot hole to be received in the cavity and vented in a direction parallel to the first sheet. The rivet is deformed to an hourglass shape that fills the pilot hole and displaces the first sheet into the cavity. Rivet dimension allow for holding with a robotic gripper that can be withdrawn before welding. Methods of monitoring joint quality include comparing welding parameter profiles and images of good and discrepant joints.

Abstract: A fastener for use in joining workpieces, for example automotive body parts such as a roof to a body frame member, is provided that includes a plastically deformable head portion, a platform disposed at a bottom of the head portion, and a distal end portion extending from the platform and defining at least one of elastically deformable locking member. The head portion is heat staked to one workpiece, and the elastically deformable locking member engages another workpiece to secure the workpieces together. The platform provides spacing, or a bond gap in one form, between the workpieces, and a material and geometry of the fastener are configured to compensate for a difference in thermal expansion of the workpieces.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. The fastener includes a fastening portion configured to fasten a body; and a retaining portion configured to retain a portion of the body after the fastening portion is fastened to the body. The fastener apparatus may be used to attach composite body materials to a vehicle.

Abstract: Blind rivet sleeve for a blind rivet, having a sleeve head which has a bearing face for bearing against a visible workpiece surface, and having a sleeve shank, wherein the blind rivet sleeve has a through-opening through which a mandrel can be guided, wherein the sleeve shank has a head forming portion which, during the setting of the blind rivet, is designed to form a blind head, and has a folding portion which is arranged between the head forming portion and the sleeve head and which, during the setting of the blind rivet, is designed to form a sleeve fold for the purpose of achieving a clamping thickness compensation. In this arrangement, the sleeve head has in the region of the bearing face an axial recess for receiving at least part of the sleeve fold formed during the setting.

Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis is adjustable in length and temporarily and resiliently adjustable in angular orientation. The prosthesis includes a head for contacting a tympanic membrane, and a resilient sleeve is mounted within the head. An elongate shaft extends through the sleeve, and includes a distal end adapted to engage a footplate or stapes. The sleeve forms a resilient joint that allows the shaft to undergo an angular motion relative to the sleeve when subject to a non-axial force, and then subsequently return to its original position after the force is removed. The sleeve may also be longitudinally displaceable within the head of the prosthesis such that the shaft can undergo a damped linear motion. Also as a result of the arrangement of the sleeve, the prosthesis is adjustable to a very short length.

Abstract: A planetary pin used for staking in a planetary gear system is provided. The planetary pin comprises a cylindrical body, a first end having a first end surface, a second end having a second end surface, and a circular groove formed in at least one of the end surfaces concentric with the cylindrical body.

Abstract: Semi-tubular self-piercing rivets and solid rivets are provided with surface features such as recesses or lobes. The recesses or lobes engage the panels that are joined by the rivet to prevent rotation of one or both panels after rivet insertion. The recesses or lobes may be provided at the head end or tip end of the rivet or may be provided at both the head end and the tip end of the rivet.

Abstract: A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient.

Abstract: A torque converter, including a front cover with an exterior surface at least partially facing in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation for the torque converter, and a portion at a furthest radial distance from the axis of rotation. The torque converter also includes: at least one angled mounting plate fixedly connected to the exterior surface of the front cover and including a portion disposed at an acute angle with respect to the axis of rotation; and at least one threaded fastener with: a first end fixedly connected to the portion of the at least one angled mounting plate; and a second end, opposite the first end, disposed further in the direction than the first end, disposed radially outward from the first end, and at a radial distance from the axis of ration less than the furthest radial distance for the front cover.

Abstract: A method of permanent assembly between at least a first part formed of a first material on the one hand, and at least a second part formed of a second material on the other hand which is configured to confine the first part in the permanent assembly.

Abstract: A connecting element for forming a punch-riveted connection of at least two component sections is provided, wherein a foot section has at its free end a foot base with a basic shape which is cylindrical or at least approximated to the cylindrical shape. According to the invention, an annular circumferential elevated portion is formed in the foot section between the foot base and the shaft section.

Abstract: An improved retention pin assembly and method of forming a pin assembly that uses a melt in a pocket without a metallurgical joint having been formed. The assembly can be generated by a method of forming a joint which includes providing a metal shaft and a member that is operable to receive the shaft. A pocket is formed within the member which operates to receive a melt pool. Next the shaft is inserted into apertures in the member. A welding or melting operation is then performed to create a melted portion that occupies the pocket. A joint is created using a retention pin.

Abstract: A hollow punch rivet is described having a flange and a rivet section. Furthermore, a method for the attachment of individual components to one another using a punch rivet is described, with at least one of the components being formed by a material of the composite material.

Abstract: A fastener having a pin member and a sleeve. The pin includes a head, a pin tail portion, and a locking portion with a plurality of crests and roots. Each of the crests includes a first diameter, the first diameters sequentially increase along the locking portion towards the head, while the roots include a second diameter, the second diameters sequentially decrease towards the head. The sleeve has a head and a tubular portion which is deformed into a bulb that engages a workpiece. The tubular portion of the sleeve locks onto the crests and the pintail portion of the pin member breaks off at one of the grooves located substantially flush with the head of the sleeve.

Abstract: A connection assembly for attaching metallic and plastic components by a heat staking operation includes a first component, a second component, a compressible protrusion, an annular collar, and a deformable stud. The first component is formed of a metallic material and includes an inner surface. The second component includes an interior surface facing the inner surface of the first component and an opposite exterior surface. The second component includes a plurality of apertures which extend between the interior surface and the exterior surface. During the heat staking operation the deformable stud is deformed so as to restrain relative movement between the first and second components. The compressible protrusion plastically deforms to absorb pressure to prevent cracking of the second component and the annular collar absorbs heat to prevent the second component adjacent the aperture from melting.

Abstract: A punch rivet for fastening individual components to one another of which at least one component is formed by a workpiece of composite material, with the punch rivet having a flange of larger diameter, a rivet section of smaller diameter and a ring-like component contact surface at the side of the flange adjacent the rivet section and surrounding the rivet section, with the rivet section having at its free end a ring surface for the piercing of the two workpieces which stands at least substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the punch rivet and an inner concave ring surface which forms the transition from the end of the punch rivet into the hollow internal space of the rivet section. Ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal axis are provided at the generally cylindrical outer surface of the rivet section and preferably extend up to the free end face of the rivet section. In addition, a method is claimed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-piercing rivet (10), particularly a semi-hollow self-piercing rivet, with a head (12) and a shank (14) as well as a pre-perforated flat element (30) that is arranged on the shank (14) and at least part of which extends radially relative to the head (12) beyond a head radius. A production method and a joining method for said self-piercing rivet with pre-perforated flat element are also described.

Abstract: A wire mesh rivet (13) is provided which is used to produce a wire mesh isolator (11) in a bore (9) of a substrate such as a heat shield (7) for a vehicle exhaust system. The rivet (13) comprises a unitary wire mesh structure (19) which has a collar (15) and a shank (17). The collar (15) has a higher density than the shank (17), e.g., the collar (15) has the density of the finished isolator (11). The rivet (13) is formed into the finished isolator (11) by compressing the shank (17) to form a second collar, while restraining the original collar (15) from substantially changing its shape. The rivet (13) can include a metal insert (23) which prevents the wire mesh of the finished isolator (11) from experiencing high levels of compression when the substrate is fastened to its supporting structure.

Abstract: The attachment device has a first elongate element for non-permanently attaching the child component to the parent component; a second elongate element; a holder. The holder is configured to rest against an installation surface of the parent component whilst holding the first and second elongate elements in position relative to the installation surface of the parent component such that: the first elongate element extends, from a first position on the installation surface of the parent component, entirely through the parent component and at least partially through the child component in a manner that permits the first elongate element to be used to non-permanently attach the child component to the parent component; the second elongate element extends, from a second position on the installation surface of the parent component that is different from the first position on the installation surface of the parent component, at least partially through the parent component.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first metal plate, a second metal plate, a rivet, and two sealing members. The first metal plate defines a through hole, and the second metal plate defines an engaging hole aligned with the through hole. The rivet includes a head portion, a rivet body, and a latching end integrally formed together. An annular slot is defined between the rivet body and the latching end. The rivet body and the latching end have a larger diameter than the through hole. The head portion and the rivet body are received in the engaging hole, and the latching end extrudes an inner wall of the through hole to form an annular latching projection received in the annular slot. The two sealing members seal the through hole and the engaging hole.

Abstract: Described is a press-in element for pressing into a non-pierced or pre-pierced component. The press-in element has a head part having a ring surface confronting the component and a neck part which projects away from the ring surface, i.e. from the component contact side. The head part further has a ring-like projection surrounding the neck part with a radial spacing and projecting away from the ring surface. The neck part has a radially outwardly projecting ring bead, which can be formed as a continuous ring bead or as a ring bead interrupted at points. The apex of the ring bead has an axial spacing from the ring surface which is larger than the axial spacing of the apex of the ring-like projection from the ring surface, which lies radially within this projection and together with it and the ring bead forms a pocket which receives material of the component.

Abstract: A method for forming a joint using a self-piercing rivet includes the steps of: positioning the sheet material over a die and providing a rivet having a substantially cylindrical shank and a head, the shank having a central blind bore and an annular piercing end spaced from said head. The ratio of the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the shank in the region around the bore to the outside diameter of the shank is in the range 0.47 to 0.52. The method also includes positioning a rivet over the sheet material at a position opposite the die and using a punch to set the rivet and force it into the sheet material such that it pierces the upper surface thereof and such that the shank deforms outwardly to interlock with the material but without penetration to the die side of the material.

Abstract: A fastening element for positive, materially integral and/or non-positive arrangement on or in a fiber composite component includes a sleeve-like portion, on the first end of which there is formed a tapering conical or cone-shaped portion in which a plurality of slots are made which are aligned in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the fastening element and in this way subdivide the conical or cone-shaped portion into individual segments. On the second end of the sleeve-like portion, there is arranged a holding portion which is angled at a right angle from the sleeve-like portion and in this way enlarges an outer diameter of the sleeve-like portion and forms planar bearing surfaces. A method is also described for mounting a fastening element.

Abstract: A retention pin assembly may include a stud having a head, a shaft, and a deformable end. The shaft may include a stepped surface having a greater diameter than the deformable end. The assembly may include a support member having an opening for receiving the deformable end. The support member may include a pocket. The stepped surface of the shaft may position the stud in relation to the support member. The deformable end of the stud may be operable to be melted to form a mechanical retainer within the pocket without forming a metallurgical joint between the stud and the pocket.

Abstract: A wire mesh rivet (13) is provided which is used to produce a wire mesh isolator (11) in a bore (9) of a substrate such as a heat shield (7) for a vehicle exhaust system. The rivet (13) comprises a unitary wire mesh structure (19) which has a collar (15) and a shank (17). The collar (15) has a higher density than the shank (17), e.g., the collar (15) has the density of the finished isolator (11). The rivet (13) is formed into the finished isolator (11) by compressing the shank (17) to form a second collar, while restraining the original collar (15) from substantially changing its shape. The rivet (13) can include a metal insert (23) which prevents the wire mesh of the finished isolator (11) from experiencing high levels of compression when the substrate is fastened to its supporting structure.

Abstract: A riveting element is disclosed. The riveting element includes a main body, a riveting portion, and a riveting platform. The main body includes a second end. The riveting portion includes a clinch portion and a bottom plate, wherein the clinch portion and the bottom plate cooperatively define a groove. The riveting platform includes a first plane and second plane, wherein the first plane is connected with the second end of the main body and the second plane is connected with the clinch portion.

Abstract: A functional element (10), for fixing to a piece of sheet metal (40), such as for example, a nut element or a bolt element with a body section or head section, comprising an annular flange (14) which transforms into a cylindrical rivet section, is characterized in that the transformation from annular flange into the rivet section is formed by an at least essentially conical surface, forming a contact surface for a corresponding conical region of a piece of sheet metal, which, on fixing the functional element to a piece of sheet metal, is clamped between the side of the annular flange facing the rivet section and an annular bead (50) formed from the rivet section. An assembled component and a method for the fixing of a functional element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet is disclosed. The self-piercing rivet integrally joins an upper plate member and a lower plate member overlapping each other. The self-piercing rivet includes a head portion, a shank portion integrally connected with the head portion, a plurality of ribs formed to an external circumferential surface of the shank portion along a length direction of the shank portion in a spiral form, and at least one stopper protrusion protruded from a lower portion of the head portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment member (R) of the “lockbolt” type comprising a pin (100) and a ring (200), said pin (100) comprising a head (110) at one end and having, on its body, a first part (120) grooved with a plurality of locking grooves or channels (121p, 121c, 121d) enabling the ring (200) engaging with the pin (100) to attach itself thereto by deformation, and a second part (130) that is grooved in order to cooperate with a tool (O), characterised in that said grooved part (120) of the pin (100) is preformed so as to provide a series of non-helical grooves (121p, 121c, 121d), the beginning and the end of the series consisting of grooves (121p, 121d) that have different profiles from the identical grooves (121c) located in the central part of said series, the different profile having an identical depth but a greater width compared to the profile of the grooves (121c) located in the central portion of the series. The invention is applicable to the production of attachments and rivets.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet is disclosed. The self-piercing rivet integrally joins an upper plate member and a lower plate member overlapping each other. The self-piercing rivet includes a head portion, a shank portion integrally connected with the head portion and a plurality of ribs formed to an external circumferential surface of the shank portion along a length direction of the shank portion in a spiral form, wherein a drive slot is formed to upper portion of the head portion.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet is disclosed. The self-piercing rivet integrally joins an upper plate member and a lower plate member overlapping each other. The self-piercing rivet includes a head portion, a shank portion integrally connected with the head portion, and a plurality of ribs formed to an external circumferential surface of the shank portion along a length direction of the shank portion in a spiral form.

Abstract: The present invention relates, amongst other things, to a punch-in element having a hollow head part of larger transverse dimension and a hollow shaft part of smaller transverse dimension which projects away from one side of the head part, wherein a ring-like sheet metal contact surface is formed at the said side of the head part and surrounds the shaft part, with a plurality of ribs at the outer periphery of the shaft part which extend in the axial direction along the shaft part from the sheet metal contact surface to close to the free end of the shaft part. A pre-installation component, a component assembly and a method is also claimed.

Abstract: A tacking fastener for securing workpieces together to form a temporary assembly includes a stem and an elongated sleeve. The stem includes a head disposed at a proximal end portion, a tapered portion extending between the proximal end portion and a central portion, a break notch extending around a circumference of the proximal end portion between the head and the tapered portion, and a plurality of ridges and grooves disposed along a distal end portion. The elongated sleeve is disposed around the stem between the head and the plurality of ridges and grooves and configured to form a tacking rivet upon installation of the tacking fastener. The elongated sleeve is plastically deformed during installation to form a plurality of bulbs, thereby being capable of securing workpieces of varying grip length. The stem and the tacking rivet remain within the workpieces after the workpieces are secured.

Abstract: Semi-tubular self-piercing rivets and solid rivets are provided with surface features such as recesses or lobes. The recesses or lobes engage the panels that are joined by the rivet to prevent rotation of one or both panels after rivet insertion. The recesses or lobes may be provided at the head end or tip end of the rivet or may be provided at both the head end and the tip end of the rivet.

Abstract: An improved retention pin assembly and method of forming a pin assembly that uses a melt in a pocket without a metallurgical joint having been formed. The assembly can be generated by a method of forming a joint which includes providing a metal shaft and a member that is operable to receive the shaft. A pocket is formed within the member which operates to receive a melt pool. Next the shaft is inserted into apertures in the member. A welding or melting operation is then performed to create a melted portion that occupies the pocket. A joint is created using a retention pin.

Abstract: A method of joining parts together with a self-piercing rivet that is inserted through a part and partially through a second part. The second part includes a fiber-filled layer and a resin matrix layer that together form a composite part. A self-piercing rivet extends into the second part, but does not penetrate completely through the matrix layer. An assembly, including a first part and a second part that includes a reinforced layer and a resin layer in which a fastener is inserted, but does not extend through the second layer. A composite part including a first layer of resin matrix reinforces the filler and a second layer of resin matrix that does not include a filler and is more than 3 microns thick.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector including a body having a helix configured to change circumferentially in response to a change in force applied to the connector, the connector characterised in that the helix has at least one portion with a tapered circumference.

Abstract: A fastener having a shaft, a threaded portion, a positioning member and a rivet head. The shaft has a first diameter and extends from a first end to a second end. The threaded portion is positioned on the shaft. The positioning member is provided on the shaft proximate the second end. The rivet head extends from the second end of the shaft in a direction away from the first end, with the rivet head having a second diameter which is less than the first diameter of the shaft. The rivet head is configured to be deformed such that the deformed rivet head has a third diameter which is greater than the first diameter, thereby securing the fastener to a mating member which is positioned between the positioning member and the deformed rivet head.

Abstract: Attachment mechanisms are provided that may be riveted on one end and welded on another flanged end. The flanges may allow the rivets to be welded to a frame or other part without additional support plates. In certain embodiments, the rivets may simplify manufacturing and packaging as well as reduce the weight of the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanisms may promote load distribution, allow for the use of thinner materials, facilitate attachment to heat treated materials, allow for attachment of parts that are difficult to access, reduce fixturing, and improve manufacturing efficiency, among other things.

Abstract: A method of isolating a metallic fastener from a carbon-fiber composite panel includes inserting the metallic fastener within an electrically isolating annular collar; inserting the metallic fastener and electrically isolating annular collar within a hole defined by the carbon-fiber composite panel; and securing the metallic fastener to the carbon-fiber composite panel. The annular collar may be circumferentially disposed about the metallic fastener such that the annular collar separates and electrically isolates the entire metallic fastener from the carbon-fiber composite panel. As such, the annular collar may minimize the galvanic reaction between the fastener and the carbon-fiber composite panel.

Abstract: A blind rivet having a rivet sleeve and a pin, the rivet sleeve having a sleeve head for contact with a visible-side workpiece surface and a sleeve shank and a through hole, through which the pin is guided, the pin having a blind-side pin head for contact in the region of a blind-side end of the sleeve shank, and the sleeve shank having a first forming section and a second forming section which is arranged axially spaced apart from the first forming section and closer to the sleeve head, a first intermediate section being formed between the first and the second forming section, which first intermediate section, during setting of the blind rivet, can form a first blind head which can be formed at axially different points in order to set up different clamping thicknesses.