Abstract: A grounding element is provided. The grounding element includes a first portion including a first metal; a second portion including a second metal other than the first metal; and a fastening portion configured to receive a fastener to attach the grounding element to a body. The grounding element may be welded to a body of a vehicle and used to ground a vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A reduced-corrosion assembly includes a first and a second component joined by a fastener having a head and a body. A coating covers a section of the body. The assembly also includes a washer, a compression limiter, and a nut arranged on the first component and adapted to engage the fastener body to thereby tighten the assembly. When the assembly is tightened, the compression limiter is arranged on the fastener body between the first and second components, while the second component is arranged on the fastener body between the compression limiter and the washer. Furthermore, the washer is arranged on the fastener body between the fastener head and the second component, while the coating covers the body substantially up to where the nut engages the body such that corrosion of the assembly is limited or reduced. A vehicle employing the reduced-corrosion fastening system is also provided.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an electrical grounding device for dissimilar metals is provided. The device includes a body comprising adjacent first and second plate portions, the body including a first surface formed from a first metal and an opposite second surface formed from a second metal. The first plate portion is folded onto the second plate portion such that a portion of the first surface of the first plate portion contacts a portion of the first surface of the second plate portion. The first surface of the first plate portion is configured to couple to a first component formed from the first metal and the second surface of the second plate portion is configured to couple to a second component formed from the second metal, the body electrically coupling the first component and the second component to facilitate electrically connecting the first and second components.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an electrical grounding device for dissimilar metals is provided. The device includes a body comprising adjacent first and second plate portions, the body including a first surface formed from a first metal and an opposite second surface formed from a second metal. The first plate portion is folded onto the second plate portion such that a portion of the first surface of the first plate portion contacts a portion of the first surface of the second plate portion. The first surface of the first plate portion is configured to couple to a first component formed from the first metal and the second surface of the second plate portion is configured to couple to a second component formed from the second metal, the body electrically coupling the first component and the second component to facilitate electrically connecting the first and second components.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical fastener includes a fastener body having a connection portion materially integrally formed with at least one mounting member. The at least one mounting member has a thickness that is no more than three-times greater than a thickness of a substrate to which the electro-mechanical fastener is joined. The at least one mounting member is configured and disposed to be joined to the substrate through a welded connection.

Abstract: A reduced-corrosion assembly includes a first and a second component joined by a fastener having a head and a body. A coating covers a section of the body. The assembly also includes a washer, a compression limiter, and a nut arranged on the first component and adapted to engage the fastener body to thereby tighten the assembly. When the assembly is tightened, the compression limiter is arranged on the fastener body between the first and second components, while the second component is arranged on the fastener body between the compression limiter and the washer. Furthermore, the washer is arranged on the fastener body between the fastener head and the second component, while the coating covers the body substantially up to where the nut engages the body such that corrosion of the assembly is limited or reduced. A vehicle employing the reduced-corrosion fastening system is also provided.