• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN COVERING A PORTION OF AN SURFACE FASTENER ON A SURFACE. A system is provided for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface. The system includes a lid that includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, and tongues on the interior. The system may also include a tooth configured to be associated with the fastener and configured to positively engage the pawls.
    公开号:BR102014020490B1
    申请号:R102014020490-3
    申请日:2014-08-20
    公开日:2021-05-18
    发明作者:Blaine Knight Rawdon；Michael Scott Cameron
    申请人:The Boeing Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION
    [0001] Various structures are assembled using a plurality of fasteners. Some protruding fasteners may need to be covered with insulating covers that require internal and external application of sealant to prevent electromagnetic energy and/or hot particles from being discharged through the fasteners. Existing methodologies for covering protruding fasteners with caps that require the application of sealant are labor intensive and time consuming. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [0002] In this way, systems and methods for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface, intended to address the above-identified problems, would find utility.
    [0003] An example of the present description relates to a system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface. The system includes a lid that includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, and tongues on the interior.
    [0004] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the system also includes a tooth configured to be associated with the fastener and configured to positively engage the tongues.
    [0005] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the tooth includes a conical surface facing away from the head of the fastener.
    [0006] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the tooth is configured to threadably engage the fastener.
    [0007] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the system also includes a nut configured to be coupled to the fastener, wherein the nut includes the tooth.
    [0008] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the tooth is delimited on one side by a groove formed in an outer surface of the nut.
    [0009] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the system also includes a collar configured to be coupled to the fastener and a retainer configured to engage the paste on the fastener. In this aspect, the collar includes the tooth.
    [00010] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the tooth is configured to be coupled to the fastener with an interference fit.
    [00011] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the tooth is formed integrally with the fastener.
    [00012] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the previous and/or following examples and aspects, the tooth and the surface are separated by a space.
    [00013] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the tooth that positively engages the pawls is configured to be loaded under compression against the tooth.
    [00014] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, each of the tongues includes a first end proximal to the base and a second distal end of the base.
    [00015] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the second end has a greater width than the first end.
    [00016] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the pawls are configured to be loaded under tension against the tooth.
    [00017] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, each of the tongues includes a first distal end of the base and a second end extending towards the base.
    [00018] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the cap also includes a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.
    [00019] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the seal is configured to predispose the tongues against the tooth.
    [00020] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the lid also includes a wall that at least partially delimits the interior and at least one hole that extends through the wall.
    [00021] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice includes an injection orifice configured to receive sealant therethrough and an orifice of bleed set to allow air to escape from the interior.
    [00022] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the previous and/or following examples and aspects, the injection orifice has a larger diameter than the diameter of the bleed orifice.
    [00023] An example of the present description relates to a method that includes providing a fastener that includes a tooth. A portion of the fastener protrudes from a surface. The method also includes providing a lid that includes a wall, a base, an interior delimited at least partially by the wall and the base, and tongues on the interior; cover the portion of the fastener with the cap; and positively engage the tabs with the tooth.
    [00024] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, positively engaging the pawls with the tooth includes loading the pawls under compression against the tooth.
    [00025] In one aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, positively engaging the pawls with the tooth includes loading the pawls under tension against the tooth.
    [00026] In one aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, positively engaging the pawls with the tooth includes elastically deforming the pawls relative to the tooth before positively engaging the tongues with the tooth.
    [00027] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, positively engaging the pawls with the tooth includes predisposing the pawls against the tooth.
    [00028] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, providing the fastener that includes the tooth includes coupling the tooth to the fastener.
    [00029] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, engaging the tooth on the fastener includes threadably engaging the tooth with the fastener.
    [00030] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, engaging the tooth in the fastener includes coupling the tooth in the fastener with a retainer.
    [00031] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, engaging the tooth in the fastener includes locating the tooth proximal to the surface.
    [00032] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, engaging the tooth on the fastener includes locating the tooth distal to the surface.
    [00033] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, providing the fastener that includes the tooth includes integrally forming the tooth with the fastener.
    [00034] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the cover includes at least one hole extending through the wall.
    [00035] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice is a single orifice.
    [00036] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes sealing the base against the surface, creating a vacuum inside and injecting a sealant on the inside.
    [00037] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, creating the vacuum in the interior includes extracting air from the interior through the single orifice.
    [00038] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, injecting a sealant includes injecting a predetermined amount of sealant into the interior through the single orifice.
    [00039] In one aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, injecting a predetermined amount of sealant includes determining the predetermined amount of sealant based on a void volume from the inside.
    [00040] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes stopping the injection of sealant by detecting a predetermined back pressure in the single orifice.
    [00041] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes sealing the base against the surface, injecting a sealant into the interior through a fur. minus one orifice, and allow air to escape from the interior through at least one orifice.
    [00042] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice includes an injection orifice and a bleed orifice.
    [00043] In one aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the sealant is injected into the interior through the injection port and air escapes from the interior through the bleed hole.
    [00044] An example of the present description relates to a method of packaging a cap for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface. The lid includes an interior with a surface. The method includes providing the lid that is generally clean to facilitate the adhesion of a sealant to the interior surface and encapsulating at least a portion of the lid.
    [00045] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, encapsulating at least a portion of the lid includes encapsulating the interior of the lid.
    [00046] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, encapsulating the interior of the lid includes providing the lid with a base that at least partially delimits the interior and attaching a film seal to the base.
    [00047] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, encapsulating at least a portion of the lid includes encapsulating the lid completely within a sealed container.
    [00048] An example of the present description relates to a system for use in covering a portion of a fastener selected from protruding fasteners on surfaces in a plurality of orientations. The system includes collections of covers. Each collection is associated with one of the plurality of orientations. Covers in each collection differ from covers in other collections in at least one resource.
    [00049] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one feature includes a location of at least one hole formed in each of the covers.
    [00050] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, a unique identifier is associated with each collection of caps.
    [00051] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the unique identifier is a color.
    [00052] An example of the present description relates to a method of covering a portion of a fastener selected from the protruding fasteners on the surfaces in a plurality of orientations. The method includes providing collections of caps with each collection associated with one of the plurality of orientations. Covers in each collection differ from covers in other collections in at least one resource. The method also includes determining a fastener orientation, selecting a cap from a collection of caps associated with the fastener orientation, and covering the fastener portion with the cap.
    [00053] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, covering the portion of the fastener with the cap includes positively engaging the cap with the fastener.
    [00054] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes associating each collection of lids with a unique identifier.
    [00055] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the unique identifier is a color.
    [00056] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the unique identifier is packaging.
    [00057] An example of the present description relates to a cap for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface. Portion includes threads. The cap includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, an interior threaded receptacle configured to threadably engage the fastener portion, and a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.
    [00058] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the lid also includes an exterior partially delimited by the base and with a shape configured to be operable with a tool.
    [00059] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the exterior includes at least one flat surface.
    [00060] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the exterior includes at least one projection.
    [00061] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the previous and/or following examples and aspects, the base has a larger profile than the rest of the lid.
    [00062] An example of the present description relates to a method of covering a portion of a fastener protruding on a surface. Portion includes threads. The method includes providing a lid that includes a wall, a base, an interior delimited at least partially by the wall and the base, and a threaded receptacle on the interior; threadedly engaging the threaded receptacle with the fastener portion; and seal the base of the lid against the surface.
    [00063] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the cover includes at least one hole extending through the wall.
    [00064] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice is a single orifice.
    [00065] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes sealing the base against the surface, creating a vacuum inside and injecting a sealant on the inside.
    [00066] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, creating the vacuum in the interior includes extracting air from the interior through the single orifice.
    [00067] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, injecting a sealant includes injecting a predetermined amount of sealant into the interior through the single orifice.
    [00068] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, injecting a predetermined amount of sealant includes determining the predetermined amount of sealant based on a void volume from the inside.
    [00069] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes stopping sealant injection by detecting a predetermined back pressure in the single orifice.
    [00070] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes sealing the base against the surface, injecting a sealant into the interior through a fur. minus one orifice, and allow air to escape from the interior through at least one orifice.
    [00071] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice includes an injection orifice and a bleed orifice.
    [00072] In one aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the sealant is injected into the interior through the injection port and air escapes from the interior through the bleed hole.
    [00073] An example of the present description relates to a system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface. The system includes a lid that includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, and at least one cam on the interior.
    [00074] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the system also includes at least one tab coupled to the fastener to engage at least one cam.
    [00075] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the system also includes a collar configured to be coupled to the fastener. The collar includes at least one flap.
    [00076] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the system also includes a retainer configured to engage the collar on the fastener.
    [00077] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one tab is spaced a distance from the surface.
    [00078] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one flap is angled away from the surface.
    [00079] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one cam includes a plurality of cams.
    [00080] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one cam extends from a surface of the interior.
    [00081] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one cam is recessed into an interior surface.
    [00082] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one cam has a conical surface.
    [00083] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the previous and/or following examples and aspects, the conical surface faces away from the base of the lid.
    [00084] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one cam includes a notch for positively engaging at least one tab.
    [00085] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the lid also includes a wall that at least partially delimits the interior and at least one hole that extends through the wall.
    [00086] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice includes an injection orifice configured to receive sealant therethrough and an orifice of bleed set to allow air to escape from the interior.
    [00087] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the cap also includes a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.
    [00088] An example of the present description relates to a method of covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface. The method includes providing a lid that includes a wall, an interior at least partially delimited by the wall, and at least one cam on the interior. The method also includes coupling at least one tab with the fastener, covering the portion of the fastener with the cap, and rotating the cap to engage at least one cam with at least one tab.
    [00089] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, rotating the cover includes positively engaging at least one cam with at least one tab.
    [00090] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the cover includes at least one hole extending through the wall.
    [00091] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice is a single orifice.
    [00092] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes sealing the base against the surface, creating a vacuum inside and injecting a sealant on the inside.
    [00093] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, creating the vacuum in the interior includes extracting air from the interior through the single orifice.
    [00094] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, injecting a sealant includes injecting a predetermined amount of sealant into the interior through the single orifice.
    [00095] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, injecting a predetermined amount of sealant includes determining the predetermined amount of sealant based on a void volume from the inside.
    [00096] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes stopping sealant injection by detecting a predetermined back pressure in the single orifice.
    [00097] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the method also includes sealing the base against the surface, injecting a sealant into the interior through a fur. minus one orifice, and allow air to escape from the interior through at least one orifice.
    [00098] In an aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, at least one orifice includes an injection orifice and a bleed orifice.
    [00099] In one aspect of the description, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the sealant is injected into the interior through the injection port and air escapes from the interior through the bleed hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [000100] Figure 1 is a flowchart of an illustrative aircraft production and service methodology.
    [000101] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative aircraft.
    [000102] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft assembly including a fastener whose projecting portion is covered using a system in accordance with an aspect of the present description.
    [000103] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a system for use in covering a protruding portion of a fastener, such as that illustrated in figure 3, in accordance with an aspect of the description.
    [000104] Figure 5 is a sectional perspective view of a system for use in covering a protruding fastener, in accordance with an aspect of the description.
    [000105] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cap that can be used with the system shown in Figure 5, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000106] Figure 7 is a sectional perspective view of the cap shown in figure 6.
    [000107] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tooth that can be used with the system shown in Figure 5, in accordance with an aspect of the description.
    [000108] Figure 9 is a sectional perspective view of a cover of a system for use in covering a protruding fastener, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000109] Figure 10 is a sectional perspective view of a system for use in covering a protruding fastener, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000110] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a tooth that can be used with the system shown in figure 10.
    [000111] Figure 12 is a sectional perspective view of a system for use in covering a protruding fastener, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000112] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cap that can be used with the system shown in figure 12, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000113] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a tooth that can be used with the system shown in Figure 12, in accordance with an aspect of the description.
    [000114] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a cap that can be used to cover a portion of the fastener shown in figure 3, in accordance with an aspect of the description.
    [000115] Figure 16 is a sectional perspective view of a cap according to an aspect of the description.
    [000116] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the cap shown in figure 16.
    [000117] Figure 18 is a perspective base view of the cap shown in figure 17.
    [000118] Figure 19 is a block diagram of a system that can be used to cover a portion of the fastener shown in figure 3.
    [000119] Figure 20 is a sectional perspective view of an illustrative system of Figure 19, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000120] Figure 21 is a perspective base view of the system shown in figure 20, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000121] Figure 22 is a sectional perspective view of a cap that can be used with the system shown in figure 20, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000122] Figure 23 is a sectional perspective view of an alternative cap that can be used with the system shown in Figure 20, in accordance with an aspect of the description.
    [000123] Figure 24 is a sectional view in perspective of an alternative system according to figure 19, according to an aspect of the description.
    [000124] Figure 25 is a perspective base view of the system shown in figure 24.
    [000125] Figure 26 is a sectional perspective view of the cap shown in figure 25.
    [000126] Figure 27 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface.
    [000127] Figure 28 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of packaging a cap for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface.
    [000128] Figure 29 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of covering a portion of a fastener selected from protruding fasteners on surfaces in a plurality of orientations.
    [000129] Figure 30 is a block diagram of a system that can be used to cover a portion of the fastener shown in figure 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [000130] The implementations described here refer to systems and methods that facilitate covering portions of protruding fasteners on a surface with covers. More specifically, the systems, in accordance with the various aspects of the description, include one or more features that allow the covers to be positively mated with the fasteners so that the covers can be more easily installed over the fasteners. In some aspects, the covers may also include features that allow sealant to be injected into the covers after they are installed over the fasteners, and features that allow the covers to be removed and/or replaced with a tool. As such, the systems described here can allow automatic installation of the covers onto fasteners to favor the reduction of manufacturing times of the associated assemblies.
    [000131] Referring to the drawings, implementations of the description can be described in the context of a method of manufacturing and performing service on aircraft 100 (shown in figure 1) and by means of an aircraft 102 (shown in figure 2). During pre-production, including specification and design 104, aircraft data 102 can be used during the manufacturing process and other materials associated with the aircraft structure can be acquired 106. During production, component fabrication and subassembly 108 and system integration 110 of the aircraft 102 occurs, before the aircraft 102 enters its certification and delivery process 112. Upon satisfaction and successful completion of the certification of the aircraft structure, the aircraft 102 can be placed in service 114. While in service by a customer, aircraft 102 is scheduled for periodic, routine and scheduled maintenance and service 116, including any modification, reconfiguration and/or overhaul, for example.
    [000132] Each portion and process associated with manufacturing and/or service of the aircraft 100 may be done or completed by a system integrator, a third party and/or an operator (eg, a customer). For purposes of this description, a system integrator may include without limitation any number of aircraft manufacturers and main system subcontractors; a third party may include without limitation any number of vendors, subcontractors and suppliers; and an operator can be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on.
    [000133] As shown in Figure 2, an aircraft 102 produced by method 100 may include an aircraft structure 118 with a plurality of systems 120 and an interior 122. Examples of high level systems 120 include one or more than one propulsion system 124, an electrical system 126, a hydraulic system 128, and/or an environmental system 130. Any number of other systems can be included. Although an exemplary aircraft is shown, the principles of the invention can be applied to non-aviation industries such as the automotive industry.
    [000134] Apparatus and methods conceived herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of method 100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to the component production process 108 may be manufactured or manufactured in a manner similar to the components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 102 is in service. Also, one or more apparatus implementations, method implementations, or a combination thereof may be utilized during production stages 108 and 110, for example, substantially shipping the assembly and/or reducing the cost of the aircraft assembly 102. Similarly, one or more of apparatus implementations, method implementations, or a combination of these may be utilized while the aircraft 102 is undergoing service or maintenance, for example, during maintenance and scheduled service 116.
    [000135] As used herein, the term "aircraft" may include, but is not limited to, airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), gliders, helicopters and/or any other object that travels through airspace.
    [000136] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an illustrative aircraft assembly 200 that may be associated with aircraft 102. Aircraft assembly 200 includes an extrados 202, a stinger-type aerodynamic property measuring device 204, and a fastener 210 extending through the extrados 202 and sting-like aerodynamic properties measuring device 204. A portion 212 of the fastener 210 protrudes from a surface 206 of the sting-like aerodynamic properties measuring device 204 to the interior 208 of the aircraft assembly 200. In one implementation, interior 208 is configured to store fuel (not shown) therein. As such, portion 212 is covered using a system 220 to help prevent electromagnetic discharge and/or hot particle ejection by fastener 210 and help prevent ignition of the fuel within 208.
    [000137] Referring to figures 4-14, an example of the description refers to system 220 for use in covering portion 212 of fastener 210 (shown in figure 3). System 220 includes a tooth 230 and a cap 250. Cap 250 includes an interior 252, an exterior 254, a wall 256, a base 258, and a seal 260 coupled to the base 258. The interior 252 is at least partially delimited by the wall 256 and base 258. Interior 252 additionally includes a surface 262 and tabs 264 on surface 262 that positively engage tooth 230. As used herein, the terms "positively fit" and/or "positively fit" mean that more is needed. force to remove than to install. In addition, tooth 230 includes a tapered surface 232, and at least one hole 270 is formed in wall 256.
    [000138] In Figure 4, lines connecting various elements and/or components of the 220 system can represent mechanical, electrical, fluidic, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinations of these. Couplings other than those shown in Figure 4 may also exist. Dashed lines connecting the various elements and/or components of system 220 may represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplings represented by the dashed lines are either selectively provided or related to alternative or optional aspects of the description. Similarly, elements and/or components of system 220 depicted in dashed lines represent alternative or optional aspects of the description.
    [000139] Referring, for example, to Figures 4-8, system 220 includes cap 250 that includes interior 252, base 258 that at least partially delimits interior 252, and tongues 264 within interior 252. system 220 also includes tooth 230 configured to be associated with fastener 210 and configured to positively engage pawls 264. In one aspect, tooth 230 includes tapered surface 232 (eg, Figure 3) facing away from head 214 of fastener 210 In operation, tapered surface 232 allows tabs 264 to easily slide into positive engagement with tooth 230 as cap 250 covers portion 212 of fastener 210.
    [000140] Referring to figures 8 and 11, in one aspect, tine 230 is configured to threadably engage fastener 210. Referring to figure 8, system 220 also includes a nut 280 configured to be engaged on the fastener 210. Nut 280 includes tooth 230. In one aspect, tooth 230 is bounded on one side by a groove 282 formed in an outer surface 284 of nut 280. Alternatively, tooth 230 can be configured to be mated to fastener 210 with an interference fit, or can be formed integrally with fastener 210.
    [000141] Referring to Figure 5, in one aspect, tooth 230 positively engages pawls 264 that are configured to be loaded under compression against tooth 230. In one aspect, pawls 264 are circumferentially spaced within 252, and each of tabs 264 includes a first end 266 proximal to base 258 and a second end 268 distal to base 258. For example, first end 266 may be coupled to surface 262 of interior 252. Referring to Figure 9, in one aspect, second end 268 has a greater width than first end 266. As such, the greater width of second end 268 favors reducing the number of tabs 264 that need to extend substantially circumferentially within 252 of cap 250.
    [000142] Tongues 264 may be made of any material that allows system 220 to function in the manner described herein. More specifically, pawls 264 may be made of a flexible material to allow pawls 264 to elastically deform as cap 250 covers portion 212 of fastener 210 to facilitate engagement of tooth 230 and pawls 264. For example, pawls 264 can elastically deform radially outwardly of fastener 210 as cap 250 covers portion 212 of fastener 210. As such, the material and dimensions of pawls 264 are selected to allow the pawls to elastically deform in directions generally transverse to their own. longitudinal axes and also provide pawls 264 with sufficient axial rigidity to promote positive engagement of pawls 264 and tooth 210.
    [000143] Referring to Figures 10 and 12, in one aspect, cover 250 also includes wall 256 that at least partially delimits interior 252, and at least one hole 270 that extends through wall 256. In one aspect, at least one port 270 includes an injection port 272 configured to receive sealant (not shown) therethrough and a bleed port 274 configured to allow air to escape from interior 252. The bleed port 274 allows the sealant to substantially fill the interior 252, limiting the formation of air pockets within the interior 252. In one aspect, the injection port 272 has a larger diameter than the diameter of the bleed port 274. As such, the smaller diameter of the bleed port 274 favors preventing that sealant is discharged therethrough as sealant is injected and substantially fills interior 252. In an alternative implementation, wall 256 is substantially solid and does not include at least one orifice 270.
    [000144] The cover 250 is also configured to favor the prevention of electromagnetic discharge and/or hot particle ejection by the catch 210 and inside 210 of the aircraft assembly 200 (shown in figure 3). For example, cover 250 may be formed from an electrically non-conductive material. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, a nylon material, a glass-laden nylon material, an epoxy material, and a glass-laden epoxy material. Additionally, the sealant injected into the interior 252 of the cap 250 and the wall thickness 256 facilitate electrically insulating fastener 210. In an alternative implementation, the wall thickness 256 can be selected and/or increased such that sealant may not be needed to electrically insulate fastener 210. Exterior 254 of cap 250 may also have a convex shape, and/or may have a length to diameter ratio of less than about 3 to 1 to help prevent electromagnetic discharge from fastener 210.
    [000145] As previously described, in one aspect, seal 260 is coupled to base 258 to engage surface 206 (shown in figure 3). Seal 260 may be monolithic with base 258, or it may be separate from base 258, as shown in Figures 5, 10 and 12. Referring, for example, to Figure 9, in one aspect, seal 260 is received within. of a channel 261 formed in base 258. Alternatively, seal 260 may be coupled to base 258 by another coupling mechanism and/or a suitable adhesive.
    [000146] Referring, for example, to Figure 3, in one aspect, the seal 260 is also configured to bias the pawls 264 against the tooth 230. More specifically, in operation, the seal 260 may be compressed between the base 258 and surface 206 as cap 250 is installed to cover portion 212 of fastener 210. For example, during installation of cap 250, a force may be applied to cap 250 by compressing seal 260 against surface 206 to allow fit between. second end 268 of pawls 264 and tooth 230. After the force has been removed, seal 260 expands to bias cap 250 in a direction away from surface 206 so that pawls 264 positively engage tooth 230. seal 260 remains at least partially compressed such that cap 250 can be sealed against surface 206.
    [000147] The seal 260 can be made of any material that allows the system 220 to function in the manner described herein. More specifically, seal 260 can be made of a material capable of withstanding prolonged use in a fuel-rich environment, and capable of maintaining its elasticity in a compressed state. Exemplary material includes, but is not limited to, a fluorosilicone material.
    [000148] Referring to figures 10-14, in one aspect system 220 includes a collar 286 configured to be coupled to fastener 210, wherein collar 286 includes tooth 230. In figures 12-14, in one aspect, system 220 also includes retainer 288 configured to engage collar 286 with retainer 210. More specifically, retainer 288 is coupled to portion 212 of retainer 210 with an interference fit to facilitate restriction of movement of collar 286 along the axis longitudinal 218 of fastener 210. System 220 also includes a spacer 290 positioned between collar 286 and surface 206 (shown in Figure 3) such that, in one aspect, tooth 230 and surface 206 are spaced apart by a space. to facilitate the engagement of tabs 264 and tooth 230.
    [000149] Referring again to Figs. 12-14, in one aspect pawls 264 are configured to be loaded under tension against tooth 230. More specifically, in one aspect pawls 264 include first end 266 distal to base 258 and the second end 268 extending toward the base 258 to positively engage the tooth 230. For example, at least a portion of the second end 268 extends toward the base 258 to be located in the space between the tooth 230 and the surface 206 (Figure 3), and is predisposed to mate with the underside of tooth 230. As such, spacer 290 is of any thickness that allows tabs 264 to positively engage tooth 230.
    [000150] A method (shown in figure 27) of covering portion 212 of fastener 210 protruding from surface 206 is also provided. The method includes providing 330 fastener 210 including tooth 230 and providing 332 cap 250 including wall 256, base 258, interior 252 delimited at least partially by wall 256 and base 258, and tongues 264 on interior 252. The method also includes covering 334 portion 212 of fastener 210 with cap 250, and 336 positively engaging tabs 264 with tooth 230.
    [000151] In some aspects, pawls 264 are either loaded under compression against tooth 230, or loaded under tension against tooth 230 to be positively engaged with it. Additionally, in one aspect and as described above, positively engaging pawls 264 with tooth 230 includes elastically deforming pawls 264 relative to tooth 230 before positively engaging pawls 264 with tooth 230. In one aspect, positively engaging pawls 264 with tooth 230 also includes biasing tabs 264 against tooth 230 using seal 260.
    [000152] In one aspect, providing fastener 210 that includes tooth 230 includes both engaging tooth 230 on fastener 210 and integrally forming tooth 230 with fastener 210. In one aspect, engaging tooth 230 on fastener 210 includes mating of threading tooth 230 with fastener 210, or engaging tooth 230 on fastener 210 with retainer 288. Further, in one aspect, engaging tooth 230 on fastener 210 also includes locating tooth 230 proximal to surface 206, or locating tooth 230 distal from surface 206. More specifically, the location of tooth 230 is selected based on whether pawls 264 should be loaded under compression or tension against tooth 230. For example, tooth 230 is located distal to surface 206 when the Tongs 264 must be loaded under compression against tooth 230. Alternatively, tooth 230 may be located proximal to surface 206 when tongues 264 are to be loaded under tension against tooth 230.
    [000153] As previously described, in one aspect, cap 250 includes at least one hole 270 extending through wall 256. In one aspect, at least one hole 270 may be a single hole. In one aspect, the method also includes sealing the base 258 against surface 206, creating a vacuum in interior 252 and injecting a sealant in interior 252. In one aspect, creating a vacuum in interior 252 includes drawing air from interior 252 through the single hole. As such, extracting air from interior 252 allows the sealant to substantially fill interior 252, limiting the formation of air pockets within interior 252.
    [000154] In one implementation, the amount of sealant to be injected into the interior 252 can be selected to prevent the use of excess sealant, to facilitate cleaning and promote a reduction in the aircraft 102 weight (shown in figure 2). As such, in one aspect, injecting sealant includes injecting a predetermined amount of sealant into interior 252 through the single orifice. More specifically, in one aspect, injecting a predetermined amount of sealant includes determining the predetermined amount of sealant to fill interior 252 based on an empty volume of interior 252. In one aspect, excess sealant use is avoided by stopping the injection of the sealant by detecting a predetermined back pressure in the single orifice. The predetermined back pressure can be any suitable pressure selected to indicate that interior 252 has been substantially filled with sealant.
    [000155] Alternatively, in one aspect, the method includes sealing base 258 against surface 206, injecting a sealant into interior 252 through at least one orifice 270, and allowing air to escape from interior 252 through at least one orifice 270. In one aspect, at least one orifice includes injection port 272 and bleed port 274, and sealant is injected into interior 252 through injection port 272 and air escapes from interior 252 through bleed port 274. then cure to facilitate coupling cover 250 to fastener 210.
    [000156] A method (shown in Figure 28) of packaging the cap 250 for use in covering the portion 212 of the fastener 210 protruding from the surface 206 is also provided. Lid 250 includes interior 252 with surface 262. The method includes providing 338 with lid 250 that is generally clean to facilitate adhesion of a sealant to interior surface 262, and 340 encapsulating at least a portion of lid 250. Lid 250 it can be generally clean because the cap 250 can be manufactured in a clean environment, and/or because the interior surface 262 can be cleaned after the cap 250 is manufactured.
    [000157] In one aspect, encapsulating 340 at least a portion of lid 250 includes encapsulating the interior 252 of lid 250, or encapsulating lid 250 completely within a sealed container (not shown). More specifically, in one aspect, encapsulating the interior 252 of the lid 250 includes providing the lid 250 with a base 258 that at least partially delimits the interior 252, and attaching a film seal 259 (shown in Figure 4) to the base 258. , encapsulating 340 the cover 250 makes it easier to restrict the exposure of the cover 250 to contamination, which can reduce the adhesion of the sealant to the interior surface 262. Encapsulating 340 the cover 250 also favors reducing cover installation time by allowing a user to install the cover 250 over fastener 210 without having to clean cap 250 after removing it from the associated packaging.
    [000158] An example of the present description relates to a system for use in covering portion 212 of fastener 210 selected from protruding fasteners on surfaces in a plurality of orientations. The system includes collections of covers. Each collection is associated with one of the plurality of orientations, and the covers in each collection differ from the covers in other collections by at least one feature. In one aspect, at least one feature can include a location of at least one hole formed in each of the covers. At least one orifice may include injection orifice 272 and bleed orifice 274 formed at different locations in cap 250 based on an orientation of the fastener to be covered. More specifically, the location of injection port 272 and bleed port 274 can be selected to facilitate limiting the formation of air pockets in interior 252 as sealant is injected into interior 252. For example, when cap 250 is installed, the smaller diameter bleed port 274 can be located at a greater relative elevation than the injection port 272. As such, the bleed port 274 remains substantially unblocked to allow air to escape from interior 252 therethrough as it sealant is injected through injection port 272. Alternatively, at least one orifice is a single injection port 272 located in cap 250 at a lower relative elevation than the remainder of cap 250.
    [000159] In one aspect, a unique identifier is associated with each collection of caps to allow a user to easily identify which collection of caps should be used to cover a fastener protruding from a surface in a given orientation. In one aspect, the unique identifier can be a color and/or it can be the packaging associated with each collection of caps. More specifically, a different color may be associated with each collection of lids, and may be associated with the material used to form the lids and/or associated with the packaging for the lids.
    [000160] Referring to Figure 30, in one aspect a system 350 includes a first collection 352a of closures and a second collection 352b of closures. Collections 352a and 352b are for covering fasteners protruding from surfaces in a plurality of orientations, and each collection is associated with one of the plurality of orientations. In one aspect, the first collection 352a includes a first cap 250a and a second cap 250b, and the second collection 352b includes a first cap 250c and a second cap 250d. A unique identifier is associated with each collection. More specifically, a first unique identifier 354a is associated with the first collection 352a, and a second unique identifier 354b is associated with the second collection 352b. As such, in one aspect, the caps 250a and 250b of the first collection 352a each include a first unique identifier 354a, and the caps 250c and 250d of the second collection 352b each include a second unique identifier 354b.
    [000161] A method (shown in figure 29) of covering a portion of a fastener selected from the protruding fasteners on the surfaces in a plurality of orientations is also provided. The method includes providing 342 collections of caps 250, where each collection is associated with one of the plurality of fastener orientations. As previously described, covers 250 in each collection differ from covers in other collections by at least one feature. The method also includes determining 344 an orientation of fastener 210, selecting 346 a cap 250 from a collection of caps 250 associated with the orientation of fastener 210, and covering 348 portion 212 of fastener 210 with cap 250.
    [000162] Referring to figures 15-18, an example of the description refers to cap 250 for use in covering portion 212 of fastener 210 protruding from surface 206 (shown in figure 3). Portion 212 includes threads 216 (shown in Figure 3). Cap 250 includes interior 252, base 258 that at least partially delimits interior 252, a threaded receptacle 292 on interior 252 configured to threadably engage portion 212 of fastener 210, and seal 260 coupled to base 258 to engage surface 206 .
    [000163] In figure 15, the lines connecting various elements and/or components of the cover 250 can represent mechanical, electrical, fluidic, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinations of these. Couplings other than those shown in Figure 15 may also exist. Dashed lines connecting the various elements and/or components of cover 250 may represent similar couplings in function and purpose to those represented by the solid lines; however, couplings represented by the dashed lines are either selectively provided or related to alternative or optional aspects of the description. Similarly, elements and/or components of lid 250 shown in dashed lines represent alternative or optional aspects of the description.
    [000164] Referring to Figures 16-18 and 21, in one aspect, the cap 250 includes an exterior 254 that is partially delimited by the base 258 and shaped to be operable with a tool (not shown). More specifically, the exterior shape 254 may have one or more features that allow the tool to engage and rotate the cap 250 about the longitudinal axis 218 such that the threaded receptacle 292 can threadedly engage the threads 216 of the fastener 210 For example, in one aspect and referring to Figure 17, the feature(s) include(s) at least one flat surface 255. In another aspect and referring to Figure 21, such(s) feature(s) includes at least one projection 257. In one aspect, base 258 may also have a greater cross-sectional profile than the remainder of cap 250 to provide a ferrule for the tool to press against and force the cap 250 toward surface 206 when covering fastener 210.
    [000165] A method of covering portion 212 of fastener 210 protruding from surface 206 is also provided. Portion 212 includes threads 216. The method includes providing cap 250 including wall 256, base 258, interior 252 delimited at least partially by wall 256 and base 258, and threaded receptacle 292 in interior 252, threadably engaging the receptacle. thread 292 with portion 212 of fastener 210, and seal base 258 of cap 250 against surface 206.
    [000166] As previously described, in one aspect, cap 250 includes at least one hole 270 extending through wall 256. In one aspect, at least one hole 270 may be a single hole. In one aspect, the method further includes sealing base 258 against surface 206, creating a vacuum in interior 252 and injecting a sealant in interior 252. In one aspect, creating a vacuum in interior 252 includes drawing air from interior 252 through the single hole. As such, extracting air from interior 252 allows the sealant to substantially fill interior 252, limiting the formation of air pockets within interior 252.
    [000167] In one implementation, the amount of sealant to be injected into the interior 252 can be selected to prevent the use of excess sealant, to facilitate cleaning and promote a reduction in the aircraft 102 weight (shown in figure 2). As such, in one aspect, injecting sealant includes injecting a predetermined amount of sealant into interior 252 through the single orifice. More specifically, in one aspect, injecting a predetermined amount of sealant includes determining the predetermined amount of sealant to fill interior 252 based on an empty volume of interior 252. In one aspect, excess sealant use is avoided by stopping the injection of the sealant by detecting a predetermined back pressure in the single orifice. The predetermined back pressure can be any suitable pressure selected to indicate that interior 252 has been substantially filled with sealant.
    [000168] Alternatively, in one aspect, the method includes sealing base 258 against surface 206, injecting a sealant into interior 252 through at least one orifice 270, and allowing air to escape from interior 252 through at least one orifice 270. In one aspect, at least one orifice includes injection port 272 and bleed port 274, and sealant is injected into interior 252 through injection port 272 and air escapes from interior 252 through bleed port 274. then cure to facilitate coupling cover 250 to fastener 210.
    [000169] Referring to figure 19-26, an example of the description refers to system 220 for use in covering portion 212 of fastener 210 protruding from surface 206 (shown in figure 3). The system includes cover 250 including interior 252, base 258 that at least partially delimits interior 252, and at least one cam 302 on interior 252. More specifically, cam 302 is on surface 262 of interior 252. , cam 302 includes a notch 304 and a tapered surface 306. System 220 also includes wall 256 that at least partially delimits interior 252, seal 260 coupled to base 258 to engage surface 206 (shown in Figure 3), and at least one tab 310. In one aspect, referring to Figures 20 and 24, wall 256 includes at least one hole 270 formed therein, and tab 310 is coupled to fastener 210 to positively engage at least one cam 302.
    [000170] In figure 19, lines connecting various elements and/or components of the 220 system can represent mechanical, electrical, fluidic, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinations of these. Couplings other than those shown in Figure 19 may also exist. Dashed lines connecting the various elements and/or components of system 220 may represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplings represented by the dashed lines are either selectively provided or related to alternative or optional aspects of the description. Similarly, elements and/or components of system 220 depicted in dashed lines represent alternative or optional aspects of the description.
    [000171] Referring to figures 20-22, tab 310 may be coupled to fastener 210 using any suitable fastening mechanism. For example, in one aspect, system 220 further includes a collar 312 configured to be engaged with fastener 210. Collar 312 includes at least one tab 310. In one aspect, system 220 also includes retainer 288 configured to engage collar 312 in fastener 210. More specifically, retainer 288 is coupled to portion 212 of fastener 210 with an interference fit to prevent movement of collar 312 along longitudinal axis 218 of fastener 210.
    [000172] Referring to Figure 20, in one aspect, at least one tab 310 is spaced a distance D from surface 206 (shown in Figure 3) to allow tab 310 to engage cam 302. More specifically, a portion 313 of collar 312 has a thickness T such that tab 310 extends from surface 206 a distance D. Alternatively, in one aspect and as shown in Figures 24-26, at least one tab 310 is angled away from the collar. surface 206 to allow its 302 cam engagement without the use of a spacer. Surface 306 of cam 302 is radially inclined at substantially the same angle as tab 310 such that tab 310 mats with tapered surface 306 when fully engaged therewith.
    [000173] In some aspects, at least one cam 302 either extends from surface 262 of interior 252 as shown in figure 22, or is recessed into surface 262 of interior 252 as shown in figure 23. For example, in one aspect and referring to Figures 20-22, cam 302 includes tapered surface 306, a notch 304 for positively engaging at least one tab 310, and a limiting portion 308. In one aspect, tapered surface 306 faces toward outside base 258 of cap 250 to facilitate positive engagement between tab 310 and cam 302. At least one cam 302 can include a plurality of cams, and tab 310 can include a plurality of tabs to be received by gaps 314 formed between adjacent cams 302. To positively engage tab 310 and cam 302, since tabs 310 are received in gaps 314, cap 250 is rotated in a direction 320. Tab 310 is sized to match notch 304 ( shown in figure 22) to prevent tab 310 retracts once engaged with cam 302.
    [000174] Referring to Fig. 23, cam 302 is recessed into surface 262 of interior 252. More specifically, cam 302 includes an axial slot 316 and a transverse slot 318 extending from axial slot 316 in one direction circumferential about interior 252. Transverse slot 318 also includes notch 304 for positively engaging tab 310. In operation, tab 310 is inserted into axial slot 316 as fastener 210 is covered with cap 250. Cap 250 is then rotated in direction 320 to positively engage tab 310 and cam 302 as tab 310 is received in notch 304.
    [000175] A method (shown in figure 30) of covering the portion of fastener 210 protruding from surface 206 is also provided. The method includes providing 350 cap 250 including wall 256, interior 252 at least partially delimited by wall 256, and at least one cam 302 on interior 252. The method also includes coupling 352 at least one tab 310 with fastener 210, covering 354 portion 212 of fastener 210 with cap 250, and 356 rotating cap 250 to engage at least one cam 302 with at least one tab 310. In one aspect, rotating 356 cap 250 includes positively engaging at least one cam 302 with at least one tab 310.
    [000176] As previously described, in one aspect, cap 250 includes at least one hole 270 extending through wall 256. In one aspect, at least one hole 270 may be a single hole. In one aspect, the method further includes sealing base 258 against surface 206, creating a vacuum in interior 252 and injecting a sealant in interior 252. In one aspect, creating a vacuum in interior 252 includes drawing air from interior 252 through the single hole. As such, extracting air from interior 252 allows the sealant to substantially fill interior 252, limiting the formation of air pockets within interior 252.
    [000177] In one implementation, the amount of sealant to be injected into the interior 252 can be selected to prevent the use of excess sealant, to facilitate cleaning and promote a reduction in the aircraft 102 weight (shown in figure 2). As such, in one aspect, injecting sealant includes injecting a predetermined amount of sealant into interior 252 through the single orifice. More specifically, in one aspect, injecting a predetermined amount of sealant includes determining the predetermined amount of sealant to fill interior 252 based on an empty volume of interior 252. In one aspect, excess sealant use is avoided by stopping the injection of the sealant by detecting a predetermined back pressure in the single orifice. The predetermined back pressure can be any suitable pressure selected to indicate that interior 252 has been substantially filled with sealant.
    [000178] Alternatively, in one aspect, the method includes sealing base 258 against surface 206, injecting a sealant into interior 252 through at least one orifice 270, and allowing air to escape from interior 252 through at least one orifice 270. In one aspect, at least one orifice includes injection port 272 and bleed port 274, and sealant is injected into interior 252 through injection port 272 and air escapes from interior 252 through bleed port 274. then cure to facilitate coupling cover 250 to fastener 210.
    [000179] This written description uses examples to describe various implementations, including the best mode, and also allow those skilled in the art to practice the various implementations, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any built-in methods. The patentable scope of the description is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples should be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with negligible differences from the literal language of the claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [0001]
    1. A system (220) for use in covering a portion (212) of a fastener (210) protruding from a surface (206), the system (220) comprising: a cap (250) comprising: an interior ( 252); a base (258) at least partially delimiting the interior (252); and tongues (264) on the inside (252); the system further comprising a tooth (230), configured to be associated with a fastener (210) and configured to positively overlap the pawls (264); and characterized in that the cap (250) further comprises a seal (260) coupled to the base (258) for engaging the surface (206), the seal (260) being configured to bias the pawls (264) against the tooth (230 ).
    [0002]
    2. System (220) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tooth (230) includes a conical surface (232) facing away from the head (214) of the fastener (210).
    [0003]
    3. System (220) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the tooth (230) is configured to threadedly engage the fastener (210).
    [0004]
    4. System (220) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it further comprises: a collar (286) configured to be coupled to the fastener (210), wherein the collar (286) includes the tooth ( 230); and a retainer (288) configured to engage the collar (286) with the retainer (210).
    [0005]
    5. System (220) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover (250) further comprises: a wall (256) that at least partially delimits the interior (252); and at least one hole (270) extending through the wall (256).
    [0006]
    6. System (220) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one orifice (270) comprises an injection orifice (272) configured to receive sealant therethrough and a bleed orifice (274) configured to allow air to escape from the interior (252).
    [0007]
    7. A method, characterized in that it comprises: providing a fastener (210) that includes a tooth (230), wherein a portion (212) of the fastener (210) protrudes from a surface (206); providing a cover (250) including a wall (256), a base (258), a seat coupled to the base, an interior (252) delimited at least partially by the wall (256) and the base (258), and tongues ( 264) inside (252); covering the portion (212) of the fastener (210) with the cap (250); and positively engaging the pawls (264) with the tooth (230), the seal engaging the surface and the seal biasing the pawls against the tooth.
    [0008]
    8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that positively engaging the pawls (264) with the tooth (230) comprises loading the pawls (264) under compression against the tooth (230).
    [0009]
    9. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that positively engaging the pawls (264) with the tooth (230) comprises loading the pawls (264) under tension against the tooth (230).
    [0010]
    10. The method of claim 7, characterized in that the cover (250) includes at least one hole (270) extending through the wall (256).
    [0011]
    11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one orifice (270) is a single orifice.
    [0012]
    12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: sealing the base (258) against the surface (206); create a vacuum inside (252); and inject a sealant inside (252).
    [0013]
    13. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises: sealing the base (258) against the surface (206); injecting a sealant into the interior (252) through at least one orifice (270); and allowing air to escape from the interior (252) through at least one orifice (270).
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR102014020490B1|2021-05-18|system and method for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface; and, method
    BR102014020484B1|2021-04-27|SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE COVERAGE OF A PORTION OF A HARNESS, AND, METHOD FOR COVERING A PORTION OF A HARNESS
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    法律状态:
    2016-02-23| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2018-11-06| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-11-19| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-04-13| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-05-18| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 20/08/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US14/034,114|US9541118B2|2013-09-23|2013-09-23|Systems and methods for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface|
    US14/034,114|2013-09-23|
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