Panel-fastening systems rely on a combination of oversized structural holes and nut-element float to accommodate panel removal and installation. Improvements in positional tolerances of tooling used to produce interchangeable panels, makes a new Panel Aligning Fastener System (PAFS) feasible.
PAFS differs from common panel fastening systems in that the access panel and its mating structure are treated as a stiff-spring system in which each fastener loads/unloads the spring system a small amount. With PAFS "pinning'' panels in place, it should be possible to design and manufacture improved, lighter weight, more efficient structure using fewer fasteners. Other advantages:
All male fasteners for a given panel can be identical, regardless of substructure thickness
The fastening system eliminates bending moment failures in the threads
Receptacle has no moving parts for high reliability
Improved fastener flushness
Improved fuel sealing (gasket chafing eliminated)
Inherent low cost
Panel hole misaligned with structure hole
With > 3 threads engaged, fastener becomes a jackscrew
Fastener chamfer engages receptacle barrel
Major diameter of bolt moves into the shear plane
Jim Landgrebe, Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, MZ 4266, Box 748, Fort Worth, TX 76101; (817) 763-2113.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
1 
