Kurt Edward Swanson

US Patent:

48507326, Jul 25, 1989

Filed:

Jun 26, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/066784

Inventors:

Kurt W. Swanson - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Dynamics Corp./Space Systems Division X - San Diego CA

International Classification:

F16C 900

US Classification:

403 29

Abstract:

A fastener for connecting structures having significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion which substantially eliminates thermal stress with varying ambient temperatures, while allowing said structures to be offset or spaced from each other. A frusto-conical bore through a wall of a first structure receives a frusto-conical surface of an elongated fastener which is coincident with said bore. The fastener has a base secured to a second structure. A shoulder is formed on said first structure around the narrow end of said bore, the shoulder having a frusto-conical outer edge. A flange member is secured to the vertex end of said fastener, said flange member having a surface configured to engage said outer edge in a coincident relationship. The fastener is tightened to bring both pairs of coincident conical surfaces into pressure contact. Both pairs of conic surface preferably have a common vertex which lies outside the fastener.