Stress-induced connecting assembly

Abstract

A connecting assembly is disclosed having a first component defining an opening, a second component adapted to be retained together with the first component and a connector component made of a super-elastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation of the connector wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components together with the connector interposed jointly there between. Preferably the connector component is pre-assembled to one of the first and second components. More preferably, the first component is pre-assembled with the connector and the second component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the super-elastic alloy of the connector. Alternatively, the second component is pre-assembled with the connector and the first component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the super-elastic alloy of the connector. In another alternative assembly, the first and second components are pre-assembled and relative motion occurs between the connector and the pre-assembled components.

36 . A connecting assembly comprising, 
 a first component defining a bore, and    a washer component made of a super-elastic alloy, whereupon 
 relative motion between the components causes an interference between the washer and the bore creating a super-elastic activation in the washer, the activation simultaneously connecting the components together in an operatively fixed relative position.  
   
     
     
         37 . The assembly of  claim 36  wherein the bore defines an axis, and the washer defines an axis.  
     
     
         38 . The assembly of  claim 37  wherein the axes are positioned in alignment.  
     
     
         39 . The assembly of  claim 38  wherein the relative motion occurs in a direction parallel to the axes.  
     
     
         40 . The assembly of  claim 36  further comprises a third component that is retained with the assembly as the connection is effected.  
     
     
         41 . The assembly of  claim 40  wherein the third component is mobile within the assembly.  
     
     
         42 . The assembly of  claim 36  wherein the washer component is nitinol.  
     
     
         43 . The assembly of  claim 36  wherein the super-elastic properties of the washer are exhibited within the operating temperature range of the assembly.  
     
     
         44 . The assembly of  claim 36  wherein the washer effects a seal.  
     
     
         45 . A connecting assembly comprising, 
 a first component with a body defining a bore with an axis, presenting a radially compressible or deformable portion, and    a second component made of a super-elastic alloy with a hole defining an axis, whereupon 
 relative motion between the first component and the second component causes a super-elastic activation in the second component, the activation simultaneously connecting the components together in an operatively fixed relative position.  
   
     
     
         46 . The assembly of  claim 45  wherein the bore axis and the second component axis are aligned.  
     
     
         47 . The assembly of  claim 46  wherein the relative motion occurs in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes.  
     
     
         48 . The assembly of  claim 45  wherein the radially compressible or deformable portion is enabled by slits formed in the body.  
     
     
         49 . The assembly of  claim 48  further comprising a sleeve component defining an axis aligned with the bore axis.  
     
     
         50 . The assembly of  claim 49  wherein relative axial motion between the sleeve components and the radially compressible or deformable portion cause the radially compressible or deformable portion to move in a substantially perpendicular direction to the bore axis.  
     
     
         51 . The assembly of  claim 50  wherein the motion of the radially compressible or deformable portion causes the super-elastic activation.  
     
     
         52 . The assembly of  claim 45  wherein the second component is nitinol.  
     
     
         53 . The assembly of  claim 45  wherein the super-elastic properties of the second component are exhibited within the operating temperature range of the assembly.  
     
     
         54 . A connecting assembly comprising, 
 a first component with a body defining a bore with an axis, the body having slits to enable a portion to be radially compressible,    a second component made of a super-elastic nitinol alloy with a hole defining an axis aligned with the bore axis, and    a third sleeve component defining an axis aligned with the bore axis, whereupon 
 relative motion between the sleeve component and the radially compressible portion cause the radially compressible portion to move in a direction substantially normal to the bore axis contacting the nitinol component causing a super-elastic activation, the activation simultaneously connecting the components together in an operatively fixed relative position.  
   
     
     
         55 . The assembly of  claim 54  wherein the super-elastic properties of the nitinol are exhibited within the operating temperature range of the assembly.  
     
     
         56 . A connecting assembly comprising, 
 a first component with a body defining a bore with an axis, presenting a radially compressible portion; and    a second component made of a super-elastic alloy with an axis, whereupon    relative motion between the first component and the second component causes a super-elastic activation in the second component, the activation simultaneously connecting the components together in an operatively fixed relative position.    
     
     
         57 . A connecting assembly comprising, 
 a first component with a body defining a bore with an axis, presenting a radially compressible portion; and    a second component made of a super-elastic alloy with an axis, whereupon    relative motion between the first component and the second component causes a super-elastic activation in the second component, the activation simultaneously connecting the components together in an operatively fixed relative position.    
     
     
         58 . A connecting assembly comprising, 
 a first component with a body defining a bore with an axis, including a collet with slits; and    a second component made of a super-elastic alloy with a hole defining an axis, whereupon 
 relative motion between the first component and the second component causes a super-elastic activation in the second component, the activation simultaneously connecting the components together in an operatively fixed relative position.  
   
     
     
         59 . The connecting assembly of  claim 58  wherein the slits allow the collet to be radially compressible.