WO2001069108A1 - Stress-induced interposed connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A connecting assembly (110) is disclosed having a first component (120) defining an opening (122), a second component (112) adapted to be retained together with the first component and a washer component (114) made of a super-elastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components (112, 114, 120) causes a super-elastic activation in the washer (114) wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components (112, 120) together with the washer component (114) interposed jointly there between. The super-elastic component (114) can expand or contract to also form a seal, preferably upon mechanical stress activation using interference fit with one or more of the other components (112, 120) of the assembly (110). This improved seal is useful in fluid connectors such as hoses (510), electrical connectors (710), torque transmission devices (510), and for dampening vibration. Preferably the washer component (114) is pre-assembled to one of the first (120) and second components (112). More preferably, the first component (120) is pre-assembled with the washer (114) and the component (112) is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the super-elastic alloy of the washer (114). The resultant assemblies (110) form high performance connections and seals that are corrosion and wear resistant. These assemblies (110) are fully reversible and because of the elastic properties in the washer (114) the assemblies (110) contain hugh surface-to-surface contact, which allow them to exhibit strong axial and torsional holding forces.

Description

STRESS-INDUCED INTERPOSED CONNECTOR

Technical Field

The present invention relates -generally to metallic connectors and metallic shape memory seals, that is, devices that join together multiple parts by means of an interposed member, particularly connectors having one or more elements made of material that possesses super-elastic properties. The present connectors and seals are suitable for high-performance industrial and medical applications involving different ranges of operating temperatures and component materials being connected/sealed.

Background

The present inventor has previously published application Ser. No. WO 00/70244 entitled "Stress Induced Seal" on November 23, 2000.

The use of metallic super-elastic alloys, such as Ni-Ti (nitinol) and other bi- or tri-metal alloys, has been documented in a variety of technical applications, including fasteners, connectors, gaskets, clamps and seals. Many such uses have required temperature in order to activate the material and change its physical state, while others have used mechanical forces that impart stress to cause a super-elastic physical deformation in the material. Still others have employed a combination of temperature and mechanical stress causing a shape memory effect to function in a desired product. As will be seen, however, not all shape memory materials are pseudo-elastic, because not all exhibit super-elastic behavior at their operating temperatures. Of particular concern to the instant inventor is the application of the super-elastic material to connectors and seals. The use of non-corrosive, metallic super-elastic material offers a decided advantage in high performance connecting assemblies, versus more traditional assemblies requiring threaded fasteners, springs, clamps or other holding or securing mechanisms. Particularly, super-elastic alloys can withstand more wear than materials used in conventional connectors, due to harder surface characteristics. They can also withstand extreme vibrations and not loosen due to their elastic pre-loaded condition, without the use of conventional adhesives to hold the assembled components and/or the connector itself together. Adhesives used with conventional connectors make them very difficult to disassemble, whereas it is generally possible to make a super-elastic connector completely reversible. The use of non-corrosive, metallic shape memory material offers a decided advantage in high performance sealing environments, versus pliable synthetic rubber or silicone materials, in their ability to withstand a more substantial sealing load under extremes of pressure and temperature while not drying up the way rubbers and silicones can.

U. S. Patent Nos. 5,395,193 and 5,584,631 to Krumme et al.., discuss the use of nickel- titanium shape memory retainers in an optimized elastic condition that have super-elastic or pseudo-elastic properties. These fasteners are said to be useful for eyeglass assembly; they are placed onto a pin to retain components together. However, this use does not contemplate an interposed connector. In U. S. Patent Nos. 5,395,193 and 5,584,631, also co-invented by Krumme, the aforementioned optimized elastic materials are further incorporated in a Belleville fastener said to be useful in eyeglass frames.

U. S. Patent No.5, 683,404 to Johnson, entitled "Clamp and Method for its Use", further discusses shape memory materials that are "pseudo-elastic", defining these materials in terms of their ability to exhibit super-elastic/pseudo-elastic recovery characteristics at room temperature. Such materials are said to deform from an austenitic crystal structure to a stress-induced structure postulated to be martensitic in nature, returning thence to the austenitic state when the stress is removed. The alternate crystal structures described give the alloy super-elastic or pseudo-elastic properties. Poisson's Ratio for nitinol is about 0.3, but this ratio significantly increases up to approximately 0.5 or more when the shape memory alloy is stretched beyond its initial elastic limit. It is at this point that stress-induced martensite is said to occur, i.e., the point beyond which the material is permanently deformed and thus incapable of returning to its initial austenitic shape. A special tool is employed by Johnson to impart an external stretching force that deforms the material which force is then released to cause the material to return to its original condition. While the device is stretched, a member is captured by it and securely clamped when the stretching force is released. This device is intended for use in clamping and does not contemplate traditional connecting operations of the kind addressed by the present invention. Another use envisioned by Johnson is in connecting the modular components of a medical device, as described in his U. S. Patent No. 5,858,020, by subjecting a thimble component made of shape memory material to an external stretching stimulus to elongate and thereby reduce its transverse dimension. Upon release of the stretching force, this component returns towards its original rest dimension, contacting and imparting a force on another component. This is a sequential stretching and relaxation of the super-elastic material rather than a simultaneous activation and retention operation. Also, special structures are necessary on the thimble to allow the stretching force to be imparted. U. S. Patent No. 4,896,955 to Zider and Krumme, entitled "Eyeglass Frame Including Shape Memory Elements ", characterizes the use of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys that have super-elastic or pseudo-elastic properties. In criticizing these materials, it is said that the effective useful temperature range for such purely pseudo-elastic components in eyeglass frames is too narrow. This limitation was further said to be remedied by fabrication of such components from materials having "optimized elasticity" properties, that is, work-hardened shape memory alloys.

In U. S. Patent No. 5, 197, 720 to Renz, et al. , a work piece is held within a clamping tool by an expansion element made of shape memory material that is activated by mechanical force. In this way, torque is transmitted through the shape memory member. This device is useful for bringing parts together for holding the work piece in order to perform an operation. It does not, however contemplate a use as a connector or a seal. U. S. Patent No. 5, 190,546 to Jervis discloses insertion into a broken bone cavity of a split member made of shape memory material using a super-elastic alloy. The split member holds the walls of the bone cavity when radial compressive forces acting on it are released. In order for the radial compressive force to reduce the diameter, the component must be split, allowing the reduction in dimension for insertion. It does not act as an interposed member in a connecting assembly nor does it exhibit sealing behavior.

Others have sought to utilize the properties of shape memory materials as locking, connector and bearing elements, e. g., U. S. Patent Nos. 5,507,826 to Besselink, et al, 5, 779,281 to Kapgan, et al, and 5,067,827 to Arnold, respectively; however, such approaches have required temperature to be applied during use. U. S. Patent Nos. 5,277,435 to Kramer, et al. and 5,876,434 to Flomenblit, et al. similarly has relied upon temperature to activate the shape memory effect. Such dependence on extrinsic activation by temperature introduces an added process step and may further be disadvantageous in certain other applications.

U. S. Patent No. 5,842,312 to Krumme, et al, entitled, "Hysteretic Damping Apparati and Methods", employs shape memory tension elements to provide energy dissipation. Such elements can be placed between building structures, etc., which are subject to vibration, serving to absorb the energy created by their relative movement. However, this patent does not contemplate the vibration dampening effect of a super-elastic material in the formation of a connector or a seal. None of the above-mentioned prior approaches have contemplated the formation of an effective seal such as envisioned by the present inventor. Moreover, the aforementioned Renz, et al patent, although transmitting torque through a work piece, does not contemplate doing so while forming a seal. Further, a key feature of certain seals is their ability to accommodate changes of differing kinds in the members being sealed, such as thermal expansion. Pliable rubbers and silicones, for example, have this characteristic; however, the operating demands are decidedly different in high performance metallic sealing applications.

Prior approaches to the formation of seals from shape memory alloys will now be addressed. Reference is now made to U. S. Patent No. 5,862,995 to Wu, entitled, "High Pressure Fluid Passage Sealing for Internal Combustion Engine Fuel Injectors and Method of Making Same". In this patent, a shape memory alloy plug is inserted into an open end of a fuel passage, undergoing a metallurgical phase change from martensite to austenite to effect a seal with the passage. This is done by pre-straining the plug when it is cooled within a temperature range of - minus 100 to minus 80 degrees Celsius. If. S. Patent No. 5,226,683 to Julien, et al, entitled, "Reusable Metallic Seal Using Memory Metal", employs an annulus of binary metal in the martensite state that is positioned for use, then heated above a transition temperature to an austenite state for removal and reuse. In U S. Patent No. 4,281,841 to Kim, et al, entitled, "O- Ring Sealing Arrangements for Ultra-High Vacuum Systems", a heat-recoverable tube is chilled to its martensitic state, then deformed, and returned to its austenitic state by means of temperature activation.

However, all of the above attempts involved temperature changes to a shape memory material. The material is initially in an austenitic state, then chilled to a martensitic physical state where it becomes malleable, i.e., not elastic. It is important to note that this process step occurred before a seal was formed. The material was subsequently formed into an intermediate shape and placed into the sealing assembly. The temperature was raised above the austenite transition temperature where the material recovered towards its original austenitic shape and size, effecting a seal.

Accordingly, there is a need to form a durable metallic, non-corrosive seal or plug, beginning with a shape memory material in its austenitic state and inducing a super-elastic behavior via stress-induction to form an effective high performance seal.

There is a further need to form a seal that decreases the temperature sensitivity of a component made from a shape memory material.

Accordingly, there is a need to form a connecting assembly using a durable metallic, non- corrosive connector assembly, which are simple to install using relative motion to activate the assembly.

There is a further need to form a secure connection between components that minimizes the micro-motional wear characteristics of the assembly, enhancing its useful life.

There is another need to form a fastened assembly that does not require temperature for its activation. There is still a further need to form a stress-induced seal/ connector using a pre-tensioned shape memory alloy that adjusts for differences in thermal coefficients of expansion or contraction of dissimilar materials comprising those components being sealed/ connected.

There is still a further need to form a pre-tensioned seal/ connector that allows for vibration dampening, transmitted through a sealed member.

There is still a further need to form a pre-tensioned seal that allows for torque to be transmitted through a sealed member.

There is still a further need for a connector with elastic properties that allow more forgiving tolerances during manufacturing of the assembly components.

Summary of Invention

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connecting assembly has 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.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 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 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 preferred embodiment, the first and second components are pre-assembled and relative motion occurs between the connector and the pre-assembled components.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the opening defines an axis and relative motion occurs along the axis; alternatively, the relative motion could occur normal to the axis.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the components are rigidly retained.

In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connection forms a seal.

An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that a super-elastic alloy, e.g., nickel-titanium has an oxide layer presenting a stronger wear surface than other traditional connectors. Moreover, the connector component is elastic in nature, allowing it to act as a vibration-dampening member that prevents the assembly from loosening. Also, the components of the present assembly are more forgiving of manufacturing tolerances. These connectors are entirely reversible.

Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that a connection is effected by simple relative motion, not requiring threaded fasteners, springs, clamps or other holding or securing mechanisms. This feature allows the connectors to be operable in a much smaller working space, further avoiding the complexity associated with traditional connection devices.

A further advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the super-elastic properties are not dependent on temperature to impart the activation force required to effect such a connection.

Other objects and advantages will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by resort to the appended Drawings having reference numerals that correspond to the ensuing Description of one or more embodiments of the invention wherein the following Figures are further elucidated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded external side view of a ball and a super-elastic component (i.e., a washer), shown prior to assembly, illustrating the super-elastic effect operative in the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sequential view of Fig. 1, showing the ball fully engaged with the washer to form a connection;

Fig. 3 is a further sequential view of Fig. 2, showing the ball pushed entirely through the washer;

Fig.4A is a top plan view of the washer of Fig.3;

Fig. 4B is a top plan view of an alternative, open sided washer;

Fig. 5 is side view of a connector assembly of the invention showing a first component with an opening, a second component in the form of a ball, and a connector component (shown in phantom) in the form of a washer, prior to assembly; Fig. 6 is a sequential view of Fig. 5 showing the components assembled (shown partially in phantom);

Fig. 7 is a side view of a connecting assembly similar to that shown in Fig. 5 with an alternative second component in the form of a pin;

Fig. 8 is a side view of a connecting assembly of the present invention, prior to activation by an external force, showing a first component with a collet activating a pre-assembled connector component (washer shown in phantom) to retain the second component (i.e., pin partially shown in phantom);

Fig. 9 is a sequential view of Fig. 8 showing the components retained together upon activation of connector component (shown in phantom) by an external force applied to the collet;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an open sided connecting assembly of the present invention, showing a first component and a connector component pre-assembled prior to activation of the connector by a second component i.e., ball;

Fig. 11 is a sequential front view of Fig. 10 showing the components retained together upon activation of the connector (shown in phantom) by relative motion of the ball;

Fig. 12 is a side view of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is an exploded side view of a preferred housing assembly of the present invention, showing a component having a cavity with a protrusion over which a super-elastic washer component and a top plate are placed using mechanical fasteners, prior to forming a sealed connection with the super-elastic component;

Fig. 14 is a sequential view of Fig. 13, showing the housing assembly fully engaged with the super-elastic component to form a seal after the plate is fastened;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal cross-section of a preferred hose assembly of the present invention, shown with a super-elastic component placed within one of the hose members prior to engagement of the members; Fig. 16 is a sequential view of Fig. 15, showing the hose members fully engaged with the super- elastic component to form a seal;

Fig. 17 is an exploded side view, partially in cross section, of a preferred fastener seal of the present invention, showing a super-elastic cover plate prior to engagement over a bolt head in a counter-bore;

Fig. 18 is a sequential view of Fig. 17, showing the plate installed over the fastener head;

Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical connector assembly of the present invention, showing a super-elastic component prior to engagement of the connector members; and

Figs. 20A-20E show various alternative shapes of the super-elastic washer components;

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to Figs.1-3, the operative super-elastic properties employed by the present inventor are illustrated. In Figs. 4A-4B, alternative super-elastic washers used in an experimental assembly are generally shown at 10. The remaining Figs. 5-15 depict preferred embodiments of a connecting assembly of the instant invention.

Referring again to Figs. 1-3, a first component of assembly 10 is a ball 12 defining a given spherical shape with a cross sectional diameter having a first dimension Dl. A second component consists of washer 14 defining a second given shape, in this case annular, having a cross section which is continuous with at least a second dimension D2 sized with interference to the first dimension Dl. One of the first 12 and second 14 components, i.e., washer 14 in Figs. 1- 3, includes an opening 16 with an entrance edge or lip 18 that is sized to correspond to its associated continuous cross-section, i.e., the inner diameter D2. In Fig. 2, relative motion indicated by arrow 13 of ball 12 with first dimension Dl causes it to contact the second dimension D2 of washer 14, imparting a force to super-elastically expand the second dimension, allowing the ball and washer to be jointly retained with one another.

Referring still to Figs. 1-3 first dimension Dl is preferably greater than second dimension D2 and the relative motion of the first 12 and second 14 component causes the second dimension to expand. Although not shown in these Figures, the assembly 10 may be provided with means for creating the relative motion 13; however, it is possible to impart the necessary force to assemble the components 12, 14 using an external source, e. g., a mechanical press, lever or a clamp, etc.

Washer 14 is preferably an integral member made of a super-elastic alloy, preferably nitinol, and more preferably SE508 nitinol. This material is described in "Nitinol SE508 Data Sheet", and is available from Nitinol Devices & Components, Inc., located in Fremont, CA. All of the super-elastic components referred to herein preferably are made of Nitinol SE508.

Experiment 1

Washer 14 of Figs. 1-3 was placed in a mechanical clamping structure (not shown) at room temperature prior to forming the experimental assembly 10. Ball 12 was made of polished stainless steel, with a uniform spherical diameter Dl of .375 inches. The initial resting dimensions of washer 14 were as follows: inner diameter D2 = .360; outer diameter D3 = .550; thickness Tl = .050. Washer 14 was placed under the press with its axial movement constrained by a support plate having an aperture (further not shown) underlying opening 16, the plate limiting the downward motion of the washer. Ball 12 was placed at the entrance to opening 16 and the press engaged to move the ball downward, forcing it into the opening. The super-elastic material of washer 14 was activated by ball 12 in response to the expansion of its inner diameter D2, by interference with the diameter Dl of the ball, up to a maximum insertion of the ball as shown in Fig. 2. The outer diameter D3 of washer 14 was then measured with ball 12 thus inserted and it was observed to increase .014 inches to a new diameter D2 of .564 inches. That is, the outer diameter D3 of washer 14 expanded .014 inches, in nearly direct proportion to the difference between the ball diameter Dl and the inner diameter D2 of the washer. Neither the diameter Dl of ball 12 nor thickness Tl of washer 14 were observed to change. Ball 12 was then pushed completely through the inner diameter D2 of washer 12, whereupon the dimensions of the washer were measured as follows: outer diameter D3 = .556; and inner diameter = .367. Therefore, some of the deformation was of a "plastic" nature, that is, the dimensions of washer 14 were permanently altered. Because the super-elastic material was in the austenitic state, there was no return to the extent of such plastic deformation. The 1-2% stated elastic capacity was thus exceeded, and so the plastic deformation ensued to the extent it was beyond this elastic capacity. In order to verify the results observed above, I repeated this experiment with a different washer having substantially the same dimensions and observed similar results. Experiment 2

The same ball 12 and washer 14 from the initial run of Experiment 1 was used to form the assembly 10. I postulated that the maximum plastic deformation had already occurred and, thus, would not further change. It was expected that the washer 14 would preserve its super- elastic properties and continue to admit ball 12 into opening 16, therefore expanding the resting dimensions of the washer in the manner observed for the initial run of Experiment 1. I observed that the inner D2 and outer D3 diameters of washer 14 measurably expanded to practically the same dimensions as was observed before, not greater or less. When ball 12 was pushed through opening 16, the same dimensions were observed as at the conclusion of the initial run of Experiment 1. A uniform band or swath 17 (Fig. 3) was observed upon passage of ball 12 through washer 14 (Fig. 3), in the circumferential area of diameter Dl corresponding to its contact with the super-elastic material of the inner diameter D2. This indicates that an even seal was effectively formed in a substantial area surrounding the circumference of ball 12, rather than a narrow line of contact. Thus it is concluded that the super-elastic material deformed in response to the stress-activated seal formation by the relative motion, conforming to the contour of ball 12. With further reference to Figs. 1-3, either of the first 12 and second 14 components the experimental assembly 10 had a tapered lead to facilitate activation of the super-elastic alloy. Lip 18 of opening 16 may have a chamfered entrance edge (not shown), functioning as a lead-in that makes easier the insertion of the first dimension Dl into the second dimension D2.

Returning to Fig. 4B and with reference to Figs. 10-12, a connector component in the form of an alternative washer is shown at 314 with an opening 316. This washer 314 is configured for use in the connector assembly generally shown at 310 as will be described below.

In Figs. 5-6, a connection assembly is generally shown at 110. A ball 112 and a washer 114 are similar to those shown by Figs. 1-3, except they are activated within a third component represented by a body 120 having an opening consisting of a through-bore 121 with a counter- bore 122 within which the washer is placed. Washer 114 has an opening 116. Through-bore 121 has a central axis A which, preferably, also passes through the center of opening 116. The ball 112 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 113 along axis A, that is, relative axial motion, into opening 116 (Fig. 6) inducing an internal stress in the connector causing opening 116 to super-elastically expand in the direction of diverging arrows 124. Likewise the outer diameter D3 expands to engage and form a connection against counter-bore 122. Because the outer diameter of washer D3, when engaged with counter-bore 122, exerts an inward radial force shown by arrows 126, the inner diameter D2 further contracts and exerts additional force on ball 112. Fig.7 is similar to Figs.5-6 but for the substitution of pin 111 for ball 112.

The components can be connected in various ways either by pre-assembling two of the components as shown in Figs. 8 and 10 then assembling these with the third in a final assembly as in Figs. 9 and 11-12. Tolerances can be chosen, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, so that there is an initial interference fit between components so that they can be temporarily held together in preparation for the final assembly. Alternatively, the tolerances could be chosen so that, while in the pre-assembled state, the components are loosely placed into position in preparation for final assembly as shown in Figs. 5-7.

In Figs. 8-9, a connecting assembly is generally shown at 210 with a first component in the form of a body 220 including a collet 219. A second component in the form of pin 211 and a connector component in the form of a washer 214 are provided, similar to those shown in Fig. 7. Body 220 has an opening consisting of a bore 221 with a counter-bore 222 within which washer 214 is placed. Similar to Figs. 1-7, washer 214 has an opening 216. Bore 221 has a central axis A which, preferably, also passes through the center of opening 216. Pin 211 is pre-assembled in a loose-fitting relationship within opening 216. Collet 219 is radially compressed in the direction indicated by arrow 213 along axis A, that is, relative motion is in a direction normal to axis A thereby inducing an internal stress in connector 214 causing opening 116 to super-elastically contract effecting the connection. Various means could be employed to radially compress collet 219 in a direction normal to axis A, e. g., a slidably adjustable sleeve, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the term "relative motion" encompasses the axial motion described in conjunction with Figs. 1-7, as well as the radial compression of collet 219 in Figs. 8-9 which results in motion of the collet in a direction normal to axis A relative to bore 221.

In Figs. 10-12, a connecting assembly is generally shown at 310. A connector component represented by a washer 314, is pre-assembled with a first component represented by a body 320. Body 320 has an opening consisting of an open through-bore 321 with a groove 323 within which the washer 314 is placed. Washer 314 has an opening 316. Through-bore 321 has a central axis A which, preferably, also passes through the center of opening 316. A ball 312 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 313 along axis A, that is, relative axial motion, into opening 316. Alternatively ball 312 can be moved in a direction indicated by arrow 315 normal to axis A, into the opening 316. As ball 312 enters washer opening 316, it induces an internal stress in washer 314, causing the opening to super-elastically expand engaging the groove 323 effecting a connection. Body 320 preferably has a base 324 and a shaft 326 projecting therefrom. Referring to Figs. 13-14, a seal-forming housing assembly is generally shown at 410. A body 420 has an opening 416 with an outer and upwardly extending protuberance 432 defining an entrance into a cavity 434 to be sealed against fluid escape. The second component is a super- elastic washer 414 having outer diameter D2 interfering with an inner diameter Dl of circular indentation 436 formed in the undersurface of cover 438. Inner diameter D2 is interfering with the outer diameter D4 of protuberance. When cover 438 is forced against protuberance 432, the outer diameter D3 of washer 414 contracts and seats within indentation 436, while inner diameter D2 expands over the diameter D4 of the protuberance. Thus a seal is formed by multiple activation of the super-elastic material of the washer, i.e., by cover 438 and protuberance 432.

Further referring to Figs. 13-14, there is further provided means for creating the relative motion, in the form of mechanical fasteners 428 received through holes 429 of cover 438 and threaded into tapped apertures 431 formed in body 420. Such means are not shown in Fig. 19; however, in the case of computer cable connectors, the conventionally used draw-screw arrangement can be employed. Alternatively, a source of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure (not shown) can be used to effect or assist in effecting the seal formation.

In Figs. 15-16, a hose connector assembly is generally shown at 510, having a mating pair of male 550 and female 552 connector members. A fluid passage 554 is provided through the members 550, 552 and a super-elastic washer 514 is located within a detent 558 in a counter- bore 560 of the female member 552. Mating threads 556 on each member 550, 552 couple the members together similar to the fasteners 428 of Figs. 13-14. A nozzle 562 with tapered lead-in head 564 is positioned adjacent opening 516 of the female member 552 and moved into the opening to engage the inner diameter of washer 514, as shown in Fig. 16. The relative movement induces a stress seal of the outer diameter of washer 514 against counter-bore 560, as well as the inner diameter of washer 514 against nozzle 562, i.e., a dual-activated seal.

Although not shown, the hose members of Figs. 15-16 could be replaced by torque transmitting members, wherein the super-elastic component forms a seal of the members against one another while transmitting torque between them.

Similarly, an assembly could be provided, although not shown, wherein the second component dampens vibration between the first and third components.

Further, the seal forming assembly could be employed where, as in Figs. 13-16, the first and third components may have differing coefficients of thermal expansion or contraction.

The fastening seal assembly is shown in Figs. 17-18. A washer 617 made of super-elastic material is used to seal a fastener 628 received within a threaded aperture 664 formed in a body 620. The body 620 has an opening 616 leading into a counter-bore 622 within which both the head 632 of tightened fastener 628 and the washer 614 are received, as in Fig. 18. Activation of the super-elastic material of the washer 614 by tightening of bolt 628 into threaded aperture 664 causes outward radial stress that locks its outer diameter against counter-bore 622. The stress activation also causes the inner diameter of washer 614 to contract where it is desirable to have it grip the threaded shaft 634, in the case (not shown) where the washer is located beneath head 632 and pre-assembled with fastener 628 prior to insertion into the opening 616. That is, for use as a locking seal washer.

Referring to Fig. 19, a seal forming electrical connector assembly is generally shown at 710. A mating pair of generally rectangular male 750 and female 752 cable pin connectors, such as for computer peripherals, are brought together with a correspondingly shaped ring 714 made of super-elastic material between them. Either of the connectors 750, 752 could be sized to accept the opening 716 of ring 714 around its periphery, while the other connector may be provided with an internal groove (not shown) wherein the ring is seated. Dual activation of the inner and outer diameter of ring 714 is similar in manner to the hose connector assembly 510 of Figs. 15-16.

Referring to Figs. 20A-E, either or both of the opening 16 and outer profile of washer 14 may be fabricated in a variety of geometric shapes. Fig. 20A shows the annular shape used in Figs. 1-18. Fig. 20B shows a washer 14 with an octagonal opening 16 to receive e. g., a torque transmission member (not shown) while its outer profile is circular, e. g., for location of the washer in a counter-bore. Fig. 20E shows a washer 14 having an octagonal cross section. Washer 14 of Fig. 20C has a splined opening 16 for similarly receiving a torque transmission member, while in Fig. 20D both the opening and outer profile have a splined cross section, e. g., to also circumferentially mesh with a torque transmission shaft or other gear arrangement. Fig. 19 shows a washer 14 having a polygonal trapezoidal shape which is asymetrical. Washer 14 generally is thinner than it is wide, as shown in Figs. 1, 5, 7-8, 13 wherein the thickness Tl is less than transverse dimension D3. Although not shown it is possible to use multiple connectors in a single assembly. Depending on the nature of the assembly, multiple washers can be successively stacked to increase the strength of the connection or increase the sealing pressure.

It is further possible, according to the invention, for the second dimension to be sized without interference to the first dimension wherein a force causes the second dimension to super- elastically expand or contract, contacting the first dimension effecting a seal. The assembly thus could have the first dimension greater than the second dimension and the force causes the second dimension to expand. The means of providing such force could be a fastener as shown, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, or a collet as shown in Figs. 8-9. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the modifications mentioned immediately above, in conjunction with the various embodiments described herein. For example, a plugged cavity, a fluid connector, torque transmission, etc., could all be adapted for use with a non-interfering fit between the first, second and third components of the seal forming assembly taught herein.

Therefore, the present invention generally teaches a method of forming a connecting seal assembly comprising the steps of: providing a component made of a super-elastic alloy having a given cross section; and applying a force to the cross section, causing it to expand or contract and create a seal. Further, the method may use a step of providing another component and applying a force to the initial component of to create a seal against the other component. The method may also employ the step of providing an additional activating component to cause the force to be applied.

While one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended Claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A connecting assembly comprising,

a first component defining an opening,

a second component adapted to be connected together with the first component, and

a washer component made of a super-elastic alloy, whereupon

relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation in the washer, the activation simultaneously connecting all the components together in an operatively fixed relative position, with the washer interposed in compression between the first and second components.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the relative motion occurs between the first and second component.

3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein two of the components are pre-assembled.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the relative motion occurs between the washer component and the first and second components.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the opening further defines an axis.

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the relative motion occurs along the axis.

7. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the relative motion occurs normal to the axis.

8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the compressed washer forms a seal between the first and second components.

9. The washer of claim 1 wherein the super-elastic alloy is nitinol.

10. The washer of claim 1, wherein the super-elastic properties are exhibited within the operating temperature range of the assembly.

11. A connecting assembly comprising,

a first component defining an opening,

a second component adapted to be connected together with the first component, and

a washer component made of a super-elastic alloy, pre-assembled with the first component, whereupon

relative motion between the first and second components causes the second component to induce a super-elastic activation in the washer, the activation simultaneously connecting all the components together in an operatively fixed relative position, with the washer interposed in compression between the first and second components.

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the opening further defines an axis.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the relative motion occurs along the axis.

14. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the relative motion occurs normal to the axis.

15. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the compressed washer forms a seal between the first and second components.

16. The assembly of claim 1 1 wherein the washer has a shape selected from the group comprised of: polygonal, ovoid, round, serrated, keyed.

17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the washer is a torque-transmitting member.

18. The assembly of Claim 1 1 wherein the washer acts as a vibration-dampening member between the first and second component.

19. A connecting assembly comprising,

a first component defining an opening,

a second component adapted to be connected together with the first component, and

a washer component made of a super-elastic alloy, pre-assembled with the second component, whereupon

relative motion between the first and second components causes the first component to induce a super-elastic activation in the washer, the activation simultaneously connecting all the components together in an operatively fixed relative position, with the washer interposed in compression between the first and second components.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the opening further defines an axis.

21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the relative motion occurs along the axis.

22. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the relative motion occurs normal to the axis.

23. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the compressed washer forms a seal between the first and second components.

24. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the washer has a shape selected from the group comprised of: polygonal, ovoid, round, serrated, keyed.

25. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the washer is a torque-transmitting member.

26. The assembly of Claim 19 wherein the washer acts as a vibration-dampening member between the first and second component.

27. A connecting assembly comprising,

a first component defining an opening,

a second component adapted to be connected together with the first component, and

a washer component made of a super-elastic alloy, whereupon

motion of the washer relative to the first and second components causes a super-elastic activation in the washer, the activation simultaneously connecting all the components together in an operatively fixed relative position, with the washer interposed in compression between the first and second components.

28. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the opening further defines an axis.

29. The assembly of claim 28 wherein the relative motion occurs along the axis.

30. The assembly of claim 28 wherein the relative motion occurs normal to the axis.

31. The assembly of Claim 27 wherein the compressed washer forms a seal between the first and second components.

32. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the washer has a shape selected from the group comprised of: polygonal, ovoid, round, serrated, keyed.

33. The assembly of claim 32 wherein the washer is a torque-transmitting member.

34. The assembly of Claim 27 wherein the washer acts as a vibration-dampening member between the first and second component.

35. The assembly of claim 27 further comprises at least two washers.