Patent ID: 6418609
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: B23P,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for attaching a fastener to a workpiece, said method comprising the steps of:providing a workpiece; providing a fastener having a barrel; providing an installation mechanism having a plunger for driving said fastener into said workpiece without piercing said workpiece; providing a die button having a recessed portion defined by at least a wall and a bottom for controlling the deformation of said workpiece as said fastener is driven into said workpiece; inserting a fastener into said plunger of said installation mechanism; positioning said workpiece between said die button and said fastener; driving said fastener into said workpiece to initially engage said barrel of said fastener against said workpiece and deform said workpiece into said recessed portion of said die button, placing the portion of said workpiece adjacent said barrel in tension; continuing to drive said fastener against said workpiece to thin said portion of said workpiece adjacent said barrel; continuing to drive said plunger into said workpiece as said workpiece engages said bottom of said die button and reversing the forces on said workpiece from tensile forces to compressive forces to squeeze said portion of said workpiece adjacent said barrel and push said portion of said workpiece adjacent said barrel about said barrel; completing the installation by finally driving said fastener to fully form said workpiece about said barrel to lock said fastener into said workpiece.