Patent ID: 7347641
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: B21J,B29C,B29K,B29L,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system of joined structures, comprising: a first structure having a first aperture in a composite material, the first aperture having a first interior surface and a first minimum radial extent, the composite material configured so that a radial force to the first internal surface will damage the composite material; a second structure having a second aperture in a metallic material, the second aperture having a second interior surface and a second minimum radial extent approximately the same as the first minimum radial extent; and a coupling device having a first shank section extending through the first aperture and a second shank section extending through the second aperture, but not extending into the first aperture, the first shank section of the coupling device having at least one of a hardness, toughness, and density greater than that of the second shank section of the coupling device, wherein: a sealant extending between the interior surface of the first aperture and the first shank section of the coupling device, the sealant rigidly affixing the first shank section of the coupling device to the interior surface of the first aperture.