Non-cylindrical fastening systems and related methods

The present disclosure relates to non-cylindrical fastening systems and related methods, such as methods of installing a non-cylindrical fastening system. Presently disclosed non-cylindrical fastening systems may include a first fastening component and a second fastening component, where the second fastening component includes an elongate shank configured to be inserted through a hole in the first fastening component and through a hole in a structure to which the first fastening component is being secured. The holes in the first fastening component and the structure may be non-circular, and the elongate shank may be non-circular in perpendicular cross-section. Disclosed fastening systems may also include a third fastening component configured to be installed onto the elongate shank, and substantially prevent axial movement of the elongate shank with respect to the structure and/or first fastening component. Such fastening systems may lower the number of parts required in manufacturing an apparatus, such as an aircraft.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to non-cylindrical fastening systems and related methods, such as methods of installing a non-cylindrical fastening system.

BACKGROUND

In manufacturing objects, structures are often connected to each other. For example, in manufacturing an object, such as an aircraft, many different structures are connected to each other to form assemblies for systems in the aircraft. For example, skin panels may be attached to ribs and spars. As another example, floor panels may be connected to support structures in a fuselage to form the floor of a passenger cabin. In connecting structures to each other, different types of connecting systems may be used. One type of connecting system is a fastener system. A fastener system may include one or more fasteners. For example, a fastener for a fastener system may be a screw, a pin, a bolt, and/or a nut.

These fasteners may be used to connect structures to each other. For example, holes may be formed in the structure and nuts and bolts may be installed relative to the holes. Depending on the structures being coupled together and/or the type of fastener system being used, one or more nut plates, brackets, or clips may be utilized in the fastener system. Often, construction of objects or structures such as aircraft requires installation of a large number of such fastener systems, with each hole drilled and part used adding incrementally to the overall cost of the object and/or to the time to manufacture it. Some such fastener systems may require that components be riveted into place on the structure. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0283363 (Wilkerson, et al.), the entirety of which is incorporated herein for all purposes, discloses a rivetless anti-rotation nut plate that is designed to resist rotation without the use of rivets by virtue of a nut plate having a non-circular body end that is inserted into a non-circular hole. Such an arrangement allows for use of a conventional bolt having a circular cross-sectional area and a nut having a through-hole with a circular cross-sectional area as well. In other fastener systems involving installing one or more brackets or clips, two or more bolts may be required to sufficiently secure each bracket or clip so as to prevent rotation of the bracket or clip with respect to the structure to which it is attached, which may otherwise occur if the bracket or clip was installed using a single bolt. To keep two parts in the same relative positions using round holes and fasteners with circular cross-sectional areas, multiple conventional fasteners must be used (e.g., at least two) due to rotation about the central axis of the circular bolts and holes.

Carriage bolts have been used in some applications, where the carriage bolt's shank is circular for most of its length, but the portion immediately beneath the head is formed into a square section. Thus, carriage bolts may be self-locking when placed through a square hole. However, square holes are often not ideal for many industrial applications due to stresses and reduced fatigue properties created at sharp corners. Along the same lines, U.S. Pat. No. 1,822,657 (Horton) discloses a modified carriage bolt with a non-round shoulder portion (the portion of the shank's length that is immediately beneath the head of the bolt) having four flat surfaces and four cylindrical surfaces, which forms a shape that is a combination of a parallelogram and an ellipse. Both conventional carriage bolts and the modified bolt disclosed in Horton have limited applicability, typically being configured to prevent rotation of the bolt head to aid in installation of the nut. Other conventional fastening systems may be costly and/or complicated to manufacture, such as those including nuts having projecting tabs formed thereon or therein, an example of which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,245 (Frye, et al.).

SUMMARY

Presently disclosed fastener systems (which also may be referred to herein as “fastening systems”) may employ a non-round hole and a corresponding non-cylindrical fastener (e.g., a fastener having a shank with a cross-sectional area that is not circular). Such presently disclosed fastener systems may be used to install, for example, a bracket or a clip, with a single fastener, such fastener system being sufficient to prevent rotation of the bracket or clip despite only a single fastener being used. Prevention of rotation of the bracket or clip may be accomplished via the geometry of the fastener system, and may result in lower costs, part counts, and/or time required to manufacture an apparatus (such as an aircraft) that may require installation of a large number of such brackets or clips, with an incremental time and cost savings for each bracket or clip.

One example of a disclosed fastener system according to the present disclosure includes a first fastening component and a second fastening component that may be configured to be secured to a structure having a first hole formed therein. The first fastening component may include a second hole formed therethrough and the second fastening component may have an elongate shank. The elongate shank may be sized and shaped to be inserted through the second hole in the first fastening component and into the first hole in the structure, thereby securing the first fastening component to the structure such that the first fastening component is substantially not rotatable with respect to the structure, wherein the first hole and the second hole are not circular. The first hole and the second hole may be non-circular, and the elongate shank correspondingly may have a non-circular cross-section along at least a portion of the elongate shank. In some examples, the first fastening component may be a structural component, and the non-cylindrical elongate shank may be configured to prevent rotation of the structural component with respect to the structure.

The fastener system may also include a third fastening component having a third hole that is configured to be installed onto the elongate shank, thereby securing the second fastening component in an axial direction. In some examples, the elongate shank may include a portion having a circular cross-section, such that the third fastening component may be, for example, a conventional nut, or other standard attachment devices. Alternatively, in some examples, the third fastening component (e.g., a round nut or collar) may be swaged or otherwise secured to the non-circular portion of the elongate shank.

Related methods are also disclosed. One exemplary method may include providing a fastening system according to the present disclosure, positioning the first fastening component with respect to the structure such that the first hole in the structure is aligned with the second hole of the first fastening component, and inserting the elongate shank of the second fastening component into the first hole and the second hole, thereby coupling the first fastening component to the structure and substantially preventing rotation of the first fastening component with respect to the structure with a single second fastening component, as compared to conventional fastening systems which require at least two elongate shank components to prevent rotation of the other fastening component.

DESCRIPTION

Non-cylindrical fastening systems and related methods are disclosed herein. In some examples, such non-cylindrical fastening systems and/or methods may be used in manufacturing an apparatus, such as apparatus100, as schematically Illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, apparatus100may include one or more non-cylindrical fastening systems102(which also may be referred to herein as fastening system102or fastener system102). Exemplary fastening systems102may include brackets, clips, angles, standoffs, stringer clips, radius fillers, radius enhancements, radius blocks, and/or angled fillers, and components to attach the same to a structure112, which may be, for example, apparatus100or a component or system thereof. In some examples, apparatus100may include hundreds, or even thousands, of fastening systems102at various locations. Use of presently disclosed non-cylindrical fastening systems in manufacturing an apparatus may, in some examples, reduce the number of fasteners required to manufacture the apparatus (as compared to the number of conventional fasteners that would be required), reduce the number of holes required to be drilled in manufacturing the apparatus (as compared to the number of holes that need to be drilled when conventional fastening systems are used), prevent rotation of one or more fastening components (e.g., the head portion of a bolt), and/or reduce fatigue penalties for inducing stress risers in the form of holes.

Apparatus100may be provided in the form of an aircraft101; however, other apparatuses100are within the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to aircraft and aircraft applications. For example, as illustrative, non-exclusive examples, other apparatuses100that may be constructed with one or more fastener systems102according to the present disclosure include (but are not limited to) watercraft, land vehicles, monuments, furniture, land-based structures, aquatic structures, space-based structures, tanks, ships, personnel carriers, trains, spacecraft, aircraft, recreational vehicles, trucks, other vehicles, space stations, satellites, submarines, automobiles, power plants, bridges, dams, houses, manufacturing facilities, buildings, and/or any other structure or device that includes a fastening system. Additionally or alternatively, apparatus100may take the form of an assembly or subassembly within a larger apparatus. For example, apparatus100may take the form of a landing gear assembly, an engine, a wing, a wall, a fuselage, and/or any other component or subassembly of a larger apparatus. Apparatus100may take the form of systems or subsystems within a larger assembly, such as interiors, hydraulics, fuel systems, electrical systems, current return networks, and/or components thereof. Moreover, aircraft101may take any suitable form, including commercial aircraft, military aircraft, private aircraft, or any other suitable aircraft. WhileFIG. 1illustrates aircraft101in the form of a fixed wing aircraft, other types and configurations of aircraft are within the scope of aircraft101according to the present disclosure, including (but not limited to) helicopters.

Aircraft101may include a fuselage104, which also may be referred to herein as a barrel104, and which generally corresponds to the main body of aircraft101for holding passengers, crew, cargo, and/or equipment, for example, depending on the particular configuration and/or function of an aircraft101. Typically, although not required, fuselage104of an aircraft101is elongate and somewhat cylindrical or tubular. In some embodiments, fuselage104may be constructed of multiple sections that are longitudinally spaced along fuselage104and operatively coupled together to define fuselage104.

Aircraft101also may include wings106, horizontal stabilizers108, and/or a vertical stabilizer110, each of which may be constructed as a unitary structure or in subsections that are subsequently assembled together. One or more of fuselage104, wing106, horizontal stabilizer108, vertical stabilizer110, or a structural subsection thereof may be constructed with and/or may include one or more fastening systems102according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2illustrates a schematic representation of non-exclusive examples of systems114, including one or more fastening systems102according to the present disclosure and structure112to which fastening system102may be coupled. Generally, in the figures, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example are illustrated in broken lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fastening system102may include a first fastening component116, a second fastening component118, and/or a third fastening component120(which may also be referred to herein as retaining device120). Structure112may include a first hole122which may be configured to receive at least a portion of fastening system102, thereby allowing fastening system102to be selectively coupled to structure112. For example, a portion of fastening system102may be inserted into first hole122and secured therein in order to couple first fastening component116to structure112and substantially prevent rotational movement between the fastened components (e.g., between structure112, first fastening component116, second fastening component118, and/or third fastening component120). As indicated by dashed line123, first hole122may extend just part way into the thickness of structure112. In other examples, and as indicated by dashed lines125, first hole122may extend through the entire thickness of structure112, extending from an outer surface127of structure112to an inner surface131of structure112. In some examples, fastening system102may be used to connect two or more structures112together, thereby substantially preventing rotation of the structures112.

First fastening component116may include a second hole124formed therethrough. For example, second hole124may be formed through the entire thickness of first fastening component116, extending from an outer surface126to an inner surface128of first fastening component116. When fastening system102is coupled to structure112, inner surface128of first fastening component116may be positioned adjacent structure112(e.g., inner surface128of first fastening component116may be adjacent and/or contacting outer surface127of structure112). In some examples, inner surface128of first fastening component116may be in contact with structure112when fastening system102is coupled to structure112. In other examples, inner surface128of first fastening component116may be spaced apart from structure112and/or one or more intermediate structures (e.g., washers, spacers, etc.) may be positioned between first fastening component116and structure112. First fastening component116may be coupled to structure112such that it is substantially not rotatable with respect to structure112. Exemplary first fastening components116may include brackets, clips, angles, standoffs, stringer clips, radius fillers, radius enhancements, radius blocks, angled fillers, inserts, nut clips, and/or any other component designed to be coupled to a part such as structure112via a fastener or fastening system. In some examples, first fastening component116may be another part or a second structure that may be coupled to structure112. For example, fastening system102may consist of second fastening component118that is used to couple and substantially prevent relative rotation of two or more structures112with respect to one another.

Second fastening component118may include an elongate shank130that is sized and shaped to be inserted through second hole124in first fastening component116and/or into or through first hole122of structure112, thereby securing first fastening component116to structure112(and/or securing two or more structures112to each other) such that first fastening component116is substantially not rotatable with respect to structure112about an axis129of elongate shank130(and/or such that each respective structure112is substantially not rotatable with respect to the other respective structures112about axis129), where axis129is a longitudinal axis of second fastening component118(e.g., axis129is oriented along the length of elongate shank130) and elongate shank130and axis129may be referred to herein as longitudinal axis129. Exemplary second fastening components118may include bolts, lockbolts, hi-loks, screws, pins, rivets, dowels, and/or any other component designed to be inserted through or into an opening, such as first hole122and/or second hole124. In one specific example, second fastening component118may be a rivet having a non-circular shank, such rivet being used to secure two or more structures112to each other such that the structures112are substantially not rotatable with respect to one another, about the longitudinal axis of the rivet. In another variation, second fastening component118may be a rivet having a circular shank, such rivet being used to secure two or more structures112to each other, each of the structures112having a non-circular first hole122.

Second fastening component118may extend from a first end132to a second end134, and may include a head portion136in addition to elongate shank130. Head portion136may be enlarged with respect to some or all of elongate shank130, and may be any shape, such as square, circular, elliptical, hexagonal, and/or polygonal. Head portion136may be countersunk in some examples. Head portion136may be configured to be flush with the surface of first fastening component116when elongate shank130is inserted through second hole124. Alternatively, head portion136may be configured to protrude from the surface of first fastening component116when elongate shank130is inserted through second hole124. Head portion136may have a diameter or maximum dimension in the radial direction that is greater than the diameter or maximum radial dimension of elongate shank130in some examples. In this manner, elongate shank130may be configured to be inserted through or into first hole122and second hole124, while head portion136may be too large to be inserted through or into first hole122and second hole124. Head portion136may extend from an upper surface138to a lower surface140, where upper surface138coincides with first end132of second fastening component118. Lower surface140of head portion136may be adjacent a first shank end142. Elongate shank130may extend from first shank end142to a second shank end144, which may correspond with second end134of second fastening component118.

First fastening component116may be configured to be positioned relative to structure112such that first hole122and second hole124are aligned with one another. First hole122and second hole124may be non-circular. For example, first hole122and second hole124may be elliptical, oval, irregular, slot-shaped, fatigue-friendly shaped, contain no sharp corners, curved, and/or any other non-circular shape. First hole122and second hole124may be substantially identical to each other in size and shape in some examples.

Elongate shank130may include a non-circular portion146extending along at least a portion of elongate shank130. In some examples, non-circular portion146may extend along substantially the entire length of elongate shank130(e.g., from head portion136to second end134of second fastening component118). Non-circular portion146may have a cross-section that is non-circular and/or non-polygonal. Such non-circular and/or non-polygonal cross-section may be a transverse cross-section, such as a perpendicular cross-section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of elongate shank130. As used herein, “perpendicular cross-section” refers to the transverse cross-section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of second fastening component118. For example, non-circular portion146may have a perpendicular cross-section that is elliptical, oval, and/or any other shape. In some examples, the perpendicular cross-section of non-circular portion146may have a shape that is devoid of straight lines and edges. The perpendicular cross-section of non-circular portion146may be approximately equal in size and shape to first hole122and/or second hole124such that non-circular portion146of elongate shank130may be inserted through and/or into first hole122and second hole124. In some examples, non-circular portion146may be configured such that it has a press fit with first hole122and/or second hole124. For example, non-circular portion146may be sized such that it is slightly larger than first hole122and/or second hole124such that non-circular portion146has an interference fit or friction fit within first hole122and/or second hole124. Thus, elongate shank130may be inserted through second hole124of first fastening component116and through and/or into first hole122of structure112such that first fastening component116may be selectively coupled to structure112using a single elongate shank130such that first fastening component116is substantially prevented from rotating with respect to structure112, about axis129of elongate shank130.

Non-circular portion146may be adjacent second end144of second fastening component118in some examples. Second end144of elongate shank130may be inserted through second hole124of first fastening component116such that a portion of second fastening component118(e.g., head portion136) may be positioned on one side of first fastening component116and a portion of second fastening component118(e.g., at least a portion of elongate shank130) may be positioned on the opposite side of first fastening component116. For example, second fastening component118may be inserted through second hole124such that head portion136(e.g., lower surface140of head portion136) is positioned adjacent and/or contacts outer surface126of first fastening component116, elongate shank130extends all the way through second hole124, and second end144of second fastening component118is positioned adjacent inner surface128of first fastening component116or spaced away from inner surface128(e.g., second end144of second fastening component118may be positioned on the opposite side of first fastening component116than is first end132of second fastening component118). Additionally or alternatively, non-circular portion may be positioned adjacent first end142of elongate shank130and/or any other location along elongate shank130. In some examples, elongate shank130may be entirely non-circular (e.g., non-circular portion146may extend along substantially the entire length of elongate shank130.

In some examples, elongate shank130may include a first portion148and a second portion150, first portion148and second portion150being arranged adjacent one another, along axis129of elongate shank130. In some examples, first portion148of elongate shank130may be positioned adjacent first end142of elongate shank130and second portion150may be positioned adjacent second end144of elongate shank130. In other examples, the portions may be switched such that first portion148is positioned adjacent second end144and second portion150is positioned adjacent first end142. First portion148and second portion150may comprise any portion of the length of elongate shank130. In some examples, first portion148and second portion150may be approximately equal in length. In other examples, first portion148may be longer than second portion150(e.g., first portion148may take up a greater portion of the length of elongate shank130than does second portion150), or second portion150may be longer than first portion148. In some examples, first portion148and second portion150may be adjacent one another, or they may be spaced apart from one another along axis129of elongate shank130.

First portion148and second portion150may have different shaped perpendicular cross-sections and/or may have different threads or other features. For example, first portion148and/or second portion150may have a perpendicular cross-section that is circular. In some examples, first portion148and/or second portion150may have a non-circular perpendicular cross-section. In some examples, first portion148may have a circular perpendicular cross-section while second portion150may have a non-circular perpendicular cross-section. Similarly, first portion148may have a non-circular perpendicular cross-section while second portion150may have a circular perpendicular cross-section. In one specific example, one or more of first portion148and second portion150may have an elliptical perpendicular cross-section where the perpendicular cross-section has a major diameter portion156and a minor diameter portion158, major diameter portion156having a major diameter and minor diameter portion158having a minor diameter, where the major diameter is greater than the minor diameter. In some examples, major diameter portion156may be threaded, while minor diameter portion158may be unthreaded.

Elongate shank130may include a helical threaded portion152that has helical threads positioned around the shank. In some examples, helical threaded portion152may extend along the entire length of elongate shank130, or helical threaded portion152may extend along only a portion of the length of elongate shank130. Helical threaded portion152may coincide with first portion148and/or second portion150of elongate shank130(e.g., first portion148and/or second portion150may include helical threads located thereon). Helical threaded portion152may have a circular or approximately circular perpendicular cross-section in some examples. In other examples, helical threaded portion152may have a non-circular (e.g., elliptical) perpendicular cross-section.

In some examples, elongate shank130may include one or more annular rings154. In some examples, elongate shank130includes a plurality of annular rings154. Annular rings154may be positioned on first portion148and/or second portion150of elongate shank130. In some examples, annular rings154may be positioned on a portion of elongate shank130having a non-circular perpendicular cross-section. Annular rings154may be circular even when positioned on a section of elongate shank130having a non-circular perpendicular cross-section (e.g., annular rings154may be coupled to elongate shank130such that the rings contact portions of the circumference of elongate shank130but not the entire circumference of elongate shank130). Annular rings154may be adjacent one another and/or may be spaced apart from one another along axis129of elongate shank130. Annular rings154and/or helical threaded portion152may be configured to engage with third fastening component120in systems114that include such third fastening component120.

Third fastening component120may be configured to be positioned with respect to first fastening component116and second fastening component118such that third fastening component120substantially prevents movement of second fastening component118with respect to first fastening component116in an axial direction (e.g., along axis129of elongate shank130). In other words, third fastening component120may be configured to prevent elongate shank130from accidentally withdrawing from first hole122and/or second hole124.

Third fastening component120may include a third hole160, which may be approximately the same size and shape as first hole122and/or second hole124. Alternatively, third hole160may be a different size and/or shape than first hole122and/or second hole124. For example, third hole160may be circular, and third fastening component120may be a conventional nut or other retaining device. Third hole160may be sized and shaped to receive and/or engage elongate shank130of second fastening component118. For example, third fastening component120may be configured to be positioned with respect to second fastening component118such that elongate shank130may be inserted through third hole160of third fastening component120. Additionally or alternatively, third fastening component120may be positioned such that it engages structure112. In some examples, third fastening component120may engage both structure112and elongate shank130and may serve to tighten second fastening component118with respect to first fastening component116and structure112.

In some examples, third hole160may be non-circular, such as elliptical or oval-shaped. Third hole160may include internal threads162on an inner surface164of third hole160. Thus, third fastening component120may be configured to be threaded onto elongate shank130, such as by engaging internal threads162of third hole160with elongate shank130(e.g., with helical threaded portion152and/or annular rings154of elongate shank130). In other examples, third fastening component120may be pressed or swaged onto elongate shank130, and/or may be configured to have a press fit with elongate shank130. Third fastening component120may be, for example, a nut, a retaining collar, a washer, a fastener nut, and/or any other device that may be configured to retain elongate shank130in place once it is inserted through first hole122and second hole124(e.g., second fastening component118may not be removable from first hole122and second hole124without first removing third fastening component120). In some specific examples, third fastening component120may be a two-piece nut, a hinged nut, and/or a different device that may be coupled to elongate shank130without threading it onto elongate shank130. Examples of two-piece nuts and hinged nuts are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,934,896 and 6,821,070, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. Alternatively, second fastening component118may be configured to retain itself within first hole122and second hole124without a separate retaining device120. For example, second fastening device118may comprise a rivet, and the driven end of the rivet may be configured to retain the rivet in place once inserted through first hole122and/or second hole124, without the need for a separate retaining device120in some examples.

Structure112may be any suitable structure or apparatus (e.g., apparatus100), or portion or component thereof. For example, structure112may be an aircraft101, or a part or component thereof, but the disclosure is not limited to the same. In some examples, structure112may be formed entirely or partially of one or more composite materials166, one or more metallic materials168(e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.), and/or one or more non-pliable materials170. Structure112may be a plurality of structures112and/or may include a plurality of first holes122. Each first hole122may extend through the entire thickness of structure112, or through only a portion of its thickness. Each first hole122may be formed in and/or through one or more composite materials166, metallic materials168, and/or non-pliable materials170. Structure112may be configured to perform a structural function, such as supporting or withstanding a load. Structure112may be formed of a material having a significant thickness, such that each first hole122has a depth or length that is equal to the thickness of structure112at the location of each respective first hole122. For example, each first hole122may be formed through a portion of structure112that is at least 5 mm thick, at least 10 mm thick, at least 15 mm thick, at least 20 mm thick, and/or at least 25 mm thick. In some examples, structure112may be configured to be subject to fatigue loading. Each first hole122formed in structure112may be formed using any suitable technique. For example, orbital drilling may be used to form non-circular first holes122in structure112.

Presently disclosed systems114including one or more fastening systems102may be used in construction of an aircraft101or other apparatus100, such as to prevent rotation of one or more first fastening components116with respect to structure112and/or to keep first fastening component116and structure112in the same relative position to one another. Presently disclosed systems114may be used to prevent rotation of multiple structural elements in a stack without needing secondary pieces, such as tabs or etc., to be formed in the fastening components. A single apparatus100may include a plurality of fastening systems102. For example, a single aircraft101may include thousands of brackets, each of which requires at least two fasteners to prevent rotation thereof, using conventional fastening systems. However, using presently disclosed fastening systems102, each first fastening component116(e.g., a bracket) may be secured to structure112with a single second fastening component118(e.g., a single bolt), which may reduce the number of parts needed to manufacture structure112and/or apparatus100, thereby decreasing costs and/or installation time in some examples. Furthermore, presently disclosed systems114may enable drilling fewer holes (e.g., first holes122) in structure112, which may also reduce costs and/or manufacturing times.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic representation of non-exclusive examples of second fastening component118, shown as an elevation view. Second fastening component118may include head portion136and elongate shank130and may extend from first end132to second end134. Head portion136may include upper surface138corresponding with first end132and lower surface140adjacent first shank end142. Elongate shank130may extend along axis129(e.g., in an axial direction) from first shank end142to second shank end144, which may correspond with second end134of second fastening component118. Elongate shank130may include one or more features such as helical threaded portion152, annular rings154, major diameter portion156, and/or minor diameter portion158, each of which may be positioned at any location along the length of elongate shank130and for any portion of the length. For example, one or more of the features may be present along the entire length of elongate shank130, and/or one or more of the features may be present along a portion of the length of elongate shank130.

Head portion136may take any suitable shape.FIGS. 4-6illustrate schematic representations of non-exclusive examples of head portion136, shown as top plan views.FIG. 4illustrates a circular head portion172,FIG. 5illustrates a hexagonal head portion174, andFIG. 6illustrates a square head portion176, however these examples are not limiting, and any shape head portion136may be used with disclosed second fastening components118. Head portion136may have a diameter or maximum dimension that is larger than that of elongate shank130. For example, head portion136may have a head dimension178corresponding to the diameter or maximum dimension of head portion136, depending on the shape of head portion136. Similarly, elongate shank130may have a shank dimension180corresponding to the diameter or major diameter or maximum dimension of elongate shank130, where head dimension178is greater than shank dimension180. In this manner, second fastening component118may be configured such that elongate shank130may be inserted through a first hole122in structure112(FIG. 2) and second hole124in first fastening component116(FIG. 2), while head portion136may be too large to be inserted through first hole122and/or through second hole124.

FIGS. 7-9illustrate schematic representations of cross-sectional views of non-exclusive examples of elongate shank130, taken along line7-7inFIG. 3. Each ofFIGS. 7-9may correspond with first portion148and/or second portion150of elongate shank130, in examples where elongate shank130includes first portion148and/or second portion150.FIGS. 8-9illustrate examples of non-circular portion146of elongate shank130, whileFIG. 7shows a portion of elongate shank130having a circular perpendicular cross-section. Non-circular portion146ofFIG. 8has an elliptical perpendicular cross-section and non-circular portion146ofFIG. 9has a slot-shaped perpendicular cross-section, but these examples are non-limiting, and other shapes are also possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.FIG. 7illustrates shank dimension180as the diameter of the circular portion of elongate shank130, while shank dimension180inFIG. 8corresponds to a maximum diameter of major diameter portion156and shank dimension180inFIG. 9corresponds to a maximum dimension of the cross-sectional shape.FIGS. 8 and 9also include a minimum shank dimension182, corresponding to minor diameter portion158inFIG. 8and corresponding to the minimum dimension of the cross-sectional shape inFIG. 9. Such cross-sectional shapes shown inFIGS. 7-9may correspond to the entire length of elongate shank130or to a portion thereof. For example, in some second fastening components118, elongate shank130may include a portion having a circular perpendicular cross-section (e.g., one of first portion148or second portion150) and a non-circular portion146positioned in a different location along elongate shank130(e.g., corresponding to the other of first portion148or second portion150).

FIG. 10shows a schematic representation of an elevation view of examples of second fastening component118having an elongate shank130with first portion148being a non-circular portion146, and second portion150being a circular portion of elongate shank130. One or both of first portion148and second portion150may include threaded portion152and/or one or more annular rings154. In some examples, threaded portion152and/or annular rings154may be positioned adjacent second end134of elongate shank130. In these examples, elongate shank130may be inserted through first hole122and second hole124(FIG. 2) such that first portion148is positioned within first hole122and second hole124, thereby preventing rotation of second fastening component118and first fastening component116with respect to structure112, while second portion150of elongate shank130may be positioned outside of first hole122(e.g., second portion150may extend away from structure112on the opposite side of structure112from first fastening component116). In this manner, a conventional nut or other third fastening component120(FIG. 2), such as those having a circular third hole160, may be threaded onto second portion150or otherwise coupled thereto in some examples. In other examples, second fastening component118may not include any threaded portion152or annular rings154, such as in examples where second fastening component118comprises a rivet.

FIGS. 11-13illustrate schematic representations of cross-sectional views of non-exclusive examples of elongate shank130, such as may be taken along line7-7inFIG. 3.FIG. 11is a schematic diagram representing examples of a perpendicular cross-sectional view of elongate shank130of second fastening component118having threaded portion152and/or one or more annular rings154. As shown inFIG. 11, elongate shank130may include a portion having a circular perpendicular cross-section, which may correspond to first portion148or second portion150. Threads, such as helical threads, may be formed on a portion of an outer surface184of elongate shank130, thereby forming threaded portion152. Additionally or alternatively, one or more annular rings154may be provided around the circumference of elongate shank130. Such threaded portion152and/or annular rings154may be configured to engage other components of system114(FIG. 2), such as third fastening component120(e.g., third hole160of third fastening component120), first fastening component116(e.g., second hole124of first fastening component116), and/or structure112(e.g., first hole122of structure112).

FIG. 12is a schematic diagram representing examples of a cross-sectional view of elongate shank130of second fastening component118, having threaded portion152positioned on just a portion of the circumference of elongate shank130(e.g., on a portion of the circumference of non-circular portion146of elongate shank130). For example, elongate shank130may have a perpendicular cross-section that is non-circular (e.g., elliptical) with major diameter portion156and minor diameter portion158. In some examples, major diameter portion156may be threaded, while minor diameter portion158may be unthreaded, thereby allowing a circular third fastening component120having a third hole160with a diameter equal to the diameter of major diameter portion156to be threaded onto elongate shank130, albeit with some areas of third fastening component120not in engagement with elongate shank130(e.g., third hole160of third fastening component120may be configured to contact and/or engage with major diameter portion156of elongate shank130, but not with minor diameter portion158of elongate shank130).

FIG. 13is a schematic diagram representing examples of a cross-sectional view of an example of elongate shank130of second fastening component118having one or more annular rings154positioned on non-circular portion146of elongate shank130. As shown inFIG. 13, annular rings154may be positioned with respect to non-circular portion146such that only a portion of outer surface184of elongate shank130is in contact with annular ring154. For example, major diameter portion156may contact annular rings154, while minor diameter portion158may not contact annular rings154, such that annular rings154may be spaced apart from minor diameter portion158. In this manner, only a portion of the circumference of non-circular portion146may be engaged with annular rings154, due to the difference in shapes of annular rings154and the perpendicular cross-section of non-circular portion146, which in this example is shown as being elliptical.

Annular rings154and/or threaded portion152(e.g., helical threads152) as shown inFIGS. 11-13may be positioned along a portion of the length of elongate shank130or along substantially the entire length of elongate shank130. Such annular rings154and/or threads152may be configured to engage with third fastening component120(FIG. 2). For example, third fastening component120may include a nut that is configured to be threaded onto threaded portion152and/or configured to engage with annular rings154. Additionally or alternatively, third fastening component120may include a retaining collar that is configured to be swaged onto annular rings154. Thus, third fastening component120may include a circular third hole160and may still be able to engage with non-circular portion146of elongate shank130in some examples. In other examples, third hole160of third fastening component120may be non-circular as well, and may be coupled to non-circular portion146of elongate shank130without threading or rotating third fastening component120, such as by being a hinged or two-part nut or other component.

Turning now toFIGS. 14-23, illustrative non-exclusive examples of fastening systems102according to the present disclosure are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations ofFIGS. 2-13are used to designate corresponding parts of the fastening systems illustrated inFIGS. 14-23, however, the examples ofFIGS. 14-23are non-exclusive and do not limit fastening systems102to the illustrated embodiments. That is, fastening systems102are not limited to the specific embodiments of the illustratedFIGS. 14-23and may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of the fastening systems102that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations ofFIGS. 2-13and/or the embodiments ofFIGS. 14-23, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 14-23, however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with any and all such fastening systems.

FIG. 14shows an example of system114with a first fastening system186(which is an example of fastening system102) having a vertical insert188(which is an example of first fastening component116). Vertical insert188includes second hole124through which second fastening component118is inserted. Second fastening component118, shown in the form of a bolt118, may be arranged such that head portion136of second fastening component118is positioned adjacent outer surface126of vertical insert188, with elongate shank130(not visible inFIG. 14) passing through second hole124of vertical insert188and also extending through first hole122in structure112. As shown inFIG. 15, second hole124may be non-circular (e.g., elliptical or oval). The first hole (e.g., first hole122, although not visible inFIG. 14) may be similarly sized and shaped (e.g., also elliptical or oval, having substantially equal major and minor diameters and orientation as second hole124). The elongate shank (e.g., elongate shank130, although not visible inFIG. 14) of second fastening component118may include a non-circular portion (e.g., non-circular portion146) being configured to be inserted through and engage with first hole122and second hole124, thereby preventing rotation of the elongate shank and vertical insert188with respect to the first hole in structure112and with respect to structure112, by virtue of the geometry of the elongate shank, the first hole, and second hole124. Vertical insert188thus may be coupled to outer surface127of structure112such that vertical insert188is substantially not rotatable with respect to structure112, about axis129of second fastening component118. As with all examples shown inFIGS. 14-23, placement of second fastening component118and second hole124may be altered as compared to the illustrated placement. For example, whileFIGS. 14-23may show asymmetrical fastening systems, the fastening systems may be symmetrical in some examples. For example, second hole124may be centrally located in first fastening component116, rather than off-center, as shown.

FIGS. 15-16illustrate an example of system114having a second fastening system190(which is an example of fastening system102) that includes a self-locking insert192(which is an example of first fastening component116). Self-locking insert192may be spaced apart from outer surface127of structure112, such as by the length of second hole124and/or by a spacer194positioned between inner surface128of self-locking insert192and outer surface127of structure112. Self-locking insert192(or any first fastening component disclosed herein) may be symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape. For example, vertical insert188ofFIG. 14may be asymmetrical, with a single projecting flange portion196extending from an insert portion198, whereas conventional fastening components include two projecting flanges extending from a central insert portion to accommodate two fasteners (e.g., bolts) to prevent rotation of the conventional fastening component. Similarly, self-locking insert192may be asymmetrical, or symmetrical (as shown). As shown inFIG. 16, self-locking insert192may be symmetrical, with a projecting flange196on either side of central insert portion198, however, self-locking insert192still may be secured to structure112with a single second fastening component118, such as by including second hole124and second fastening component118on one of the projecting flanges196and spacer194between the other of the projecting flanges196and structure112. Central insert portion198may be configured to, for example, receive a device200for a load-bearing application. In alternative arrangements, self-locking insert192may be configured such that second hole124is formed in central insert portion198rather than on either side thereof.

FIGS. 17-18illustrate an example of system114(FIG. 18) having a third fastening system202(which is an example of fastening system102) that includes an axial insert204(which is an example of first fastening component116). As compared toFIG. 14, which shows vertical insert188having a vertically-oriented insert portion198(e.g., insert portion198is arranged perpendicularly to axis129of second fastening component118), axial insert204is configured to have an axially-oriented insert portion198extending along axis129of second fastening component118.

FIGS. 19-20illustrate an example of system114(FIG. 19) having a fourth fastening system206(which is an example of fastening system102) that includes a standoff208(which is an example of first fastening component116).FIG. 20shows the components of fourth fastening system206in an exploded view, and shows standoff208having second hole124, through which elongate shank130of second fastening component118may be inserted such that head portion136is positioned adjacent outer surface126of standoff208and elongate shank130extends beyond inner surface128of standoff208such that third fastening component120may be inserted onto (or otherwise coupled to) elongate shank130opposite head portion136(e.g., third fastening component120may be inserted adjacent second end134of second fastening component118). Third fastening component120is shown in the form of a retaining collar inFIG. 20.

FIG. 21illustrates an example of system114(which is an example of fastening system102) having a fifth fastening component210that may include a nut clip212. Fifth fastening component210(which may be an example of first fastening component116) may include second hole124that is a non-circular hole (e.g., an elliptical hole) through fifth fastening component210(e.g., second hole124may extend from outer surface126to inner surface128of fifth fastening component210). Whereas conventional fastening systems require at least two holes formed in the component and require at least two respective bolts to be inserted through those holes, fifth fastening component210may include just a single second hole124and a single bolt (or other single second fastening component118) may be positioned extending through second hole124in order to secure fifth fastening component210to another fastening component or structure (e.g., to structure112) and substantially prevent rotation thereof.

FIG. 22illustrates an example of second fastening component118that may be used with any of the above-illustrated systems. For example, second fastening component118may include an elongate shank130having a non-circular portion146that may be configured to be inserted through any non-circular hole (e.g., first hole122and/or second hole124). As shown inFIG. 22, non-circular portion146may extend along just a portion of the length of elongate shank130, and may correspond to a first portion148that initiates at first shank end142, adjacent lower surface140of head portion136. The second portion150of elongate shank130may, as shown, have a circular perpendicular cross-section and may extend from first portion146to second shank end144of elongate shank130. Second portion150may have a helical threaded portion152which may be configured to engage with, for example, a third fastening component (e.g., third fastening component120ofFIG. 2), which may be, for example, a conventional nut configured to be threaded onto helical threaded portion152. In this manner, non-circular portion146may be inserted through one or more non-circular holes in order to prevent rotation of one or more parts with respect to one another and elongate shank130, using a single second fastening component118instead of two or more conventional bolts to accomplish the same prevention of rotation.

FIG. 23schematically provides a flowchart that represents illustrative, non-exclusive examples of methods300of using or installing fastening systems (e.g., fastening systems102) according to the present disclosure. InFIG. 23, some steps are illustrated in dashed boxes indicating that such steps may be optional or may correspond to an optional version of methods300according to the present disclosure. That said, not all methods300according to the present disclosure are required to include the steps illustrated in solid boxes. The methods300and steps illustrated inFIG. 23are not limiting and other methods300and steps are within the scope of the present disclosure, including methods300having greater than or fewer than the number of steps illustrated, as understood from the discussions herein.

Methods300, for example, a method301for coupling a fastening system (e.g., fastening system102) to a structure (e.g., structure112) having a first hole (e.g., first hole122) may be performed to selectively couple the fastening system to the structure such that at least a portion of the fastening system is substantially not rotatable with respect to the structure. Methods300,301may include providing a fastening system according to the present disclosure at302. For example, providing a fastening system at302may include providing a fastening system that includes a first fastening component (e.g., first fastening component116) and a second fastening component (e.g., second fastening component118), the first fastening component having a second hole (e.g., second hole124) formed therethrough and the second fastening component having an elongate shank (e.g., elongate shank130). The first fastening component may be configured to be positioned relative to the structure such that the first hole and the second hole are aligned with one another. The elongate shank may be sized and shaped to be inserted through the second hole and into or through the first hole, thereby securing the first fastening component to the structure such that the first fastening component is substantially not rotatable with respect to the structure about the axis (e.g., axis129) of the elongate shank. The first hole and second hole may be non-circular, and the elongate shank may include a non-circular portion (e.g., non-circular portion146) extending along at least a portion of the elongate shank and having a first perpendicular cross-section that is non-circular and non-polygonal (e.g., elliptical). Providing a fastening system at302may include providing a plurality of fastening systems at304, where each of the plurality of fastening systems may be identical to one another, or one or more of the plurality of fastening systems may be different from one or more others of the plurality of fastening systems.

Methods300,301may include positioning the first fastening component with respect to the structure such that the first hole is aligned with the second hole at306. For example, the first hole and the second hole may be concentrically aligned with one another and may be substantially the same shape and size. Positioning the first fastening component at306may include positioning the first fastening component such that an inner surface (e.g., inner surface128) is adjacent and/or contacts the structure and an outer surface (e.g., outer surface126) faces away from the structure, where the second hole extends from the inner surface to the outer surface. The elongate shank may be inserted into the second hole of the first fastening component and the first hole of the structure at308. Inserting the elongate shank at308may effectively couple the first fastening component to the structure such that rotation of the first fastening component with respect to the structure about the axis of the elongate shank is substantially prevented. For example, inserting an elongate shank having an elliptical perpendicular cross-section into an elliptical first hole and elliptical second hole may substantially prevent the first fastening component from rotating around the elongate shank as well as substantially prevent rotation of the elongate shank with respect to the structure (e.g., with respect to the first hole) due to the geometry of the elongate shank and holes, thereby substantially preventing the first fastening component from rotating about the structure.

Positioning the first fastening component at306may include positioning the first fastening component such that the second hole of the first fastening component is sandwiched between the first hole of the structure and a portion of the elongate shank (e.g., a head portion, such as head portion136). For example, inserting the elongate shank at308may include inserting the elongate shank such that the head portion (e.g., a lower surface of the head portion, such as lower surface140) contacts the first fastening component, pressing the first fastening component (e.g., pressing the outer surface of the first fastening component) against the structure, and substantially preventing axial movement of the first fastening component with respect to the structure.

In methods300,301including providing a plurality of fastening systems at304, the structure may include a plurality of first holes and positioning the first fastening component with respect to the structure such that the first hole is aligned with the second hole at306may include positioning each respective first fastening component of each of the plurality of fastening systems such that each respective second hole is aligned with a respective first hole of the structure. Furthermore, inserting the elongate shank of the second fastening component into the first hole and the second hole at308may include inserting each respective elongate shank of each of the respective second fastening components of each of the plurality of fastening systems into a respective first hole and a respective second hole.

Methods300,301may include installing a third fastening component (e.g., third fastening component120) at310. For example, the third fastening component may be installed on, inserted on, or otherwise coupled to the elongate shank of the second fastening component. In some methods300,301, installing the third fastening component at310may include removably installing the third fastening component such that the third fastening component may be selectively removable from the elongate shank if it is desired to remove the fastening system from the structure. In other methods300,301, the third fastening component may be installed on the elongate shank in a semi-permanent or permanent manner, such that removal of the third fastening component is impossible or difficult without damaging the third fastening component, second fastening component, first fastening component, and/or the structure. Installing the third fastening component at310may include installing two or more third fastening components at312. For example, two or more third fastening components may be installed on or coupled to a single elongate shank in some methods. Additionally or alternatively, in methods300,301that include providing a plurality of fastening systems at304, one or more respective third fastening components may be installed on or coupled to each respective elongate shank of each respective second component of each of the plurality of fastening systems.

The third fastening component may be configured such that installing the third fastening component at310substantially prevents axial movement of the second fastening component (e.g., movement along the axis of the elongate shank, into or out of the first hole and/or second hole) with respect to the structure and the first fastening component. Installing the third fastening component at310may include, for example, threading the third fastening component onto the elongate shank at314, swaging the third fastening component on to the elongate shank at316, and/or closing the third fastening component onto or about the elongate shank at318.

A1. A fastening system configured to be coupled to a structure having a first hole formed therein, the fastening system comprising:

a first fastening component having a second hole formed therethrough; and

a second fastening component having an elongate shank, the elongate shank being sized and shaped to be inserted through the second hole in the first fastening component and into the first hole in the structure, thereby securing the first fastening component to the structure such that the first fastening component is substantially not rotatable with respect to the structure, wherein the first hole and the second hole are not circular.

A2. The fastening system of paragraph A1, wherein the first hole and the second hole are elliptical.

A3. The fastening system of paragraph A1, wherein the first hole and the second hole are oval.

A4. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the first hole and the second hole are substantially identical in size and shape.

A5. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the first fastening component is configured to be positioned relative to the structure such that the first hole and the second hole are aligned with one another.

A6. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the first fastening component is one or more of a bracket, a clip, an angle bracket, a standoff, a stringer clip, a radius filler, a radius enhancement, a radius block, a mounting device, and/or an angled filler.

A7. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the second fastening component is one or more of a bolt, a pin, a screw, a lockbolt, and a rivet.

A8. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the elongate shank of the second fastening component has a non-circular perpendicular cross-section.

A9. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the perpendicular cross-section of the elongate shank is approximately equal to the size and shape of the first hole and/or second hole.

A10. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A9, wherein the entire length of the elongate shank has a perpendicular cross-section that is non-circular.

A11. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A9, wherein a first portion of the length of the elongate shank has a perpendicular cross-section that is non-circular.

A11.1. The fastening system of paragraph A11, wherein a second portion of the length of the elongate shank has a second perpendicular cross-section that is circular.

A11.2. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A11.1, wherein the elongate shank comprises a helical threaded portion.

A11.3. The fastening system of paragraph A11.2, wherein the helical threaded portion is located on a/the second portion of the length of the elongate shank, the second portion of the length of the elongate shank having a second perpendicular cross-section that is circular.

A11.4. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A11.3, wherein the elongate shank comprises a plurality of annular rings.

A11.5. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A11.4, wherein a/the first portion of the elongate shank comprises a perpendicular cross-section having a major diameter portion and a minor diameter portion, the major diameter portion having a major diameter, the minor diameter portion having a minor diameter, and the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter, wherein the major diameter portion is threaded.

A12. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A11.5, further comprising a third fastening component, the third fastening component being configured to be positioned with respect to the first fastening component and the second fastening component such that the third fastening component substantially prevents movement of the second fastening component with respect to the first fastening component in an axial direction.

A12.1. The fastening system of paragraph A12, wherein the third fastening component includes a third hole extending there through.

A12.2. The fastening system of paragraph A12.1, wherein the third hole is approximately the same size and shape as the first hole and/or the second hole.

A12.3. The fastening system of paragraph A12.1, wherein the third hole is circular.

A12.4. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A12.1-A12.3, wherein the third fastening component is configured to be positioned with respect to the second fastening component such that the elongate shank is inserted through the third hole of the third fastening component.

A12.5. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A12.1-A12.2 or A12.4, wherein the third hole is non-circular.

A12.6. The fastening system of paragraph A12.5, wherein the third hole is elliptical or oval.

A12.7. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A12-A12.6, wherein the third fastening component comprises a nut or a retaining collar.

A12.8. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A12-A12.7, wherein the third fastening component comprises a two-piece nut or a hinged nut.

A13. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A12.8, wherein the second fastening component comprises a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a head portion positioned adjacent the first end such that an upper surface of the head portion forms the first end of the second fastening component, the head portion having a lower surface opposite the upper surface, wherein the elongate shank extends from the lower surface of the head portion to the second end of the second fastening component.

A14. The fastening system of paragraph A13, wherein the head portion has a square or hexagonal cross-section.

A15. The fastening system of any of paragraphs A12-A12.8 and any of paragraphs A13-A14, wherein the first fastening component has an inner surface and an outer surface, the second hole extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, wherein the first fastening component is positioned such that the inner surface faces the structure, wherein the second fastening component is inserted through the second hole such that the lower surface of the head portion engages with the outer surface of the first fastening component, and wherein the third fastening component is positioned such that it engages the elongate shank and the structure.

A16. The fastening system of paragraph A15, wherein the first fastening component is a bracket or clip, wherein the second fastening component is a bolt, and wherein the third fastening component is a nut.

B1. A system comprising:

the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16; and

the structure.

B2. The system of paragraph B1, wherein the structure is part of an aircraft.

B3. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B2, wherein the structure comprises a composite material, wherein the first hole is formed in the composite material.

B4. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein the structure comprises a non-pliable material, wherein the first hole is formed in the non-pliable material.

B5. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B4, wherein the structure comprises a metallic material, and wherein the first hole is formed in the metallic material.

B6. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B5, wherein the first hole is formed through a thickness of the structure, wherein the thickness is at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, and/or at least 25 mm.

B7. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein the structure is configured to be subject to fatigue loading.

B8. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B7, wherein the structure is a first structure, wherein the system comprises a second structure, and wherein the fastening system is configured to couple the first structure to the second structure and prevent rotation of the first structure with respect to the second structure, about the axis of the second fastening component.

C1. An aircraft including the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16.

D1. A method of installing a non-cylindrical fastening system, the method comprising:

providing the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16;

positioning the first fastening component with respect to the structure such that the first hole is aligned with the second hole; and

inserting the elongate shank of the second fastening component into the first hole and the second hole, thereby coupling the first fastening component to the structure and substantially preventing rotation of the first fastening component with respect to the structure.

D2. The method of paragraph D1, further comprising positioning the first fastening component such that the second hole of the first fastening component is sandwiched between the first hole of the structure and a/the head portion of the elongate shank, and wherein inserting the elongate shank of the second fastening component comprises inserting the elongate shank such that the head portion contacts the first fastening component.

D3. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D2, wherein the providing the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16 comprises providing a plurality of fastening systems, each of the plurality of fastening systems being a fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16.

D4. The method of paragraph D3, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of first holes, and wherein the positioning the first fastening component with respect to the structure such that the first hole is aligned with the second hole comprises positioning each respective first fastening component of each of the plurality of fastening systems such that each respective second hole is aligned with a respective first hole of the structure.

D5. The method of paragraph D4, wherein the inserting the elongate shank of the second fastening component into the first hole and the second hole comprises inserting each respective elongate shank of each of the plurality of fastening systems into a respective first hole and a respective second hole.

D6. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D5, further comprising installing a/the third fastening component onto the elongate shank, thereby substantially preventing axial movement of the second fastening component with respect to the structure and the first fastening component.

D7. The method of paragraph D6, wherein the installing the third fastening component onto the elongate shank comprises swaging the third fastening component onto the elongate shank.

D8. The method of paragraph D6, wherein the installing the third fastening component onto the elongate shank comprises threading the third fastening component onto the elongate shank.

D9. The method of paragraph D6, wherein the installing the third fastening component onto the elongate shank comprises closing the third fastening component onto the elongate shank.

D10. The method of any of paragraphs D6-D9, wherein the installing the third fastening component onto the elongate shank comprises installing the third fastening component such that the third fastening component contacts the structure and the elongate shank.

E1. Use of the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16 in construction of an aircraft.

F1. Use of the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16 to prevent rotation of the first fastening component with respect to the structure.

G1. A fastening system configured to couple a first structure to a second structure, the first structure having a first hole formed therein and the second structure having a second hole formed therein, the fastening system comprising:

a fastening component having an elongate shank, the elongate shank having a length extending from a first shank end to a second shank end, the elongate shank being sized and shaped to be inserted through the first hole and the second hole, thereby securing the first structure to the second structure such that the first structure is substantially not rotatable with respect to the second structure, wherein the first hole and the second hole are not circular, and wherein a perpendicular cross-section of the elongate shank is non-circular along at least a portion of the length of the elongate shank.

G2. The fastening system of paragraph G1, wherein the first hole and the second hole are elliptical.

G3. The fastening system of paragraph G1, wherein the first hole and the second hole are oval.

G4. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G3, wherein the first hole and the second hole are substantially identical in size and shape.

G5. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G4, wherein the first structure is configured to be positioned relative to the second structure such that the first hole and the second hole are aligned with one another.

G6. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G5, wherein the first structure is one or more of a bracket, a clip, an angle bracket, a standoff, a stringer clip, a radius filler, a radius enhancement, a radius block, a mounting device, and/or an angled filler.

G7. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G6, wherein the fastening component is one or more of a bolt, a pin, a screw, a lockbolt, and a rivet.

G8. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G7, wherein the perpendicular cross-section of the elongate shank is approximately equal to the size and shape of the first hole and/or the second hole.

G9. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G8, wherein the entire length of the elongate shank has a perpendicular cross-section that is non-circular.

G10. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G9, wherein the elongate shank comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being arranged adjacent the second portion along the length of the elongate shank, wherein the first portion has a first perpendicular cross-section that is non-circular, and wherein the second portion has a second perpendicular cross-section that is circular.

G10.1. The fastening system of paragraph G10, wherein the first portion is positioned adjacent the first shank end and the second portion is positioned adjacent the second shank end.

G11. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G10.1, wherein the elongate shank comprises a helical threaded portion.

G12. The fastening system of paragraph G11, wherein the helical threaded portion is located on a/the second portion of the length of the elongate shank, the second portion of the length of the elongate shank having a/the second perpendicular cross-section that is circular.

G13. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G12, wherein the elongate shank comprises a plurality of annular rings.

G14. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G13, wherein a/the first portion of the elongate shank comprises a perpendicular cross-section having a major diameter portion and a minor diameter portion, the major diameter portion having a major diameter, the minor diameter portion having a minor diameter, and the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter, wherein the major diameter portion is threaded.

G15. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G14, further comprising a retaining device, the retaining device being configured to be positioned with respect to the fastening component, first structure, and second structure such that the retaining device substantially prevents movement of the elongate shank with respect to the first structure and the second structure in an axial direction.

G16. The fastening system of paragraph G15, wherein the retaining device includes a third hole extending there through.

G17. The fastening system of paragraph G16, wherein the third hole is circular.

G18. The fastening system of paragraph G16, wherein the third hole is approximately the same size and shape as the first hole and/or the second hole.

G19. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G16-G18, wherein the retaining device is configured to be positioned with respect to the fastening component such that the elongate shank is inserted through the third hole of the retaining device.

G20. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G16 or G18-G19, wherein the third hole is non-circular.

G21. The fastening system of paragraph G20, wherein the third hole is elliptical or oval.

G22. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G15-G21, wherein the retaining device comprises a nut or a retaining collar.

G23. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G15-G22, wherein the retaining device comprises a two-piece nut or a hinged nut.

G24. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G23, wherein the fastening component comprises a head portion positioned adjacent the first shank end, the head portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, wherein the elongate shank extends from the lower surface of the head portion to the second shank end.

G25. The fastening system of any of paragraphs G15-G23 and paragraph G24, wherein the first structure has an inner surface and an outer surface, the second hole extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, wherein the fastening component is positioned such that the inner surface faces the second structure, wherein the fastening component is inserted through the first hole and the second hole such that the lower surface of the head portion engages with the outer surface of the first structure, and wherein the retaining device is positioned such that it engages the elongate shank and the second structure.

G26. The fastening system of paragraphs G25 and G10, wherein the retaining device is configured to engage with the second portion of the elongate shank.

G27. The fastening system of paragraph G26, wherein the retaining device and the elongate shank are configured such that the retaining device is threaded onto the second portion of the elongate shank.

H1. Use of the fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G27 in construction of an aircraft.

I1. Use of the fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G27 to prevent rotation of the first structure with respect to the second structure.

J1. An aircraft including the fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G27.

K1. Use of the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16 or G1-G27 to reduce fastener quantities required in manufacturing an apparatus.

L1. Use of the fastening system of any of paragraphs A1-A16 or G1-G27 to reduce hole quantities required in manufacturing an apparatus.

M1. A method of coupling a first structure to a second structure, the method comprising:

providing the fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G27; and

inserting the elongate shank through the first hole and the second hole, thereby coupling the first structure to the second structure and substantially preventing rotation of the first structure with respect to the second structure about a longitudinal axis of the elongate shank, the longitudinal axis being oriented along the length of the elongate shank.

M2. The method of paragraph M1, further comprising positioning the first structure with respect to the second structure such that the first hole is aligned with the second hole.

M3. The method of any of paragraphs M1-M2, further comprising positioning the first structure such that the first hole of the first structure is sandwiched between the second hole of the second structure and a/the head portion of the elongate shank, and wherein the inserting the elongate shank comprises inserting the elongate shank such that the head portion contacts the first structure.

M4. The method of any of paragraphs M1-M3, wherein the providing the fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G27 comprises providing a plurality of fastening systems, each of the plurality of fastening systems being a fastening system of any of paragraphs G1-G27.

M5. The method of paragraph M4, wherein the second structure comprises a plurality of second holes, and the first structure comprises a plurality of first structures, and wherein the inserting the elongate shank comprises inserting each respective elongate shank of the plurality of fastening systems into a respective first hole of a respective first structure of the plurality of first structures and into a respective second hole of the plurality of second holes of the second structure, thereby coupling a plurality of first structures to the second structure, wherein each respective first structure is substantially prevented from rotating with respect to the second structure, about the axis of the respective elongate shank.

M6. The method of any of paragraphs M1-M5, further comprising installing a/the retaining device onto the elongate shank, thereby substantially preventing axial movement of the fastening component with respect to the first structure and the second structure.

M7. The method of paragraph M6, wherein the installing the retaining device onto the elongate shank comprises swaging the retaining device onto the elongate shank.

M8. The method of paragraph M6, wherein the installing the retaining device onto the elongate shank comprises threading the retaining device onto the elongate shank.

M9. The method of paragraph M6, wherein the installing the retaining device onto the elongate shank comprises closing the retaining device onto the elongate shank.

M10. The method of any of paragraphs M6-M9, wherein the installing the retaining device onto the elongate shank comprises installing the retaining device such that the retaining device contacts the second structure and the elongate shank.

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus.