Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a controlled preload, captive fastener assembly constructed and arranged to secure a first structure to a second substructure, said fastener assembly comprising: a fastener having a predetermined length, an uppermost end, a lowermost end, a head at said uppermost end, and a shank portion having an outer wall proximate said uppermost end and a threaded portion proximate said lowermost end, said outer wall having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of said threaded portion; means, intermediate said fastener ends and captivated along said shank portion outer wall, for applying a predetermined preload when a first structure is secured to a second substructure by said fastener assembly; and stop means on said fastener for positioning said fastener and said preload applying means in certain height relationships with respect to the secured structure and substructure in order to achieve the desired controlled preload of the structure and substructure.

<CIT> discloses a fastener is intended e.g. for an IC engine heat exchanger and its holder. The fastener secures an element of high heat expansion to a low expansion member via an intermediate spring. The spring is tensioned by a clamping screw which passes through the high heat expansion element, while maintaining a radial distance. The spring is coupled to the low expansion member, and the connector has a screw with a limiting stop, formed by a sleeve surrounding the screw. The spring supports itself via a removable distance disc on the screw head, or the high expansion element. An additional spring may be located between the two elements.

<CIT> discloses a straight threaded rod having three reference elements spaced apart from each other. A shoulder and a knob having a fourth reference element are screwed onto the rod. A spring is mounted on the rod between the knob and the shoulder. The rod is inserted through two axially aligned holes in two abutting pieces, with the shoulder bearing on a first surface of one of the two pieces. By adjusting the position of the shoulder and the knob along the rod it is possible to apply a calibrated clamping force to a pair of abutting pieces, regardless of the thickness of the pieces.

<CIT> disclose a captive screw assembly for impeding the removal of a screw from a housing or other part. The assembly includes a housing having a hole and an annular flange projecting inwardly in the hole at a location spaced from the hole's two ends. A screw encircled by a coil spring extends through the housing hole with the spring being retained between the screw head and the inwardly-projecting flange. A stopnut, which is sized to be freely received in the housing hole, is threaded to a selected location on the screw. The screw is urged longitudinally upwardly from the housing by the coil spring, to a point where the stopnut abuts against the inwardly-projecting flange. A full removal of the screw from the housing is thereby impeded.

<CIT> discloses a device for captivating a variety of fasteners relative to a first member. A captivator includes a body adapted to be secured to the first member and a retainer received within the body and having a surface engaging a captured fastener. Together the body and retainer maintain the captivated fastener in place relative to the first member. Keyway surfaces are provided upon the body or retainer or both and an external or internal key engages the keyway surfaces to selectively lock the body and retainer together, such as during installation or replacement of the captured fastener. Upon removal of the key, the retainer is free to rotate and translate relative to the body.

<CIT> discloses a bolt/nut fastening mechanism which can easily demount a fastening bolt from a holding body by composing the stopper of at least two divided bodies, and fixing the stopper by means of an independent stopping ring.

<CIT> discloses a rotary switch with a rotary switch actuator, which acts on a bearing in bearing bushes square hollow shaft and to this deferred catch the switching mechanism.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a biasing system comprising: a fastener; first and second sleeves configured to be disposed end-to-end about a shank of the fastener and operable to form at least a portion of a first load path through an entire length of the first and second sleeves, and between the fastener and a component coupled to the fastener to preload the fastener through the first and second sleeves; and a spring configured to be associated with the first and second sleeves and operable to form at least a portion of a second load path parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to facilitate biasing the fastener away from the component, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprise flanges configured to interface with the spring, a diameter of the flange is configured to be substantially the same as that of the fastener, and in a top view, the spring and body portions of the first and second sleeves which are configured to extend from the flange to a longitudinal of the fastener are configured to be disposed within an area of the diameter of the fastener. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a fastener system comprising: a component; a fastener coupled to the component; and a biasing system according to the first aspect; wherein the first and second sleeves are disposed end-to-end about a shank of the fastener, and the spring is associated with the first and second sleeves.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for facilitating removal of a fastener from a component to which the fastener is coupled, the method comprising: providing first and second sleeves and a spring configured to be associated with the first and second sleeves, wherein the first and second sleeves are configured to be disposed end-to-end, and the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprise flanges configured to interface with the spring; facilitating formation of at least a portion of a first load path through the entire length of the first and second sleeves between a fastener and a component coupled to the fastener to preload the fastener through the first and second sleeves; and facilitating formation of at least a portion of a second load path through the spring parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to bias the fastener away from the component, wherein a diameter of the flange is configured to be substantially the same as that of fastener, and in a top view, the spring and the body portions of the first and second sleeves which are configured to extend from the flange to a longitudinal of the fastener are configured to be disposed within an area of the diameter of the fastener.

An initial overview of the inventive concepts are provided below and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Although springs located under fastener heads can effectively assist in joint disassembly, this approach has significant drawbacks for structural joints. Structural joints require a certain amount of preload, which cannot be reliably achieved and maintained with a spring in the load path. Simply using a spring under a fastener head therefore compromises the integrity of structural joints. Thus, a solution is needed for structural joints that not only aids in joint disassembly but also provides the ability to reliably preload the joints.

Accordingly, a biasing system for use with a fastener is disclosed that provides for ease of joint disassembly and maintains joint preload capabilities. The biasing system can include a sleeve configured to be disposed about a shank of a fastener and operable to form at least a portion of a first load path between the fastener and a component coupled to the fastener to preload the fastener through the sleeve. The biasing system can also include a spring configured to be associated with the sleeve and operable to form at least a portion of a second load path parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to facilitate biasing the fastener away from the component.

A fastener system is also disclosed that can include a component, a fastener coupled to the component, and a biasing system. The biasing system can have a sleeve disposed about a shank of the fastener and operable to form at least a portion of a first load path between the fastener and the component to preload the fastener through the sleeve. The biasing system can also have a spring associated with the sleeve and operable to form at least a portion of a second load path parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to facilitate biasing the fastener away from the component.

To further describe the present technology, examples are now provided with reference to the figures. With reference to <FIG>, one embodiment of a fastener system <NUM> is illustrated. The fastener system <NUM> can comprise a component <NUM>, a fastener <NUM> coupleable to the component <NUM>, and a biasing system <NUM> for use with the fastener <NUM> to bias the fastener <NUM> away from the component <NUM>. The component <NUM> can comprise any type of object, device, or structure operable or configured and intended to be used with one or more fasteners. <FIG> illustrate schematic representations of the fastener system <NUM> shown in half cross-section symmetry about an axis <NUM>.

The fastener <NUM> can be or include any suitable type of threaded fastener, such as a bolt, screw, nut, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener <NUM> comprises a bolt or a screw having a head <NUM> and a shank <NUM>, which extends from the head <NUM> to a tip <NUM> or end of the fastener <NUM>. The shank <NUM> can be partially or fully threaded. In some embodiments, the fastener <NUM> can comprise a threaded rod and one or more nuts operable with the threaded rod to couple the fastener to the component <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> can be coupled to the component <NUM> via threads formed in the component <NUM>, such as at <NUM>. Alternatively, the fastener <NUM> can be coupled to the component <NUM> via a nut <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, the tip <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> can engage directly or indirectly with an object (not shown) to be secured or clamped by the fastener <NUM>, which can exert forces 103a, 103b (<FIG>) on the fastener <NUM> that can hinder removal of the fastener <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fastener <NUM> can be utilized to couple multiple components <NUM>, <NUM>' to one another.

In some embodiments, the component <NUM> or <NUM>' can include an opening <NUM>, such as a counterbore, configured to receive at least a portion of the head <NUM> (or, alternatively, a nut) of the fastener <NUM>. In one aspect, the opening <NUM> can have an inner diameter <NUM> sized to receive the head <NUM> (or, alternatively, a nut) of the fastener <NUM> and facilitate application of torque to the fastener <NUM> by a suitable tool. The fastener <NUM> can have any suitable tool interface <NUM> or configuration (e.g., parallel flat surfaces) for interfacing with a tool for the application of torque to the fastener <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool interface <NUM> comprises an internal recess formed in the head <NUM> for receiving and engaging a tool. In this case, the head <NUM> can have an external configuration that is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the tool interface <NUM> can include an external interface. Thus, the fastener <NUM> can be configured as a cap screw, a hex head, a socket head, or any other suitable type of fastener.

As described in more detail below, the biasing system <NUM> can be utilized with any fastener <NUM> and component(s), such as components <NUM>, <NUM>', to assist with removal of the fastener <NUM> and/or to maintain the fastener <NUM> disengaged from the threads when not coupled to the components <NUM>, <NUM>'. Typical uses for the biasing system <NUM> therefore may include applications where the fastener <NUM> is to be removed after assembly with the components <NUM>, <NUM>' (e.g., as part of the normal use of the fastener <NUM>), such as a tooling fixture, a lift beam, a handling ring, a clamp, etc. In one example, the biasing system <NUM> can be used in a hardware/flight application where separation of a structural joint needs to occur (e.g., missile staging). In other examples, the biasing system <NUM> can be used in applications where gravity cannot be used to accordance with an example of the present disclosure. assist with fastener removal, such as hardware (e.g., large or delicate items) that cannot be rotated to the point where the fastener would fall out (i.e., turned upside down). In a further example, the biasing system <NUM> can be used where multiple captive fasteners must be simultaneously held disengaged from threaded interfaces, but due to fastener orientation, gravity tends to pull at least one of the fasteners back into engagement with a threaded interface. Although applications having fasteners with a high engage/disengage frequency may benefit the most, it should be recognized that even applications where a fastener is intended to be installed once and left in for the life of the hardware could benefit from the biasing system <NUM> in the event the applicable hardware had to be disassembled.

The biasing system <NUM> includes one or more sleeves 130a, 130b configured to be disposed about the shank <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>. For example, the sleeves 130a, 130b can have respective body portions 131a, 131b that include openings 132a, 132b configured to receive the fastener <NUM> (e.g., the shank <NUM>). In one aspect, the body portions 131a, 131b can be configured as hollow cylinders. The sleeves 130a, 130b can be configured to interface with the fastener (e.g., the head <NUM>), and/or the component <NUM>. The sleeves 130a, 130b can be constructed of any suitable material, such as iron-based alloys (e.g., steel), nickel-based alloys, cobalt-based alloys, titanium-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, composites (e.g., metal matrix composites, carbon composites), and others as recognized by those skilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeves 130a, 130b include flanges 133a, 133b that extend outwardly at the ends of the respective sleeves 130a, 130b that are configured to interface with the fastener <NUM> and/or the component <NUM>. A flanged collar can have a "T" shape or configuration. A diameter 134a of the flange 133a and a diameter 134b of the flange 133b are equal to an outer dimension <NUM> (diameter) of the head <NUM> (or, alternatively, a nut) of the fastener <NUM>. This can ensure that the sleeves 130a, 130b can fit within the opening <NUM> of the component <NUM> or <NUM>'. Sizing the diameter 134b the flange 130b to be the same size as the outer diameter <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> provides substantially the same contact area with the component <NUM> as the head <NUM> (or, alternatively, a nut) of the fastener <NUM>, which maintains the effective diameter and load transfer capabilities of the fastener even with the presence of the biasing system <NUM>. It should be recognized that the diameters 134a, 134b of the flanges 133a, 133b can be the same or different. The sleeves 130a, 130b can also be configured to interface with one another, such as at ends opposite the flanges 133a, 133b. In some embodiments, the sleeve 130a can be integrally formed with the fastener <NUM> in a single, monolithic structure (e.g., by initial construction or by permanent attachment, such as a weld, adhesive, etc.). Similarly, in some embodiments, the sleeve 130b can be integrally formed with the component <NUM> in a single, monolithic structure.

The biasing system <NUM> can also include a spring <NUM> configured to be associated and operable with the sleeves 130a, 130b. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring <NUM> is disposed on outer sides of the sleeves 130a, 130b. The spring <NUM> can be any suitable type of spring having any suitable configuration, such as a compression spring having a helical configuration. The spring <NUM> can have any suitable characteristic, such as a suitable spring rate (e.g., a linear spring rate, a progressive spring rate, and/or a digressive spring rate). Although only a single spring is illustrated, it should be recognized that multiple springs can be utilized in series (e.g., a stacked configuration), which may facilitate providing a desired spring characteristic (e.g., spring rate). The spring <NUM> can be constructed of any suitable material, such as iron-based alloys (e.g., steel), nickel-based alloys, cobalt-based alloys, titanium-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, composites (e.g., metal matrix composites, carbon composites), and any others as recognized by those skilled in the art.

The flanges 133a, 133b and the spring <NUM> are configured to interface with one another. Thus, the flanges 133a, 133b can serve as spring seats to bear against opposite ends 141a, 141b of the spring <NUM>. In one aspect, a diameter <NUM> (e.g., a compressed diameter as in <FIG>) of the spring <NUM> can be less than or equal to the outer dimension <NUM> (e.g., diameter or width) of the head <NUM> (or, alternatively, a nut) of the fastener <NUM>. This can ensure that the spring <NUM> can fit within the opening <NUM> of the component <NUM> or <NUM>' during use. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> can be attached (e.g., fixed in at least one degree of freedom) to the sleeve 130a and/or the sleeve 130b.

In one aspect, the spring <NUM> can provide a separation or biasing force to the fastener <NUM> and the component <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the separation or biasing force can be applied to the flanges 133a, 133b of the sleeves 130a, 130b, which in turn can push against the head <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> and the component <NUM>, respectively. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a free, unloaded length <NUM> of the spring <NUM> can be greater than a compressed spring length <NUM> defined by the sleeves 130a, 130b. As discussed in more detail below, this can ensure that a load path <NUM> is formed at the fastener position shown in <FIG> (e.g., upon compression of the spring <NUM> between the fastener <NUM> and the component <NUM>), and that a load path <NUM> is formed at the fastener position shown in <FIG> (e.g., upon contact between the fastener <NUM>, the sleeves 130a, 130b, and the component <NUM>).

In one aspect, the spring <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> can be configured such that when the spring <NUM> is substantially uncompressed at the unloaded, free length <NUM>, the fastener <NUM> threads can be engaged with, or disengaged from, threads operable to couple the fastener <NUM> to the component <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> can be configured such that the fastener <NUM> threads are engaged with the threads <NUM> of the component <NUM> while the spring <NUM> is substantially uncompressed at the unloaded, free length <NUM>. In this case, the fastener <NUM> can be threaded into or out of engagement with the threads <NUM> of the component <NUM> without acting on the spring <NUM>. In other words, the fastener <NUM> can engage the threads <NUM> before the spring <NUM> compresses, or the fastener can disengage the threads <NUM> after the spring <NUM> has become uncompressed and reached its unloaded, free length <NUM>. On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> can be configured such that threads of the fastener <NUM> are disengaged from the threads <NUM> of the component <NUM> short of the spring <NUM> reaching its unloaded, free length <NUM>. In this case, when the spring <NUM> is extended to its unloaded, free length <NUM>, the spring <NUM> can push the fastener <NUM> away, or maintain the fastener <NUM> separated from, the threads <NUM> of the component <NUM>. In other words, with the fastener <NUM> disengaged from the threads <NUM> that couple the fastener <NUM> to the component <NUM>, spring force provided by the spring <NUM> can push or maintain the sleeves 130a, 130b apart from one another. In one embodiment, the biasing system <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> can be configured such that a tip <NUM>' or end of the fastener <NUM> is retracted from, or does not extend beyond, the sleeve 130b (e.g., the flange 133b) when the spring <NUM> is extended to its unloaded, free length <NUM>. In this case, the tip <NUM>' of the fastener <NUM> can be prevented from protruding and snagging on items (e.g., the component <NUM>) as well as prevent unintended thread engagement, thus facilitating handling and placement of the fastener <NUM> and/or the component <NUM>.

During installation, the fastener <NUM> pushes on the sleeve 130a, which in turn compresses the spring <NUM> via the flange 133a. The spring <NUM> compresses (see <FIG>) up until a point where the sleeves 130a, 130b make contact with one another (see <FIG>). Prior to the sleeves 130a, 130b making contact, the load path <NUM> goes through the spring <NUM>, which allows the spring <NUM> to assist with the removal of the fastener <NUM> from the component <NUM> (e.g., from the threads <NUM>). Once the sleeves 130a, 130b make contact, the load path <NUM> is established, which goes through the sleeves 130a, 130b (e.g., through the body portions 131a, 131b). The load paths <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to one another through the spring <NUM> and the sleeves 130a, 130b. The sleeves 130a, 130b can be configured to provide any suitable compressed spring length <NUM> (individual sleeve lengths may be the same or different), which may depend on a desired or available fastener travel during installation (e.g., provided by the threads), a characteristic of the spring <NUM> (e.g., spring rate), etc..

The sleeves 130a, 130b and the spring <NUM> are configured such that the sleeves 130a, 130b make contact before the spring <NUM> is fully compressed (i.e., before adjacent coils of the spring <NUM> are brought in contact with one another or before the spring <NUM> is caused to be "solid"). Because the sleeves 130a, 130b are much stiffer than the spring <NUM>, the load path <NUM> transfers much more load than the load path <NUM>, which effectively removes the spring <NUM> from structural preload consideration as the joint now becomes a rigid joint. Thus, at the fastener position shown in <FIG> (e.g., upon contact between the fastener <NUM>, the sleeves 130a, 130b, and the component <NUM>), the load path <NUM> is the effective load path for preloading the joint, and the fastener <NUM> can be torqued to a required preload through a solid joint interface without further compression of the spring <NUM>. In other words, although the load paths <NUM>, <NUM> exist in parallel in <FIG>, the load path <NUM> is the only one that matters at this point in terms of joint preload, which effectively bypasses the spring <NUM> from the preload load path (i.e., the load path <NUM> is an alternate load path to the load path <NUM> for joint preload consideration). The sleeves 130a, 130b can therefore be operable to form at least a portion of the load path <NUM> between the fastener <NUM> and the component <NUM> to preload the fastener <NUM> through the sleeves 130a, 130b. However, the presence of the load path <NUM> through the spring <NUM> becomes significant when separation or disassembly of the joint is required. In this case, loosening the fastener <NUM> rapidly reduces the load transferred through the load path <NUM> to zero, and the load path <NUM> through the spring <NUM> assists in the removal of the fastener <NUM> from the component <NUM>. Thus, the spring <NUM> can be operable to form at least a portion of the load path <NUM> between the fastener <NUM> and the component <NUM> to facilitate biasing the fastener <NUM> away from the component <NUM>. Stated differently, the load path <NUM> can be referred to as a primary load path, while the load path <NUM> can be referred to as a secondary load path, these being parallel to one another.

The principles disclosed herein can avoid the uncertainty and variability associated with using a spring in a structural application (e.g., in a joint preload load path) and can therefore ensure that consistent preload can be obtained and maintained while allowing a spring to be used to assist with joint separation (i.e., fastener removal). Thus, joints can be formed with hardware that is easily disassembled without compromising the structural integrity of the joint. One benefit is that the spring can be used with a fastener that is an unmodified, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) fastener as opposed to a custom fastener, thus providing flexibility in the design and a low cost of implementation. In some embodiments, one or both of the sleeves 130a, 130b can be configured to structurally fail before structural failure of the fastener <NUM> and/or the component <NUM>. In this case, one or both of the sleeves 130a, 130b can be considered "sacrificial" by being designed to preferentially fail in order to protect the fastener <NUM> and/or the component <NUM> from failure (e.g., in the event that the fastener <NUM> is over torqued).

Although the sleeves 130a, 130b are illustrated as being on the same side of the component <NUM> (i.e., wherein the sleeves 130a, 130b are configured to contact and interface with one another), it should be recognized that other configurations are possible, such as locating sleeves, each with an associated spring, on opposite sides of one or more components (e.g., a sleeve in contact with a bolt head on one side and another sleeve in contact with a nut on an opposite side).

In addition, although the spring <NUM> is shown as being disposed on an outer or exterior side of the sleeves 130a, 130b, and the flanges 133a, 133b are shown as extending outwardly to contact the spring <NUM>, it should be recognized that other configurations are possible. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a biasing system <NUM> can include a spring <NUM> that is disposed on an inner or interior side of one or more sleeves 230a, 230b, such as relative to body portions 231a, 231b of the respective sleeves 230a, 230b. In addition, the sleeves 230a, 230b can include flanges 233a, 233b that extend inwardly at ends of the respective sleeves 230a, 230b to interface with the spring <NUM>.

It should be recognized that sleeves and springs can be utilized in any suitable configuration or arrangement. For example, two or more springs can be arranged in parallel (e.g., side-by-side or on opposite sides of a sleeve) to form parts of parallel load paths. In certain embodiments, this spring configuration can be termed a "nested" spring configuration where a relatively small diameter spring is nested inside of a relatively large diameter spring. Similarly, two or more sleeves can be arranged in parallel (e.g., walls side-by-side or disposed on opposite sides of a spring) to form parts of parallel load paths. In certain embodiments, this sleeve configuration can be termed a nested sleeve configuration where a relatively small diameter sleeve is nested inside of a relatively large diameter sleeve.

<FIG> illustrate sleeve configurations in accordance with several examples of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates sleeves 330a, 330b that are configured to form a seal, which may be operable to maintain a fluid and/or pressure within a boundary formed by a joint. For example, the sleeve 330a can include a seal groove 350a (e.g., an O-ring groove) and associated seal 351a (e.g., an O-ring) at an end of the sleeve 330a (e.g., at a flange end of the sleeve 330a) configured to interface with a fastener or a component of a joint. Similarly, the sleeve 330b can include a seal groove 350b and associated seal 351b at an end of the sleeve 330b (e.g., at a flange end of the sleeve 330b) configured to interface with a fastener or a component of a joint. In addition, the sleeve 330a can include a seal groove 352a and associated seal 353a at an end of the sleeve 330a configured to interface with the sleeve 330b (e.g., opposite the flange end of the sleeve 330a).

<FIG> illustrates sleeves 430a, 430b that are configured with respective sleeve interface surfaces 436a, 436b that are interlocking. For example, the sleeve interface surfaces 436a, 436b can be tapered (e.g., conical), which can facilitate alignment of the sleeves 430a, 430b upon contact. The interlocking sleeve interface surfaces can have any suitable configuration, such as a stepped configuration, a castellated configuration, a splined configuration, and others as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

<FIG> illustrates sleeves 530a, 530b where at least one sleeve 530a can be configured to fit or interface with a particular fastener configuration (e.g., a head and/or shank configuration). In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 530a has a fastener interface surface <NUM> configured to receive and interface with a tapered countersunk fastener head (e.g., a flathead screw) and an interior surface <NUM> configured to accommodate a tapered shank. It should be recognized that other configurations are possible, such as an interface configuration for a cylindrical countersunk fastener head.

Biasing systems have been discussed above primarily in the context of two or more sleeves. <FIG> illustrates a fastener system <NUM> with a biasing system <NUM> that includes only a single sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> can be a separate component or it may be integrally formed with a fastener <NUM> or a component <NUM> as a single, monolithic structure. In addition, the sleeve <NUM> does not include a flange, although a flange on one end is optional. In this case, a spring <NUM> will contact and react directly against a head <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> and/or against the component <NUM>, as opposed to flanged sleeves where a spring reacts against the flanges.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed for facilitating removal of a fastener from a component to which the fastener is coupled. The method can comprise providing a sleeve and a spring configured to be associated with the sleeve. The method can further comprise facilitating formation of at least a portion of a first load path through the sleeve between a fastener and a component coupled to the fastener to preload the fastener through the sleeve. Additionally, the method can comprise facilitating formation of at least a portion of a second load path through the spring parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to bias the fastener away from the component. It is noted that no specific order is required in this method, though generally in one embodiment, these method steps can be carried out sequentially.

In one aspect of the method, facilitating formation of at least a portion of the first load path through the sleeve comprises configuring the sleeve to be disposed about a shank of the fastener. In another aspect, facilitating formation of at least a portion of the second load path through the spring comprises configuring the spring and the sleeve such that the spring is positionable about an outer side or an inner side of the sleeve.

Reference was made to the examples illustrated in the drawings and specific language was used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the features illustrated herein and additional applications of the examples as illustrated herein are to be considered within the scope of the description.

Although the disclosure may not expressly disclose that some embodiments or features described herein may be combined with other embodiments or features described herein, this disclosure should be read to describe any such combinations that would be practicable by one of ordinary skill in the art. The user of "or" in this disclosure should be understood to mean non-exclusive or, i.e., "and/or," unless otherwise indicated herein.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the preceding description, numerous specific details were provided, such as examples of various configurations to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the described technology. It will be recognized, however, that the technology may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology.

Claim 1:
A biasing system (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a fastener;
first and second sleeves (130a, 130b, 230a, 230b, 330a, 330b, 430a, 430b, 530a, 530b) configured to be disposed end-to-end about a shank (<NUM>) of the fastener (<NUM>) and operable to form at least a portion of a first load path (<NUM>) through an entire length of the first and second sleeves, and between the fastener and a component (<NUM>) coupled to the fastener to preload the fastener through the first and second sleeves; and
a spring (<NUM>) configured to be associated with the first and second sleeves and operable to form at least a portion of a second load path (<NUM>) parallel to the first load path between the fastener and the component to facilitate biasing the fastener away from the component,
wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprise flanges (133a, 133b, 233a, 233b) configured to interface with the spring,
characterized in that a diameter of the flange is configured to be substantially the same as that of the fastener, and in a top view, the spring and body portions (131a, 131b) of the first and second sleeves which are configured to extend from the flange to a longitudinal of the fastener are configured to be disposed within an area of the diameter of the fastener.