Locking fastener for securing components in a nuclear reactor

摘要

A threaded fastener includes a head, a threaded shank extending from a bottom face of the head along a longitudinal axis of the fastener, and an annular flange oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis and surrounding the bottom face of the head. A surface has a receiving hole in which the shank of the threaded fastener is disposed with the bottom face of the head contacting the surface. The surface further has a crimping recess spaced apart from the receiving hole. A portion of the annular flange overlaps and is deformed into the crimping recess. The fastener may be a screw or bolt. In the case of a bolt, a nut engages the distal end of the threaded shank. The nut also includes an annular flange that is deformed into a crimping recess on a surface proximate to the nut.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a threaded fastener including a head shaped to engage a driving tool, a threaded shank extending from a bottom face of the head along a longitudinal axis of the fastener, an annular flange oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fastener and surrounding the bottom face of the head, and a stiffening ring disposed at a junction formed by the head and the annular flange; and a proximate surface having a receiving hole in which the shank of the threaded fastener is disposed with the bottom face of the head contacting the proximate surface, the proximate surface further having a crimping recess spaced apart from the receiving hole, a portion of the annular flange overlapping the crimping recess extending into the crimping recess, wherein a diameter of the stiffening ring is greater than a maximum diameter of the head, and less than a diameter of the annular flange.