Design and assembly may never be the same again because of intelligent fasteners. Find out how they can make motorcycles more secure and easier to repair:

A new intelligent fastening system isn’t simply a big improvement over traditional fasteners. The technology, which was invented by TZ Ltd. (Sydney, Australia) and licensed to Textron Fastening Systems (Michigan), could actually lead to the development of much better products, including motorcycles and cars.

Two characteristics–onboard intelligence and remote control activation–allow these fasteners to make a difference in the design and assembly of products, says Seshu Seshasai, Ph.D., executive vice president of technology for Textron Fastening Systems, a business unit of Michigan-based Textron, Inc. Equipped with microprocessors, the fasteners can be directed to tighten or release via remote control. A handheld remote control or a personal digital assistant could transmit the signals that activate them.

Upon receiving a radio frequency signal, the microchips within each fastener trigger the material in the fastener to change its shape and clasp the mating part, says Seshasai. Acting on a different signal, the microchip actuates the material a second time and gets it to let go. As a result, no mechanical tool has to be applied to the fasteners.

Assembly and disassembly via remote control is possible because of special materials inside the fasteners. These materials change shape in response to electric currents, magnetic fields or heat. They include shape-memory alloys or polymers, and piezoelectric, magnetostrictive or electrorestrictive materials.

The new system eliminates the need for conventional fastening tools, robots and assembly stations, says Seshasai. Users don’t have to worry about inserting, securing and examining traditional fasteners, so access points are no longer necessary. The result, he notes, is substantial process savings. What’s more, companies can realize the system’s advantages across multiple departmental functions.

In the assembly of motorcycles, the intelligent fasteners could be used to attach fairings, panniers, seats, visors and electronic equipment, such as global positioning systems. Since remote control actuation allows the fasteners to be tucked out of sight within the assembly, theft and unauthorized service could be more easily deterred. The signal to engage or disengage the fasteners could also be encrypted to bolster security.

Smart fasteners could also facilitate repair. For instance, they could contain serial numbers and other identification information. What’s more, the fasteners could track when the product was serviced and even record what repairs were made. Additionally, the system could self-diagnose, documenting all activations. Fasteners could also be programmed to spot, evaluate and report problems that need servicing.

Indeed, smart fasteners could play a key role in a range of assembly applications in industries such as motorcycle, automotive, aerospace and electronics, says Seshasai. In motorcycles, smart fasteners could mean added security, and quicker and easier repairs.

Source:

Intelligent Fasteners
John Sprovieri
Assembly Magazine, November 1, 2004
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