A rivet module is provided to join at least two sheets of base materials in a solid state, the rivet module including: i) a shank portion to be mounted on a reciprocal and rotatable joining tool; ii) a base material friction portion that is integrally connected to the shank portion and drills through the base materials as the joining tool causes the base material friction portion to be rotated while applying pressure to the base materials; and iii) a base material fastening portion that is fixedly fitted to the shank portion, supports the base material friction portion, and is fastened to the base materials through a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.

A fastener assembly for use with one or more workpieces. The fastener assembly can be a single-sided (i.e., blind) fastener assembly in which the fastener assembly is inaccessible from one side of the workpiece(s). In this regard, the workpiece(s) can make-up an enclosed component, for example. The fastener assembly can have a fastening end, such as a threaded stud, for securement with a distinct component that is otherwise detached from the fastener assembly. The workpiece(s) can be composed of a carbon fiber composite material, an aluminum material, or another type of material.

A multifunction drill bit includes an outer shank including an outer lock head, an outer shank body, and an axial hole wherein spiral grooves are on the outer shank body; from a joining portion of the outer shank body and the outer lock head to the outer lock head, a threaded section, a deformable section, and a guide section are provided; each of the threaded and deformable sections include first external threads; the deformable section has outer curved grooves; a deformable concave surface is on an inner surface of the deformable section; and first internal threads are on the guide section; and an inner shank in the axial hole and including a top socket, an inner lock head, and an inner shank body. Second external threads are on an inner surface of the guide section corresponding to the first internal threads. A tip of the drill bit is replaceable.

A multifunction drill bit includes an outer shank including an outer lock head, an outer shank body, and an axial hole wherein spiral grooves are on the outer shank body; from a joining portion of the outer shank body and the outer lock head to the outer lock head, a threaded section, a deformable section, and a guide section are provided; each of the threaded and deformable sections include first external threads; the deformable section has outer curved grooves; a deformable concave surface is on an inner surface of the deformable section; and first internal threads are on the guide section; and an inner shank in the axial hole and including a top socket, an inner lock head, and an inner shank body. Second external threads are on an inner surface of the guide section corresponding to the first internal threads. A tip of the drill bit is replaceable.

A fastener assembly for use with one or more workpieces. The fastener assembly can be a single-sided (i.e., blind) fastener assembly in which the fastener assembly is inaccessible from one side of the workpiece(s). In this regard, the workpiece(s) can make-up an enclosed component, for example. The fastener assembly can have a fastening end, such as a threaded stud, for securement with a distinct component that is otherwise detached from the fastener assembly. The workpiece(s) can be composed of a carbon fiber composite material, an aluminum material, or another type of material.

Friction stir blind rivet systems and methods are provided for joining workpieces. A FSBR joining system includes a mandrel with a head forming a tip. A stem extends from the head and has a narrowed section forming a notch. A tail section of the mandrel is configured to break off at the notch forming a broken end. A shank also has a head and a body, with a through-hole defined through the shank. The shank head includes a shoulder forming a surface contacting one workpiece. The head has an outermost point opposite the surface. A range is defined between the outermost point of the head and the surface. A wall projects from another workpiece and is formed around the body. The wall has a size formed by the mandrel and that is controlled to enable the body to deform.

A connecting element, the use thereof and a method for connecting plate shaped workpieces are proposed. The connecting element comprises a multiplicity of closed encircling annular projections, which are arranged in such a way that the spacing between adjacent annular projections changes along a circumference or that adjacent annular projections are arranged parallel to one another or obliquely to the longitudinal axis. The connecting element is rotated and pressed into contact to produce a hole and, after the production of the hole, is subjected only to axial contact pressure and is then twisted to lock.

A self-drilling rivet (1) is provided. The self-drilling rivet comprises a bearing collar (3) and an expandable hollow tubular body (2), the body (2) having, at one end, a first cylindrical portion (5) adjacent to the collar (3), and at the other end of the body (2), a second cylindrical portion (6) arranged to receive a drill element (4), and between the cylindrical first and second portions (5, 6), a third portion (7) that is expandable. The third portion (7) of the body (2) and the drill element (4) have respective connection means (11, 15) that are arranged so as to separate the drill element (4) from the body (2) during expansion of the third portion (7) of the body (2).

A self-piercing rivet comprising a bearing flange and a piercing end with an expandable hollow tubular body extending axially between the flange and the piercing end, the body comprising a cylindrical first portion that is adjacent to the flange, a cylindrical second portion that is adjacent to the piercing end, and a radially-expandable third portion between said cylindrical first and second portions, the rivet further comprises a breakable rod that extends axially inside the hollow body to drive the body in axial rotation and to deform it radially at said expandable third portion under the effect of axial traction. The third portion (7) of the body is designed to produce, before being deformed radially, an abrasion or deburring effect on the peripheral edge of a hole being pierced by the piercing end.

A self-piercing rivet comprises a bearing flange and a piercing end with a radially-expandable hollow tubular body extending axially between the flange and the piercing end, the body comprising a cylindrical first portion that is adjacent to said flange, a cylindrical second portion that is adjacent to said piercing end, and an expandable barrel-shaped third portion between the cylindrical first and second portions, and a bushing arranged in the second portion that is designed to be driven in axial translation towards the flange. The bushing extends axially inside the third portion of the tubular body in such a manner that it is inserted into said first portion of the body when the third portion is completely expanded. The third portion of the body is designed to produce, before being deformed radially, an abrasion or deburring effect on the peripheral edge of a hole being pierced by said piercing end.