Fastening system using an axially magnetized threaded insert

Abstract

Disclosed is an improved fastening system that leverages magnetism to assist in the installation of a fastener. The system may include an axially magnetized insert adapted to be secured within a bore in a surrounding material. The insert may be composed of a material having a magnetic permeability that is higher than that of the surrounding material. The insert may include a helical threaded interior surface adapted to receive a ferromagnetic screw. When placed in proximity of the insert, the tip of the screw is pulled into and held in alignment with the insert by the magnetic field emanating from the magnet. The fastening system may be particularly beneficial in environments where positioning or holding the screw in the starting position is difficult.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fastening apparatus comprising:
 an insert composed of an axially magnetized material having a helical threaded interior surface adapted to engage a screw and an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a surrounding material having a magnetic permeability that is less than that of the insert.   
     
     
         2 . The fastening apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of iron, nickel, carbon steel, ferritic steel, duplex grade steel, martensitic grade steel, and precipitation hardened grade steel. 
     
     
         3 . The fastening apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the insert is helical threaded and adapted to engage a helical threaded bore in the surrounding material. 
     
     
         4 . A fastening system comprising:
 a magnet positioned in proximity of a first end of a bore in a surrounding material;   a ferromagnetic insert axially aligned with and secured within the bore, the insert having a helical threaded interior surface; and   a ferromagnetic screw that engages the threaded interior surface of the insert, wherein the insert is composed of a material having a magnetic permeability that is greater than that of the surrounding material.   
     
     
         5 . The fastening system of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the insert and the screw is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of iron, nickel, carbon steel, ferritic steel, duplex grade steel, martensitic grade steel, and precipitation hardened grade steel. 
     
     
         6 . The fastening system of  claim 4 , wherein the exterior surface of the insert is helical threaded and adapted to engage a helical threaded bore in the surrounding material. 
     
     
         7 . A method for fastening comprising:
 securing a ferromagnetic insert within a bore in a surrounding material, wherein a first end of the insert is in proximity of a magnet; and   rotating a ferromagnetic screw into engagement with a helical threaded interior surface of the insert.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the insert and the screw is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of iron, nickel, carbon steel, ferritic steel, duplex grade steel, martensitic grade steel, and precipitation hardened grade steel. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the exterior surface of the insert is helical threaded and securing the insert within the bore includes rotating the threaded exterior surface of the insert into engagement with the threaded interior surface of the bore.