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2003 FIN – Textron Introduces ‘Intelligent Fasteners’

October 28, 2003 FIN – More than 50,000 airbags are stolen in the U.S. each year, but new intelligent airbag fasteners will be capable of outsmarting potential thieves.
Textron Fastening Systems introduced a line of intelligent fasteners with embedded chips remotely controlled by intelligent tools.
The chips activate the fastening mechanism and network with the intelligent tool that remotely manages and controls the assembly and disassembly process. The microprocessors also self-diagnose and document each process.
“Our intelligent fastening technology represents the future of fastening, an all new way to design, assemble and service products,” Textron Fastening president Rick Clayton told FIN.  “The entry of this technology platform into manufacturing processes will advance the speed, flexibility, flow and cost savings that modern production systems require,” Clayton predicted. “Intelligent fastening technology will provide our customers with an unprecedented capability to design for assembly and disassembly, as well as security, by integrating the mechanics of fastening processes into the component.”
TFS applications engineers are exploring use of the intelligent fastening technology for each of the company’s primary markets, which include automotive, aerospace, electronics and construction.
The most advanced of these applications is a tamperproof fastening system for automotive airbag modules. The system’s intelligent fasteners are integrated into the vehicle’s power and data system and have secure, encrypted codes that respond only to remote instructions entered by authorized service technicians.
Future automotive applications include lighting systems, internal and exterior trim, entertainment systems, molded body components and such accessories as roof racks and spare tires, according to Clayton.
TFS is bringing intelligent fastening technology to market through an application development partnership with TZ Inc, which has licensed worldwide industrial applications to TFS.
Sydney, Australia-headquartered TZ develops intelligent fastening and assembly enabling technology. The company’s core activity is licensing its intellectual property and operating software, as well as providing application engineering and technology development services to global manufacturers.
Headquartered in Troy, MI, TFS has nearly 11,000 employees worldwide and supplies value-added fastening products, systems and services to customers in nearly 200 countries. ©2003/2013 Fastener Industry News.
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