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wiredInUSA - October 2015
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A flexible bolt, originally designed for use in
earthquake resistant structures, might have
applications in medicine and robotics.
Developed by Professor Saeed Niku, at
California Polytechnic State university, the
flexible fastener consists of a shank, made
froma strong, flexiblematerial such as Kevlar
or wire rope. The shank is wrapped with
threads of coiled steel, resulting in a fastener
described as “axially ridgid but laterally
compliant”. The screw is secured in the
same way as for conventional screws, but
its flexibility will allow it to enter mis-matched
holes, or to connect surfaces that are not
parallel.
Originally patented in 2005, the C3RP
research partnership is currently looking for
a partner in the product.
Annual
rebar
event
Flexible
fastener