Anti-shingle Rivet Head Geometry for Jam-Free Feeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rivets used in resistance spot rivet welding systems are prone to shingling, leading to jamming and inconsistent feeding in the rivet delivery system.

Innovation Solution

The development of anti-shingle rivets with a blunt outer edge and optimized head portion geometry, such as a cylindrical or shallow tapered edge, to prevent point-to-point contact and minimize shingling, allowing consistent and predictable feeding through the rivet feed channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If rivets have a conventional head geometry with sharp edges, then they are easier to manufacture, but they cause shingling and jamming in the rivet delivery system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverivet manufacturing easeVSAvoidrivet feeding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the rivet head outer edge, changing it from a sharp edge to a blunt edge with a specific radius of curvature. This parameter change prevents point-to-point contact in the feed channel, eliminating shingling while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies curvature to the outer edge of the rivet head by providing a blunt edge with a radius of curvature, replacing the conventional sharp edge. This curved geometry prevents the rivets from interlocking or shingling in the feed channel, ensuring reliable automatic feeding while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If rivets have a blunt outer edge to prevent shingling, then feeding reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverivet feeding reliabilityVSAvoidrivet geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific parameter ranges for the blunt outer edge, including a radius of curvature between 0.002 to 0.010 inches and head thickness between 0.030 to 0.060 inches. These controlled parameter changes achieve the desired feeding reliability while maintaining geometric simplicity compatible with standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4118347B1Anti-shingle rivets
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 HOWMET AEROSPACE INC
  • EP4118347B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4118347B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4118347B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Anti-shingle rivets are provided. The anti-shingle rivets comprise a head portion comprising an outer edge configured to inhibit shingling in a rivet delivery system and a shank extending from the head portion.