Asymmetric Joint Element Anchoring in Metal Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching joint elements in metal sheets lack effective twist protection and torque absorption while maintaining a reduced material outlay.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a locking section with a diameter approximately equal to the maximum radial distance of the joint opening, but larger than the minimum, which is deformed into a non-rotationally symmetrical shape during attachment, using a rivet collar to clamp the metal sheet between the joint element's head and the rivet collar, ensuring secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a joint element with a rotationally symmetrical locking section is used, then the attachment process is simple and fast, but the joint element lacks effective twist protection and torque absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the non-circular joint opening. This asymmetric geometry creates a mechanical interlock that provides effective twist protection and torque absorption while maintaining a simple attachment process. The asymmetric shape ensures that the joint element cannot rotate freely, thereby resolving the contradiction between attachment speed and twist protection.
2Strength
If the locking section diameter is made equal to the maximum radial distance of the joint opening, then torque absorption is improved, but the locking section becomes too large for the minimum radial distance areas
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section is designed with varying local dimensions that correspond to the local geometry of the joint opening. The cross-sectional shape of the locking section matches the non-circular joint opening, with the diameter in different areas corresponding to the maximum and minimum radial distances. This local adaptation allows the locking section to provide adequate torque absorption while fitting properly within the joint opening throughout its entire perimeter.
3Manufacturing precision
If the metal sheet hardness is made equal to or larger than the joint element material hardness, then the locking section can be effectively deformed, but the joint element head may damage the metal sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The joint element is designed with different local material properties: the locking section area has optimized hardness and material composition that allows effective deformation into the metal sheet, while the head area has different properties that prevent damage to the metal sheet surface. This local differentiation of material properties enables the locking section to be effectively deformed for secure anchoring while the head maintains the integrity of the metal sheet surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides high twist protection and torque absorption by deforming the locking section to match the joint opening's shape, allowing for easy attachment without orientation concerns and ensuring the joint element is securely anchored.
Implementation Method 1
the locking section is deformed into a cross sectional shape deviating from the rotationally symmetrical shape while joining and fixing the joint element
Implementation Method 2
the metal sheet in the area of the edge of the joint opening is clamped between the deformed rivet collar and the head of the joint element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for anchoring a joint element (1) in a metal sheet (7) so as to be secured against rotation, the hardness of the metal sheet being equal to or greater than the hardness of the material of the joint element. A locking and securing portion (4), which protrudes away from a head (2) of the joint element, is inserted into a joint opening (8), which is provided in the metal sheet and which has a cross section that deviates from the circular shape, such that an edge of the joint opening forms at least one region with a maximum distance to a central axis of the joint opening and at least one region with a minimum radial distance to the central axis of the joint opening, and the head of the joint element rests against the metal sheet after being anchored.