Blind Fastener Elastic Expansion for Reusable Strong Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind fasteners are typically permanent and non-reusable, relying on permanent deformation, which limits their application to one-time use and fails to provide a strong non-permanent joint.
Innovation Solution
A reusable blind fastener design incorporating a bushing, nut, tail, receiver, and expansion device with a discontinuous exterior surface that undergoes selective elastic deformation when engaging a screw, allowing for repeated use by expanding to secure panels without permanent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If permanent deformation is used to create a strong joint, then joint strength is improved, but reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deformation parameter from permanent to elastic, allowing the expansion device to deform reversibly. This enables the fastener to maintain joint strength through elastic forces while allowing repeated engagement and disengagement cycles, resolving the contradiction between strength and reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion device transitions from a static permanently deformed state to a dynamic elastic deformation state. The device can expand to create the joint and then contract to allow disengagement, enabling multiple use cycles while maintaining strong joint formation during each use
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic deformation is used for repeated engagement, then reusability is improved, but joint strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the elastic deformation must be sufficient to create a strong joint while remaining within elastic limits. This parameter optimization ensures that the deformation is strong enough for secure engagement but not so strong as to cause permanent damage, maintaining both joint strength and reusability
3Manufacturing precision
If discontinuous exterior surface is used on expansion device, then selective elastic deformation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discontinuous exterior surface applies local quality by creating specific deformation zones on the expansion device. Rather than uniform deformation, the discontinuous surface allows selective deformation at specific locations, improving control over the elastic deformation process while maintaining relatively simple device geometry
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
Enables the creation of a strong, non-permanent joint that can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged, enhancing durability and usability by preventing fatigue and stress concentration failures, while maintaining reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion device having an exterior surface that is discontinuous and configured for selective elastic deformation when engaging a portion of the screw
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable blind fastener including a bushing, a nut, a tail, a receiver, an expansion device, and a screw. The expansion device having an exterior surface that is discontinuous and configured for selective elastic deformation when engaging a portion of the screw.