Blind Rivet Joint for Folding Roof Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint devices for folding car tops lack ease of movement, secure connection, and efficient force absorption, with complex assembly processes and potential rattling issues.
Innovation Solution
A joint device utilizing a blind rivet with a cylindrical collar and bearing bushes, allowing for smooth movement and secure connection between links, featuring a one-piece bearing pin integrated with one of the links, and adjustable bearing bushes for enhanced force absorption and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional riveting devices with multiple components are used, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (bearing pin, bearing bushes, stops, and riveting elements) into a single integrated blind rivet structure. The bearing pin and bearing bushes are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind rivet is pre-configured with integrated bearing bushes and stops during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that when the rivet is installed, all components are already in their correct positions and orientations, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable connection.
2Strength
If traditional bearing connections are used, then connection strength is achieved, but ease of movement deteriorates due to friction and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bearing bushes as intermediary elements between the bearing pin and the links. These bearing bushes reduce direct metal-to-metal contact and friction, enabling smooth movement while the integrated stop elements prevent rattling by limiting excessive motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing bushes change the friction parameter between contacting surfaces, reducing it to enable easier movement. The integrated stop elements change the motion parameter by defining precise movement limits, eliminating rattling while maintaining connection strength.
3Force
If multiple separate components are used in the joint device, then force absorption is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pin and bearing bushes are merged into a single blind rivet component, reducing the number of parts to be assembled. This integration maintains the force absorption capability through the unified structure while significantly improving assembly speed by reducing the number of assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind rivet is designed to be self-installing, where the expansion mechanism automatically secures the connection without requiring additional fastening operations. The integrated bearing bushes and stops are automatically positioned during installation, eliminating the need for separate alignment and positioning steps.
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
The joint device provides improved ease of movement without rattling, increased force absorption, and extended service life, with simplified assembly and cost-effective components, ensuring a secure and efficient linkage system.
Implementation Method 1
Bearing bushes in the bearing bore support the smooth running of the links of the joint device
Data Source
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AI summary
The hinge device has a blind rivet (151) and a rivet shaft, where a guide (122) has a cylindrical bearing support (156) with a hole. The bearing support extends through a bearing hole (124) of another guide (123). The blind rivet with a cylindrical collar (157) of a rivet sleeve (158) adjoins to a stop of the steering by a retaining washer (159). A mandrel head (152) of the blind rivet is guided into the hole (155) of the bearing support.