Blind Rivet Fastener Sealing Structure Against Fluid and Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening means with blind rivet elements fail to effectively prevent fluid and heat flow between the sides of a component, and they are prone to corrosion and galvanic corrosion due to inadequate sealing and exposure to environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fastening means comprising a blind rivet element with a deformation portion and a sealing element having a closed lateral and cover portion that encloses the shaft, preventing fluid flow and protecting against corrosion by forming a closed head that anchors the blind rivet element, while the sealing element is made of a non-conductive material like plastic to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blind rivet element is used for fastening thin-walled materials, then effective fastening is achieved, but fluid and heat flow between sides of the component is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into two functional parts: a lateral portion that seals around the shaft and a cover portion that closes the end of the shaft. This segmentation allows each part to address specific sealing requirements, preventing fluid and heat flow through different pathways independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the blind rivet element and the component material. It mediates the sealing function by providing a barrier that prevents direct contact between fluid/heat and the fastening means, thereby preventing harmful flow while maintaining fastening effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the blind rivet element is exposed to environmental conditions, then fastening function is maintained, but corrosion and galvanic corrosion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element serves as a protective intermediary that shields the blind rivet element from direct exposure to environmental conditions. By positioning the sealing element between the environment and the fastening means, it prevents corrosive agents from reaching the metal surfaces, thereby eliminating corrosion while maintaining fastening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element converts the potential harm of environmental exposure into a benefit by using the space around the blind rivet element to position a protective barrier. What would otherwise be a vulnerable exposed surface becomes a protected interface, transforming the exposure scenario into a protected configuration.
3Strength
If a metal blind rivet element is used, then fastening strength is achieved, but galvanic corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element acts as an electrical and environmental intermediary that isolates dissimilar metals from direct contact. By positioning the sealing element between the blind rivet element and the component material, it prevents galvanic cell formation while allowing the metal fastening elements to maintain their strength properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening means having a blind rivet element and a sealing element, wherein the blind rivet element has a head portion and a shaft adjoining the head portion in an axial direction, wherein the shaft has an internal thread or a connecting portion for a threaded bolt and, between the internal thread or the connecting portion for the threaded bolt and the head portion, a deformation portion for forming a closing head when the deformation portion is deformed. The sealing element has a closed lateral portion and a closed cover portion adjoining the lateral portion in the axial direction, wherein the lateral portion circumferentially encloses the shaft of the blind rivet element at least in the region of the deformation portion, and the cover portion is formed at an end of the shaft of the blind rivet element facing away from the head portion.