Vehicle Body Frame Joint With Sliding-Groove Rivet Assembly

The patent replaces the bolt tightening mechanism with a rivet insertion mechanism. The rivet connection eliminates the need for torque control and tightening operations, substituting a permanent mechanical fastening method that inherently prevents loosening without requiring operational intervention for torque application.

The invention extracts and removes the problematic bolt tightening system entirely, replacing it with a rivet system that does not require torque application. This extraction eliminates the root cause of loosening (insufficient tightening torque) by removing the tightening mechanism that creates the problem.

The patent substitutes the multi-step bolt connection process (alignment, insertion, tightening, verification) with a single-step rivet insertion process. This mechanical substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating cumbersome tightening operations and associated tooling requirements.

The joint connection is segmented into discrete rivet positions with corresponding sliding grooves, allowing for standardized, repeatable insertion operations. This segmentation enables modular assembly procedures that improve overall assembly efficiency through consistency and reduced complexity.

The sliding groove design allows the rivet to move dynamically during insertion, enabling the connection to accommodate dimensional variations and misalignments. This dynamic feature enhances connection strength by ensuring proper rivet seating while the groove geometry itself remains relatively simple, minimizing structural complexity.

The sliding groove acts as an intermediary element between the rivet and the beam structure. It mediates the connection by guiding the rivet during insertion and accommodating positional variations, thereby strengthening the joint without requiring complex structural modifications to the main beam components.