Composite Insert Structure for Detachable Fastening in Fiber Composites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite elements with fibers bonded in resin face mechanical damage when screws or bolts are inserted, and gluing components results in irreversible attachment, making component replacement difficult and laborious.
Innovation Solution
Embedding an insert piece during composite element production, which hardens within the resin, allowing for the creation of fastening holes or projections that enable detachable connections without mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw or bolt is inserted into a composite element with cured resin, then a fastening connection is achieved, but mechanical damage occurs to the composite element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the insert into the composite element during the manufacturing process, before the resin cures. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for subsequent mechanical fastening operations that would damage the cured composite structure. The insert is integrated into the mold along with the fiber reinforcement, ensuring proper positioning and avoiding post-manufacturing damage.
2Ease of operation
If a component is bonded to a composite element, then attachment is achieved, but the component cannot be removed without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the fastening function from the composite structure itself. The insert serves as an intermediate element that provides threading or fastening features, while the composite element remains intact. This allows the attached component to be removed and replaced by simply unscrewing or unfastening from the insert, without damaging either the component or the composite structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an insert is embedded during manufacturing, then detachable connections become possible, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the insert embedding step with the existing composite element manufacturing process. The insert is placed in the mold along with the fiber reinforcement and resin, and all components are cured together in a single operation. This integration eliminates the need for separate post-manufacturing operations to install fastening features, thereby reducing overall process complexity despite adding versatility.
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 easy connection of components to composite elements without causing mechanical damage, allowing for easy removal and replacement of components without destroying the composite structure.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-finished product for the production of a fiber-reinforced composite element having a fastening hole or a fastening projection, as well as a composite element with fibers embedded in a cured resin
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to composite element (100), comprising fibers embedded in a hardened resin and comprising an insert piece (101) likewise embedded in the resin, which insert piece has a head (102) and a tip (103), a pin (104) being provided between the head (102) and the tip (103), which pin extends along a longitudinal axis (X), which points from the head (102) to the tip (103), wherein a fastening hole is introduced into the head (102) and/or a fastening protrusion (27) is provided on the head (102), and a recess is provided on the pin (104), at which recess a holding surface is formed, which is at an angle of > 0° and < 180°, in particular at an angle of > 10° and < 170° to the longitudinal axis (X) and which faces the head (102).