Composite Insert Attachment with Non-Rotating Drilling Tip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for composite materials lack sufficient mechanical strength, especially under axial forces, and require complex preparation or equipment for installation, making them unsuitable for providing reliable fixation by drilling into the support.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a shaft and a distal end featuring inclined outer surfaces that facilitate drilling into composite materials without the need for rotation, combined with a crimping section for enhanced anchoring, and grooves for fiber reinforcement, allowing for effective penetration and anchoring within the support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional inserts with cylindrical bodies and bases are used for fixing to composite supports, then assembly is simplified, but mechanical strength under axial forces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength under axial forcesVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is divided into multiple functional sections: a shaft portion for insertion, a distal end with first and second sections having different inclination angles for drilling and anchoring, and a proximal end for securing. Each section performs a specific function to collectively achieve both high mechanical strength and simplified assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring rotation like traditional drilling tools, the distal end is designed with inclined surfaces that facilitate drilling through linear motion only, inverting the conventional drilling mechanism and eliminating the need for rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If rotating spindle methods are used to drill composite supports, then hole formation is achieved, but device complexity and equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the rotational function from the drilling process, eliminating the need for a rotating spindle and complex positioning equipment. The distal end's inclined surfaces enable hole formation through simple linear insertion, removing unnecessary equipment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The distal end structure itself performs the drilling function through its inclined surfaces, without requiring external rotational equipment. The geometry of the distal end enables it to create its own insertion path and anchor itself, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If resin injection methods are used to fix inserts, then mechanical bonding is achieved, but fiber distribution around the base is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoidfiber distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end features first and second sections with different inclination angles, creating localized variations in surface geometry. This local quality variation enhances resin penetration and fiber distribution at critical anchoring zones, improving both reliability and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3724523B1Attachment device, attachment assembly comprising such a device and method for producing such an assembly
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 BOLLHOFF OTALU SA
  • EP3724523B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3724523B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3724523B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An attachment device, comprising a barrel (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and a distal end (3) comprising a first section (5) adjacent to the barrel (2) and having an outer surface inclined at a first angle (6) with respect to the longitudinal axis (A), the distal end (3) comprising a second section (7) adjacent to the first section (5) and having an outer surface inclined at a second angle (8) with respect to the longitudinal axis (A), the respective outer surfaces of the first and second sections (5, 7) tapering in the same direction and the first and second angles (6, 8) having different respective values.