Composite Panel Rivet Fastening for Wind-Stable Façades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for composite panels in ventilated rainscreen facades face issues with panel holder displacement and loosening due to wind suction and temperature fluctuations, particularly with screw connections, which are difficult to secure and require additional locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fastening method using a pull-through rivet with a mushroom-shaped head and a pull-mandrel, where the rivet head is threaded through a keyhole-shaped groove in the composite panel, creating a positive fit with the panel holder via a riveted connection, ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If screw connections are used to attach panel holder to composite panel, then the fastening method is simple and inexpensive, but the connection is prone to displacement and loosening under wind suction and temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into two functional parts: a reversible screw connection for assembly/disassembly and a permanent riveted connection for structural stability. The rivet creates a separate, independent bonding element that works continuously to maintain connection integrity regardless of screw loosening
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet is inserted and set before the panel holder is fully secured, creating a preliminary structural bond that prevents displacement during subsequent tightening. The rivet establishes the correct positioning and prevents the loosening issues that plague screw-only connections
2Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are added to screw connections to prevent loosening, then connection stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet creates a self-locking connection through its deformation mechanism. When set, the rivet permanently deforms to create friction and mechanical interlocking that automatically resists loosening forces without requiring external locking components like nuts or washers
Solution Approach 2:
The riveting process combines multiple functions into a single operation: positioning, locking, and structural bonding are all achieved simultaneously by the rivet setting process, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms
3Strength
If a secure fastening connection is implemented to withstand wind suction, then connection strength improves, but ease of reusability and adjustment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into a permanent riveted connection for strength and a reversible screw connection for adjustability. The rivet provides the structural backbone that withstands wind loads, while the screw connection allows for panel holder positioning and replacement without compromising the overall connection integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening arrangement for connecting a composite panel and a panel holder is provided. The composite panel has a rear cover sheet, a front cover sheet and a core layer. A keyhole-shaped groove is provided on the rear side of the composite panel having a widened insertion opening and a retaining area with an undercut in the core layer. The mechanical connection between the composite panel and the panel holder is a riveted connection using a rivet with a mushroom-shaped head inserted through the insertion opening and into the undercut of the retaining area. The panel holder is pushed onto a free end of the rivet shank that extends out via a through-opening so that the panel holder rests on the cover panel. The rivet shank free end is then formed by a rivet setting tool to create a positive fit between the composite panel and the panel holder.