Detachable Rivet Assembly With Adjustable Preload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rivet connections are difficult to release without destroying the joint, making maintenance and repair challenging, and lack the ability to adjust preload after initial assembly.

Innovation Solution

A rivet connection arrangement where the rivet flange is detachably connected to the rivet element, allowing for easy release and re-establishment of the connection, with a nut element that can be screwed onto the rivet element to introduce or adjust preload, enabling quick and efficient disassembly and reassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional blind rivet element with integrated mandrel is used, then a secure rivet joint is formed, but the joint cannot be released without destruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint securityVSAvoidjoint releaseability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The rivet element is divided into separate components: a rivet body with rivet collar and a separate mandrel with head. The mandrel can be extracted from the rivet body after setting, allowing the joint to be released by removing the mandrel while leaving the rivet body intact and secured in the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mandrel is extracted from the rivet element after the rivet joint is formed. The mandrel serves its function during setting and is then removed, leaving the rivet body permanently secured in the workpiece while enabling future disassembly of the joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a conventional blind rivet element is used, then a permanent joint is created, but subsequent loosening requires considerable effort and destroys the joint

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint permanenceVSAvoiddisassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rivet system is segmented into a permanent rivet body portion and a removable mandrel portion. The rivet body remains permanently secured in the workpiece maintaining joint stability, while the mandrel can be easily removed for disassembly without destroying the rivet joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the rivet flange is integrally formed with the rivet element, then manufacturing is simplified, but the connection cannot be detached for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddetachability for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rivet element is segmented into a rivet body and a separate mandrel with head. This segmentation enables the mandrel to be removed after setting, providing detachability for maintenance while the rivet body remains permanently secured, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If a blind rivet nut element is used, then the rivet shank section can be deformed into a rivet collar, but the connection lacks adjustable preload capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidpreload adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel with head provides dynamic adjustability to the rigid rivet joint. By varying the mandrel head diameter, different preload levels can be achieved and adjusted, transforming the static clamping force into a dynamically adjustable parameter while maintaining strong clamping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 release and re-establishment of the rivet connection without destruction, allowing for adjustable preload, facilitating maintenance and repair while maintaining a secure joint.

Implementation Method 1

the rivet shank section is deformed into a rivet collar, so that the two workpieces are clamped at least between the rivet collar and the rivet flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the pull element is subjected to a tensile force, thereby pulling the pull element out of the blind rivet element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3499051B1Rivet connecting assembly and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 SCHMIDT HEIKO
  • EP3499051B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3499051B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3499051B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a riveting assembly (1) comprising a riveting element (6, 6a - 6d) for producing a riveted joint between at least two workpieces (2, 3), in particular between at least two sheet-like metal components, wherein the riveting element (6, 6a - 6d) has a rivet shank section (6.1, 6.1a - 6.1d) designed at least partially as a hollow rivet and a rivet flange (6.2, 6.2a - 6.2d) adjoining it along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the riveting element (6, 6a - 6d), wherein, for producing the riveted joint, the riveting element (6, 6a - 6d) is guided at least partially through two pre-drilled holes (4, 5) in the workpieces (2, 3), and the rivet shank section (6.1, 6.1a - 6.1d) is inserted into a rivet collar (6.3, 6.3a - 6.3d) is deformed and the two workpieces (2, 3) are clamped between the rivet collar (6.3, 6.3a - 6.3d) and the rivet flange (6.2, 6.2a - 6.2d). The rivet flange (6.2, 6.2a - 6.2d) is particularly advantageous.2d) directly detachable with the rivet element (6) or detachably connected to the rivet element (6) via a sleeve element (10).