Double-Sectioned Anchor Device for Thin-Walled Roof Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching structures to thin-walled work pieces, such as vehicle roofs, are time-consuming and require separate fasteners and tools, complicating assembly line fabrication and potentially leading to corrosion due to moisture penetration.

Innovation Solution

A modified rivnut or threaded insert with a double-sectioned head and deformable sleeve section that can be installed from one side, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and tools, and featuring a deformable seal member to prevent moisture ingress, which secures the structure to the work piece by deforming into a bubble on the blind side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded anchors are installed into the work piece and separate fasteners are used to attach the structure, then the structure can be securely attached to the work piece, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires separate tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anchor device and the fastening function into a single integrated component. The anchor device includes an anchor portion that is installed into the work piece and a head portion that directly engages with the structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners. This merging of functions allows the structure to be attached to the work piece in a single operation using one tool, thereby improving installation speed while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If threaded anchors with separate fasteners are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the assembly line fabrication process is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the anchor and fastener functions into a single device, reducing the number of components and assembly steps. The anchor device comprises an anchor portion for installation into the work piece and a head portion with engagement features that directly interface with the structure. This integration simplifies the assembly line fabrication process by eliminating the need to handle and assemble separate fasteners, while still providing secure attachment through the integrated engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional anchor devices are used, then attachment is achieved, but moisture can penetrate leading to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment functionVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the corrosion issue by incorporating a seal member that prevents moisture penetration. The seal member is positioned at the interface between the anchor device and the work piece, creating a barrier that blocks moisture from reaching the metal surfaces. This converts the potential harm of moisture exposure into a protected environment, preventing corrosion while maintaining the attachment function of the anchor device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Ease of operation

If anchors are installed from one side only, then blind side access is eliminated, but installation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the anchor device into distinct functional segments: an anchor portion for installation into the work piece and a head portion that extends beyond the work piece surface. This segmentation allows the anchor to be fully installed from one side (the accessible side), with the head portion protruding to provide the fastening function. This design eliminates the need for access to the blind side while maintaining installation flexibility through the modular functional division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution simplifies the attachment process, reduces the need for separate fasteners and tools, and enhances corrosion resistance by creating a seal that prevents moisture penetration, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the attachment.

Implementation Method 1

applying an axial force to the anchor to cause a portion of the body of the anchor to deform, thus retaining the anchor in the work piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

a deformable seal member to prevent moisture ingress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS8292560B2Anchor device with double-sectioned head and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 AVK INDAL PRODS

AI summary

A modified anchor device for attaching a structure to a thin-walled work piece allows a structure, such as a luggage or utility rack, to be attached to a work piece, such as an automobile roof, without threaded fasteners connecting the structure to the work piece. The anchor device has an double-sectioned head having an upper head member and a lower head member The upper head member extends above the surface of the work piece a sufficient distance such that the upper head member engages the top surface of the structure, thus retaining the bottom side of the structure in face-to-face contact with the top side of the work piece.