Dual-Surface Rivet Nut Assembly for High-Strength Tubular Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rivet nut technologies are unable to securely join both surfaces of a tubular member, due to limitations in manufacturing processes and material deformation, particularly with high-strength steel.
Innovation Solution
A rivet nut design featuring a cylindrical body with a protrusion and flange, along with lower and upper end ribs, that allows for secure assembly of both surfaces of a target member without the need for machining a conical protrusion, using a fixation tool and punching tool for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If riveting technology is used to join a rivet nut to a tubular member, then the rivet nut can be attached to the tubular member, but it is impossible to manufacture a dome capable of deforming the riveting portion to join the rivet nut and the tubular component due to limitations in the tubular component manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the joining mechanism from dome deformation (riveting) to material flow deformation through the punching tool. By modifying the deformation method and process parameters, the system overcomes the limitation of not being able to manufacture domes on tubular components while achieving reliable joining of the rivet nut to the tubular member
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional riveting mechanical system (which requires dome formation and deformation) with a new mechanical system using a punching tool that directly deforms the rivet nut's riveting portion against the tubular member. This substitution eliminates the need for dome manufacturing while achieving the same joining function
2Reliability
If clenching technology is used to join the rivet nut to the tubular member, then material deformation is attempted, but joining is impossible due to limitations in high-strength steel deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the deformation parameters and method by using a punching tool with a groove that guides and concentrates the deformation force. This allows the rivet nut's riveting portion to deform and flow into the groove, creating a reliable mechanical interlock with the tubular member without requiring extensive material deformation of the high-strength steel tubular component itself
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces the punching tool with a groove as an intermediary element between the rivet nut and the tubular member. The groove acts as a mediator that receives and contains the deformed riveting portion, enabling joining without requiring the tubular member material to deform significantly
3Ease of operation
If only one surface of the tubular member is fixed to the rivet nut, then assembly is simple, but it is impossible to secure both surfaces of the tubular member to the rivet nut
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from single-surface attachment to dual-surface attachment by extending the rivet nut structure with a protrusion that reaches through the tubular member wall. This dimensional extension allows the rivet nut to engage with both the outer and inner surfaces of the tubular member, securing both surfaces simultaneously while maintaining assembly simplicity
4Device complexity
If a conventional rivet nut design is used, then the structure is simple, but tolerance in dimensions of the upper and lower surfaces cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a protrusion that extends through the tubular member wall during the assembly process. This preliminary structural feature is designed to accommodate and compensate for dimensional tolerances in the upper and lower surfaces, allowing the rivet nut to maintain proper alignment and connection even when surface dimensions vary within tolerance ranges
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
The solution enables secure coupling of both surfaces of a target member, compensates for dimensional tolerances, and provides resistance against twisting and pressure, while preventing moisture penetration with a watertight structure.
Implementation Method 1
the protrusion may be deformed in a bent manner along the inclined outer surface of the tool protrusion
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of lower-end ribs may press against the lower-end surface of the target member
Implementation Method 3
the flange contacting an upper-end surface of the target member and the protrusion contacting a lower-end surface of the target member
Data Source
AI summary
A rivet nut has a through-hole and a target member is assembled with the rivet nut passing therethrough. The rivet nut includes a cylindrical body, a protrusion formed on and protruding from a lower end of the cylindrical body, and a flange formed on and protruding from an upper end of the cylindrical body. The target member is assembled by the flange contacting an upper-end surface of the target member and the protrusion contacting a lower-end surface of the target member.