Ductile Insert with Toothing for Lightweight Panel Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing lightweight sandwich structure panels onto supports often lead to deformation and deterioration of the panel's mechanical properties due to stress-induced embrittlement, especially when using bolts, which can compromise the panel's integrity and interchangeability.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an insert with a hollow main body and a flange having toothing elements, made of ductile material, is used to distribute stress without deforming the panel, allowing for the use of a washer made of ductile material between the flange and the support to absorb fixing forces, ensuring the panel's integrity and compatibility with manufacturing limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts are used to fix the panel onto the support, then the panel can be securely attached, but the bolt stem stresses embrittle the honeycomb core and deteriorate the mechanical properties of the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific insert design with a flange and hollow main body that acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the sandwich structure. The insert includes a flange with sufficient extension beyond the panel thickness to prevent the bolt stem from contacting and embrittling the honeycomb core, while still providing secure fixing. This mediator structure protects the panel's mechanical properties while maintaining fixing strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clearance is left around bolt bores for assembly tolerance and interchangeability, then manufacturing and interchangeability are improved, but the bolt stem is not sufficiently trapped and induces stresses on the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the solution into the thickness dimension by providing a flange with sufficient extension beyond the panel thickness. This dimensional extension allows the flange to contact the support and prevent bolt stem movement that would otherwise transmit stresses to the insert, while still maintaining the clearance needed for assembly tolerance and interchangeability in the planar dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the insert flange directly contacts the support, then fixing is achieved, but the panel or fixing member may be damaged due to concentrated stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact interface parameters by providing a flange with sufficient extension beyond the panel thickness. This geometric parameter change distributes the contact stress over a larger area and prevents stress concentration that would damage the panel or fixing member, while still achieving secure fixing assembly.
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 enables the assembly of lightweight panels onto supports without causing deformation, maintaining high resistance to corrosion and mechanical properties, while allowing for easy disassembly and interchangeability, and effectively transferring heavy loads within the panel's plane.
Implementation Method 1
a part made of a ductile material, including an opening for the passage of the fixing member... The toothing elements are intended for cooperating, upon fixing said panel onto the support, with the part made of a ductile material to realize such fixing without causing any deformation of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
These disclosed embodiments relates to a device for fixing a light-weight panel onto a support. Such device includes an insert including at least one flange, such insert being intended for receiving a fixing device of the bolt type.According to the disclosed embodiments, such flange has an outer surface including toothing elements and the device includes a part made of a ductile material including an opening for the passage of the fixing member. The toothing elements are intended for cooperating, upon fixing the panel onto the support, with the part made of a ductile material to allow such fixing without causing any deformation of the panel.