Embedment Fastener Structure for Blind Clamp and Shear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners face difficulties in creating sufficient clamp force and resisting shear forces, especially in blind applications where access to the backside is inaccessible, and when parts have low friction coefficients, leading to potential loosening of joints.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a body with a flange, splines, a concentric edge, and an inclined plane that embeds into the second part to prevent rotation and lateral slipping, providing high clamping and shear forces, even in blind applications where tool access is not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fastener is used in a blind application, then the fastener can be installed without access to the backside, but the fastener cannot create sufficient clamp force to prevent loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener body is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first body portion for receiving the fastening member, a second body portion with splines for rotational prevention, and a concentric edge with inclined plane for embedment. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, enabling blind installation while maintaining high clamp force through the embedment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional cylindrical fastener to one with a non-circular concentric edge featuring an inclined plane. This dimensional change creates an embedment geometry that generates mechanical interlocking and prevents loosening, while the splines add another dimensional feature for rotational constraint, solving both blind installation and clamp force requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fastener is used on low friction coefficient parts, then the parts can be joined, but the fastener cannot resist shear forces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric edge with inclined plane performs preliminary embedment action during installation, creating mechanical interlocking before the fastening member is fully tightened. This preliminary action establishes a secure connection that resists shear forces effectively, even when the parts have low friction coefficients that would otherwise allow slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular concentric edge with inclined plane introduces asymmetry into the otherwise symmetric fastener structure. This asymmetry creates directional embedment that generates friction and mechanical interlocking, significantly improving shear force resistance on low friction coefficient parts while maintaining compatibility with various part geometries.
3Reliability
If a fastener with embedment features is added, then clamp force and shear resistance improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated concentric edge structure: the inclined plane provides embedment for clamp force generation, the non-circular geometry prevents rotation, and the overall feature creates mechanical interlocking. This merging of functions into one structural element achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as all these features are combined in a single geometric configuration rather than requiring separate components.
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 fastener achieves high clamping and shear forces, effectively preventing joint loosening, even in applications with low friction coefficients and inaccessible backside access, ensuring secure attachment of parts.
Implementation Method 1
The concentric edge and the inclined plane are configured to embed into the second part and prevent lateral slipping of the fastener relative to the second part
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of splines extend radially outwardly from the second body portion and are configured to prevent rotation when the second body portion is inserted into an opening in the first part
Implementation Method 3
A bore extends in an axial direction through the body and includes an inner surface with threads
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for attaching a first part and a second part includes a body comprising a first body portion, a second body portion, a flange arranged between the first body portion and the second body portion and extending radially outwardly from the body. A bore extends in an axial direction through the body and including an inner surface with threads. A plurality of splines extend radially outwardly from the second body portion and is configured to prevent rotation when the second body portion is inserted into an opening in the first part. An opening to the bore at the second body portion defines a concentric edge and an inclined plane extending from the concentric edge.