Expansion Rivet Locking Pin for Two-Point Perpendicular Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing expansion rivets require complex and time-consuming assembly processes, especially when securing components at two perpendicular fixing points, with one point often difficult to access due to obstruction by joined components.

Innovation Solution

An expansion rivet design featuring a rivet body with locking sections and a locking pin that allows simultaneous formation of rivet joints at two perpendicular points, utilizing locking elements that expand to engage rivet channels and a locking pin that secures within a pin receiving volume, ensuring easy assembly and secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional expansion rivets are used for fastening at two perpendicular fixing points, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking sections (first locking section and second locking section) into a single expansion rivet body, allowing simultaneous engagement at two perpendicular fixing points. This merging of multiple fastening functions into one component reduces assembly time while maintaining secure connections at both locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion rivet is designed with multi-functional locking sections that can engage different types of rivet channels (through channels, blind channels, T-shaped channels) at perpendicular orientations. This universality allows a single rivet type to perform multiple fastening functions, reducing the need for different rivet variants and simplifying assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If expansion rivets are designed with locking elements for secure engagement, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidrivet structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rivet body is segmented into distinct locking sections (first locking section and second locking section), each with its own locking elements oriented for engagement at perpendicular fixing points. This segmentation allows each locking section to be optimized for its specific engagement direction while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are designed to be displaceable in an antiradial direction, allowing dynamic adjustment during the assembly process. This dynamic capability enables the locking elements to engage with rivet channel edge regions while accommodating variations in channel geometry and assembly tolerances.

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

Facilitates simplified assembly of components with secure rivet connections at multiple points, reducing the risk of unintentional disconnection and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the locking elements are displaceable in an antiradial direction such that the respective contact areas can be displaced at least section by section into the pin receiving volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

PParticularly preferably, the expansion rivet is inserted from a top side of the components to be joined, so that gravity assists in the correct positioning of the expansion rivet.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4504563B1Rivet
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 LISI AUTOMOTIVE KKP
  • EP4504563B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4504563B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4504563B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

The invention relates to an expanding rivet (1) for forming at least two rivet connections. The expanding rivet (1) can be passed through a first rivet channel (5) and a second rivet channel (6) in a mounting direction (4) and has a rivet body (2) and a locking pin (3). At least one first detent portion (12) and a second detent portion (13) are formed on the rivet body (2) and are distanced from one another in the mounting direction (4), the rivet body (2) having at least one detent means (14) for each of said detent portions, the detent means extending in the radial direction beyond the outer face (10) of the wall (9). The detent means (14) have a contact region (17) with at least one contact face (18), which, in a load-free state, does not project into the pin-receiving volume (8). The detent means (14) are movable in an anti-radial direction in such a way that the respective contact regions (17) are movable at least in some portions into the pin-receiving volume (8) when a force directed at least in part in the anti-radial direction acts on the detent means (14) so that the expanding rivet (1) can be passed through the rivet channels (5, 6). The locking pin (3) can be arranged in the pin-receiving volume (8) in such a way that locking portions (19, 51, 52) of the locking pin (3) can be brought into contact with the contact faces (18) of the detent means (14).