Floating Fastener Mounting Structure Riveted Socket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating fastener designs for metal panel connections suffer from weak structural strength due to limited contact surface area and are prone to dislodgment under external forces, with lock screws often falling during disassembly, affecting reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A floating fastener mounting structure that includes a mounting socket affixed to the metal panel with a riveting process, utilizing a stamping press to deform the metal panel's peripheral wall into a riveting portion engaged with the mounting socket's annular groove, combined with a spring member and cap member for enhanced stability and shear strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mounting socket is welded to the metal panel member, then the connection is formed, but the structural strength is not strong enough and the mounting socket may break easily under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into distinct components: the mounting socket with bottom mounting portion, the metal panel member with mounting through hole, and the riveting portion formed by stamping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the bottom mounting portion provides insertion, the stamping process creates a deformable riveting portion, and the annular locating groove provides engagement - resulting in a more reliable connection than a single welded joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional welded surface to a three-dimensional deformable riveting portion that engages with the annular locating groove. The stamping process creates a riveting portion that extends in multiple directions, providing engagement in both radial and axial dimensions, thereby significantly enhancing the structural strength and resistance to dislodgment.
2Area of stationary object
If the mounting socket is inserted through the mounting through hole and welded, then the mounting is achieved, but the contact surface area is limited and the connection is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting socket is first inserted through the mounting through hole to the correct position, with the stop flange resting on the bottom wall of the metal panel member. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper alignment and placement before the stamping process creates the riveting portion, preventing misalignment and ensuring optimal engagement of the riveting portion with the annular locating groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The stamping process changes the physical state and geometry of the metal panel member by deforming it into a riveting portion. This parameter change transforms the flat metal panel surface into a three-dimensional engaged structure that fits into the annular locating groove, dramatically increasing the effective contact surface area and connection strength beyond what a simple welded joint provides.
3Strength
If a stamping press is used to deform the metal panel member into a riveting portion, then the connection strength is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The metal panel member serves a dual function: it provides the structural base and simultaneously forms the riveting portion through stamping. The stamping process utilizes the metal panel member's own material to create the engagement feature, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or additional connection components. This self-service approach enhances connection strength while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple parts.
4Ease of operation
If the lock screw is used for fastening, then the metal panel members can be fastened, but the lock screw may fall from the metal panel members during dismounting
Solution Approach 1:
The floating fastener components are nested within the mounting socket structure. The locking screw is inserted through the mounting socket, the spring member is mounted around the locking screw within the mounting socket, and the cap member is affixed to the locking screw. This nested arrangement contains all fastening components within the mounting socket, preventing them from falling during dismounting while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member provides beforehand cushioning for the locking screw, floatingly supporting it within the mounting socket. This spring cushioning prevents the locking screw from falling out during dismounting by providing elastic retention, while still allowing easy insertion and removal when needed. The spring member acts as a safety mechanism that cushions against accidental loss of the fastening component.
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 provides a high-shear-strength connection that prevents the mounting socket from dislodging under external forces, ensuring structural stability and facilitating easy reassembly by maintaining the socket securely attached to the metal panel.
Implementation Method 1
using a stamping press to stamp the metal panel member, the mounting socket and the cap member, deforming the peripheral wall of the mounting through hole into a riveting portion
Implementation Method 2
a spring member mounted in the mounting socket to floatably support the locking member in the mounting socket
Data Source
AI summary
A floating fastener mounting structure includes a mounting socket having a locating groove extending around the periphery and defined between a relatively smaller annular step and a relatively larger stop flange thereof, a metal panel member having a mounting through hole attached to the mounting socket and stopped above the stop flange and stamped by a stamping press to provide a riveting portion and to force the riveting portion to engage into the locating groove and to wrap about the stop flange of the mounting socket, a spring-loaded locking member axially slidably mounted in the mounting socket for detachably locking the metal panel member to an external metal panel member, and a cap member capped on a mounting head of the locking member and affixed to the mounting head during the operation of the stamping press to stamp the metal panel member. Affixing the mounting socket to the metal panel member by riveting greatly enhances the shearing strength of the floating fastener mounting structure.