Flow-Form Rivet Sleeve Joining for Low-Profile Sheet Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining sheet metal components, such as those in vehicle bodies, require a large amount of space due to the need for a stable flange or setting head to withstand forming forces, limiting the strength and space efficiency of the riveted connection.
Innovation Solution
A method using a flow-form rivet sleeve with a casing area, a first edge area, and a second edge area, where both edge areas are deformed to form a setting head and a closed head, respectively, allowing for a high-strength connection with reduced space requirements by accommodating material displacement into a recess on the pulling shank's head and utilizing a predetermined breaking point to separate the base body from the head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stable flange or setting head is used to withstand forming forces, then the strength of the riveted connection is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet sleeve is divided into two separate deformed regions: a first edge area that is widened and a second edge area that is bent toward the other component. This segmentation allows each edge area to contribute to connection strength independently, eliminating the need for a single massive flange structure and thereby reducing the overall space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the rivet sleeve are given different functional qualities: the first edge area is designed to be widened for load distribution, while the second edge area is designed to be bent for component attachment. This local differentiation of properties allows the rivet to achieve high strength without requiring a uniformly thick or large structure throughout.
2Ease of manufacture
If only one edge area is deformed to form a setting head, then the forming process is simplified, but the space requirement increases due to the need for a larger flange
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet sleeve is divided into two separate deformed regions: a first edge area that is widened and a second edge area that is bent toward the other component. This segmentation allows each edge area to contribute to connection strength independently, eliminating the need for a single massive flange structure and thereby reducing the overall space requirement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a massive flange is used to resist forming forces, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet sleeve is divided into two separate deformed regions: a first edge area that is widened and a second edge area that is bent toward the other component. This segmentation allows each edge area to contribute to connection strength independently, eliminating the need for a single massive flange structure and thereby reducing the overall space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the rivet sleeve are given different functional qualities: the first edge area is designed to be widened for load distribution, while the second edge area is designed to be bent for component attachment. This local differentiation of properties allows the rivet to achieve high strength without requiring a uniformly thick or large structure throughout.
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 approach enables a strong and space-efficient connection by reducing the structural height of the setting and closing heads, minimizing the risk of head detachment, and allowing for a lightweight, low-space requirement joint with enhanced force transmission and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the flow form rivet sleeve is plastically deformed by introducing a force into the flow form rivet sleeve, by means of which the first edge area is widened and, as already mentioned, the second edge area is bent towards the other component
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for joining at least two components (9, 10), in particular two sheet components of a vehicle body, by means of a flow-formed rivet sleeve (1) comprising a casing region (2), a first edge region (3) and a second edge region (4), in which rivet sleeve a draw-shaft (5) comprising a base body (6) and a head (7) is introduced, and which is inserted into respective through-openings (11, 12) of the components (9, 10) that are at least substantially aligned with one another, after which, via a relative movement (13) of the draw-shaft (5) in relation to the flow-formed rivet sleeve (1), same widens in the first edge region (3) and is brought into contact with a component (9), wherein the second edge region (4) is bent towards the other component (10) by means of a deformation tool (14) surrounding the draw-shaft (5), and is brought into contact with the other component (10). The invention also relates to a joining element for joining at least two components (9, 10).