Fracture-Pin Joining Assembly for Metal and Organic Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for joining organic sheet parts or sheet metal parts are inadequate, particularly as established processes like punch riveting are not suitable for fiber or fabric reinforced plastics, requiring a more efficient and economical method that simplifies handling and ensures a secure connection.

Innovation Solution

A method using an auxiliary joining part formed from a pin and a plate with a position of intended fracture, where the pin is used to pierce slugs from both components, creating a form-fitted connection by deforming the pin and plate ends, facilitating a secure and efficient assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If established joining processes like punch riveting are used, then sheet metal parts can be joined, but they are not suitable for fiber or fabric reinforced plastics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different materialsVSAvoidjoining suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joining method changes the fundamental parameters of the joining process by using a pin that is deliberately fractured at a predetermined location, rather than relying on traditional riveting or bonding parameters. This allows the same basic process to work with both metal and organic sheet parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pin is designed with a segmented structure featuring a reduced cross-section region that acts as a predetermined fracture point. This segmentation allows the pin to break in a controlled manner, creating the necessary mechanical interlocking with both metal and organic materials without requiring material-specific joining techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple individual components are used for joining, then the connection can be secure, but handling becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidhandling simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pin and plate are merged into a single integrated auxiliary joining part, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate components. The pin is inserted through both sheet parts and secured by deforming the plate, creating a secure connection while simplifying handling to a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a position of intended fracture is introduced between plate and pin, then the pin can pierce slugs from both components, but the connection structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining efficiencyVSAvoidauxiliary joining part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin has non-uniform cross-section with a specific region having reduced dimensions to create a predetermined fracture point. This local variation in geometry allows the pin to break at a specific location while maintaining sufficient strength elsewhere to perform the joining function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method allows for a simple, efficient, and secure connection between sheet parts, including organic and metallic components, with reduced handling complexity and the ability to handle organic sheet parts without fraying, while ensuring a form-fitted and force-transmitting connection.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the end of the pin which is pressed through the second component, the second component, or a washer which is optionally provided there, is deformed in order to provide a form-locked connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the plate and the end of pin which was originally remote from the plate, but is now adjacent to it, is deformed in order to also produce a form-fitted connection there

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3437754B1A method of joining two components, auxiliary joining part and components assembly
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 PROFIL VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3437754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3437754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3437754B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of connecting a first component and a second component with the aid of an auxiliary joining part, wherein the auxiliary joining part is formed from a pin and a plate. A position of intended fracture is present between the plate and the pin. The first component, the second component and the auxiliary joining part are brought into a stacked arrangement such that the plate contacts the first component and the pin projects away from the side of the plate remote from the first component. A force is exerted on the pin of the auxiliary joining part in the direction towards the stacked components which leads to a fracture at a position of intended fracture and the pin is used in order to pierce slugs from the stacked components. The end of the pin which is pressed through the second component, and/or a washer which is optionally provided there, is deformed in order to provide a form-locked connection to the second component or to a washer which is provided there. Furthermore, an auxiliary joining part is claimed.