Integrated Amalgamation Carrier with Protruding Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing processes require separate fasteners to join components, which complicates the assembly process and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An integrated amalgamation carrier with protruding fasteners that are part of a one-piece structure, allowing for simultaneous coupling of components without the need for individual fastener attachment, using various configurations such as self-piercing rivets, tacks, and spikes to form a strong joint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate fasteners are used to join components, then the joining function is achieved, but the assembly process complexity increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the carrier body and fasteners into a single integrated structure where fasteners are directly formed as integral parts of the carrier body. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastener attachment steps, reducing assembly process complexity and improving productivity by allowing simultaneous processing of multiple fasteners through the carrier body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate fasteners are used, then joining capability is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly operation simplicityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fasteners are merged into a single integrated carrier body structure, reducing the quantity of separate parts. The carrier body with integrally formed fasteners acts as one unified component rather than multiple separate fasteners, simplifying assembly operations and reducing the number of parts that need to be handled individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the carrier structure and the fastening mechanism through its integrally formed fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated fastener components, simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If fasteners are integrated into the carrier body, then assembly process is simplified, but manufacturing complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly process easeVSAvoidcarrier structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fasteners are pre-formed as integral parts of the carrier body during carrier body manufacturing, rather than being attached separately during assembly. This preliminary action of forming fasteners as part of the carrier body structure simplifies the final assembly process while the manufacturing complexity is managed through integrated formation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10352346B2Integrated amalgamation carrier

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An integrated amalgamation carrier can join parts. The integrated amalgamation carrier includes an amalgamation carrier body elongated along a longitudinal axis. In addition, the integrated amalgamation carrier includes a plurality of fasteners protruding from the amalgamation carrier body. The fasteners are integrated with the amalgamation body to form a one-piece structure.