Pre-Integrated Through-Fastener Assembly to Prevent Fastener Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly methods using through-fasteners like rivets or bolts require separate logistics management, are prone to errors, and risk loss or damage, especially in critical environments such as aircraft operations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical part with pre-integrated through-fixing elements, such as rivets or threaded rods, connected via supports that detach under thrust, simplifying logistics and reducing error risk by integrating the fastener within the part body during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If through-fasteners are added during assembly operations, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but logistics management complexity increases and assembly errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The through-fastener and the mechanical part are merged into a single integrated component. The fastener is pre-installed in the through-hole during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate logistics management of fasteners and reducing assembly errors while maintaining assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-fastener is pre-installed in the through-hole during the manufacturing of the mechanical part, before the assembly operation. This preliminary action simplifies logistics management and reduces the risk of assembly errors while preserving the ability to assemble parts when needed.
2Device complexity
If through-fasteners are pre-integrated into the mechanical part, then logistics management is simplified and assembly errors are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical part and through-fastener are manufactured as a single integrated component using additive manufacturing technology. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastener procurement and management while the additive manufacturing process handles the increased manufacturing complexity efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing method transitions from traditional subtractive or assembly-based approaches to additive manufacturing. This parameter change in the manufacturing process enables the integration of fasteners into the part structure without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as additive manufacturing excels at creating complex integrated geometries.
3Reliability
If through-fasteners are pre-integrated into the mechanical part, then fastener loss is reduced, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through-fastener is pre-installed during the manufacturing process, eliminating the risk of fastener loss during assembly operations. The additive manufacturing process performs this preliminary integration in a single manufacturing step, avoiding the time penalty of separate fastener installation while eliminating fastener loss risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing approach changes from separate component assembly to integrated additive manufacturing. This parameter change reduces total manufacturing time despite the increased integration complexity, as additive manufacturing creates the entire integrated structure in one continuous process rather than multiple sequential steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a mechanical part (10) comprising a part body (12) provided with a through-opening (14), and a through-fastening element (16) comprising a rod (18) engaged in the through-opening and connected to an inner surface (20) of the through-opening by a support (22) fastened to the rod of the through-fastening element and to the inner surface of the through-opening and configured to break the link between the rod of the through-fastening element and the inner surface of the through-opening, under the effect of a thrust applied on the through-fastening element so as to push the rod of the latter into the through-opening. Due to the fact that the through-fastening element is pre-integrated with the mechanical part, the logistical management prior to assembly of the mechanical part to another mechanical part is simplified, the risk of operator errors and loss of the fastening element are reduced.