Mating Rivet Snap Fastener for Variable-Thickness Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional snap systems and rivets each provide only a single function, leading to cluttered appearances and limitations in securing materials with variable thicknesses, as they cannot be used effectively on materials thicker or thinner than their pin size.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional rivet that combines the structural support of a traditional rivet with the attachment point of a snap system, featuring a shank that secures multiple layers of material and a head that provides an attachment point for the snap, allowing for adjustable securement across varying material thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rivet and traditional attachment point are used together, then structural support and snap attachment are both provided, but the appearance becomes cluttered due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the traditional rivet and traditional attachment point into a single integrated component called a 'mating rivet'. The mating rivet includes a head portion that functions as an attachment point and a shank portion that provides structural support, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating rivet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support through its shank portion that secures material layers, and it provides snap attachment through its head portion that mates with snap components. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pin-sized attachment point is used, then snap attachment is provided, but it cannot be used on materials with variable thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The shank portion of the mating rivet is designed to be deformable during installation, allowing it to adapt to different material thicknesses. The shank can be inserted through varying thicknesses and then deformed (e.g., by peening or swelling) to create a secure attachment, providing both adaptability to variable thickness and reliable security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating rivet system allows for parameter changes in the installation process, such as adjusting the deformation force or swelling pressure applied to the shank, to accommodate different material thicknesses while maintaining secure attachment. The shank's physical state changes from insertable to locked-in-place through controlled deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a snap system including a mating component and a snap component that connect by means of a snap fit or otherwise. The mating component simplifies the assembly process by combining a structural component and an attachment point. The snap component is associated with a removable component that mates with the attachment point of the mating component. The snap system includes a mating component that combines a structural component to secure a material and an attachment point to secure a snap component. The design of the structural component allows the mating component to be used with a variety of materials having a variable thickness. The mating component is a versatile feature as the structural component self-adjusts to the thickness of the material provided. The snap system decreases the amount of components necessary for manufacturing which may decrease the cost and improve the visual appeal.