Mating Rivet Snap Fastener for Variable-Thickness Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional snap systems and rivets each serve only a single function, leading to clutter and limitations in securing materials with variable thicknesses, as they do not provide structural support and are not adaptable to different material thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional rivet that integrates a structural component with an attachment point, allowing it to secure multiple layers of material and provide a secure attachment for removable components, with a shank that self-adjusts to accommodate varying thicknesses by splitting into sections upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rivet and traditional attachment point are used separately, then structural support and attachment function are provided, but device complexity increases and appearance becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional rivet and a traditional attachment point into a single integrated component called a 'mating rivet'. This mating rivet includes a head that provides an attachment point and a shank that provides structural support, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing clutter on the material surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating rivet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support through its shank (like a traditional rivet) and provides an attachment point for snaps through its head (like a traditional attachment point). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what previously required two separate components.
2Ease of operation
If traditional attachment point with fixed pin size is used, then attachment function is provided, but adaptability to variable material thickness is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shank of the mating rivet is designed to be deformable rather than rigid. During installation, the shank can be compressed and deformed to accommodate different material thicknesses, allowing the same mating rivet to adapt to variable thickness conditions while maintaining its attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating rivet's shank can change its physical parameters (shape, length) during installation to adapt to different material thicknesses. This parameter change allows the attachment point to remain functional across a range of thickness conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining attachment function and adapting to variable thickness.
3Reliability
If single-function rivet or attachment point is used, then specific function is performed well, but multi-functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mating rivet is explicitly designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support (rivet function) and attachment capability (attachment point function). The head provides the attachment interface for snaps while the shank provides structural reinforcement, allowing a single component to perform what previously required two separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of a structural rivet and an attachment point into one integrated mating rivet component. This consolidation maintains the reliability of both functions while adding versatility, as the same component serves dual purposes that previously required separate elements.
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.