Panel Fixing Sleeve Design for Substructure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for panels to metal substructures using blind rivets face issues with differential hole diameters and deformation of thin-walled metal profiles, leading to reduced pull-out resistance and undesirable frictional tensioning at loose points.
Innovation Solution
Using identical diameter holes for both fixed and loose points with a first sleeve of equal panel thickness for fixed points and a second sleeve with a smaller diameter for loose points, ensuring the sleeves' length is at least equal to the panel thickness, allowing for a consistent fastening method without special blind rivets and maintaining structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all holes in the panel have the same large diameter to accommodate dilatations at loose points, then the panel can expand freely, but the thin-walled metal profiles deform like a funnel around the drilled hole, reducing pull-out resistance of the blind rivet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the sleeve diameter at different locations: at loose points, a second sleeve with smaller outer diameter (d < D) is used to prevent profile deformation, while at fixed points, a first sleeve with outer diameter equal to the hole diameter (D) is used to accommodate panel expansion. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between panel expandability and rivet pull-out resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sleeve with outer diameter equal to the large hole diameter is used at loose points, then the panel can expand, but undesirable frictional tensioning of the panel with the substructure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by using a second sleeve with smaller outer diameter (d < D) specifically at loose points. This smaller diameter creates a gap between the sleeve and the hole wall, allowing the panel to expand freely without generating frictional tensioning forces, while still providing sufficient support through the rivet shank.
3Ease of manufacture
If special blind rivets with an integral sleeve are used, then the fastening is simplified, but the panels have to be provided with holes of different diameters at precisely specified points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the sleeve function into two distinct components: a first sleeve for fixed points and a second sleeve for loose points. Both sleeves can be pushed onto standard blind rivets with uniform shank diameter, allowing all holes in the panel to be drilled with the same diameter. The different sleeve types are selected based on location, simplifying the drilling process while maintaining the needed functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by using a common blind rivet shank design that can accommodate both first and second sleeves. The blind rivet body remains standardized, while only the sleeve component varies. This allows the same rivet setting tool and hole preparation process to be used throughout, with sleeve selection being the only differentiation step.
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 approach ensures a floating fixation of panels without compromising the substructure's strength at loose points and eliminates the need for special blind rivets, enhancing the pull-out resistance and stability of the fastening system.
Implementation Method 1
Undesirable frictional tensioning of the panel with the substructure at the loose points can also occur
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
AI summary
The system has a sleeve comprising outer diameter, which is smaller than diameter (D) of a borehole of a panel (1). Another sleeve (5) is provided for a fixed point (A) and exhibits length, where length of the former and the latter sleeves is equal to thickness (s) of the panel. The former and latter sleeves are made of stainless steel. A bore-hole is provided at the fixed point and lined via the latter sleeve that sits on a shaft (4a) of a blind rivet (4). Plastic stripes (3) are provided between a middle side piece of a C-profile (2) and a rear side of the panel. An independent claim is also included for a method for fixing a panel on a sub-construction unit, which is made of metal profiles.