Plastic Component Connecting Element Asymmetric Anchoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in joining fiber-reinforced plastic components with metallic components, as traditional bonding techniques like welding are not applicable, and existing fastening devices do not effectively allow for secure assembly without transmitting forces or torques to the plastic component.
Innovation Solution
A plastic component with a connecting element featuring an attachment portion and an anchoring portion, where the anchoring portion has a smaller cross-sectional circumference, allowing for releasable joining, and incorporating a clamping device such as a tensioner or screw closure to facilitate secure attachment without transmitting forces, using reinforcement fibers like carbon or glass fibers embedded in a thermoplastic or duroplastic matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bonding techniques like welding are used to join fiber-reinforced plastic components with metallic components, then strong joining is achieved, but the incompatibility of materials prevents welding from being applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting element as an intermediary component that bridges fiber-reinforced plastic components and metallic components. This connecting element features an attachment portion for the plastic component and an anchoring portion with a smaller cross-sectional circumference that can be securely joined to metallic components, thereby enabling joining of incompatible materials without direct welding between them
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element utilizes parameter changes in its cross-sectional circumference between the attachment portion and anchoring portion. The anchoring portion has a smaller cross-sectional circumference than the attachment portion, allowing it to be inserted through openings and securely fastened to metallic components while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If existing fastening devices are used to join plastic components, then assembly is achieved, but forces and torques are transmitted to the plastic component causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into distinct functional portions: an attachment portion for engaging the plastic component and an anchoring portion for securing to metallic components. This segmentation allows the force transmission path to be separated from the plastic component, with the anchoring portion bearing the loads while the attachment portion provides a force-free connection interface
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as a mediator that isolates the plastic component from direct force and torque transmission. The spherical attachment portion enables torque-free mounting while the anchoring portion absorbs assembly forces, preventing harmful force transmission to the plastic component
3Ease of manufacture
If the connecting element has a uniform cross-section, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot be securely anchored in openings of plastic components
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element employs asymmetric cross-sectional dimensions along its length. The anchoring portion has a smaller cross-sectional circumference than the attachment portion, creating an asymmetric geometry that enables the anchoring portion to be inserted through openings and securely anchored while the larger attachment portion provides sufficient engagement area with the plastic component
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic component has a connecting element that includes an attachment portion protruding at least in part from the plastic component as well as an anchoring portion, by which the connecting element is releasably connected to the plastic component and which has a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the attachment portion.