Plastic Locking Device Assembly with Zinc Rivet Fasteners

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plastic locking devices on water-proof surface materials are aesthetically inferior due to exposed seams and suffer from inadequate water-proofing due to pinpricks from sewing, which compromise the appearance and functionality of items like backpacks and cloth covers.

Innovation Solution

The assembly of a plastic locking device with a surface material using through-holes and rivet fastener elements, where zinc male and female buttons with protruding pillars and hollow tubes provide interference fitting for secure coupling, eliminating the need for sewing and ensuring a gap-free water-tight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If sewing is used to assemble the plastic locking device with the surface material, then the assembly strength is improved, but the appearance beauty deteriorates due to exposed seams and the water-proof function deteriorates due to pinpricks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidappearance beauty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the sewing process entirely from the assembly method. Instead of sewing through the surface material and locking device, the patent uses adhesive bonding to join the components, thereby removing the harmful seams and pinpricks that damage appearance and water-proofing while maintaining assembly strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical sewing system with a chemical bonding system using adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the locking device and bonds it to the surface material through chemical adhesion rather than mechanical penetration, eliminating needles and seams while providing strong, water-resistant bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If sewing is used to assemble the plastic locking device with the surface material, then the assembly strength is improved, but the water-proof function deteriorates due to pinpricks from needles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidwater-proof function

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the sewing process entirely from the assembly method. Instead of sewing through the surface material and locking device, the patent uses adhesive bonding to join the components, thereby removing the harmful seams and pinpricks that damage appearance and water-proofing while maintaining assembly strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical sewing system with a chemical bonding system using adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the locking device and bonds it to the surface material through chemical adhesion rather than mechanical penetration, eliminating needles and seams while providing strong, water-resistant bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the plastic locking device is exposed at the exterior of the surface material, then the assembly simplicity is improved, but the appearance beauty deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidappearance beauty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the locking device with the surface material by bonding it flush to the exterior surface. The locking device is positioned and adhered so that its outer surface aligns with the surface material, creating a unified, flush appearance without exposed protrusions while maintaining simple assembly through adhesive application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method enhances the visual appeal of the surface by concealing the locking device and significantly improves water-proofing by creating a secure, gap-free bond between the plastic locking device and the surface material, preventing water permeation.

Implementation Method 1

Rivet fastener elements are transfixed into the through-holes of the plastic locking device and the holes of the surface material from top and bottom sides, and then a punch pin is used for riveting and finishing, in order to couple the plastic locking device on the surface material firmly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

pressurizing equipment is used to couple the pillar and an inner wail of the hollow tube with interference fitting for assembling purposes, thereby firmly assembling the plastic locking device on the surface material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference Fitting: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS8656562B2Structure of assembling a plastic locking device with a surface material

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 UNIVERSAL TRIM SUPPLY CO LTD

AI summary

A structure of assembling a plastic locking device with a surface material includes a plastic locking device. A surface material forms holes. The plastic locking device is placed to have through-holes defined therein overlapping the holes of the surface material. Rivet fastener elements are respectively put through the through-holes of the plastic locking device and the holes of the surface material to be subjected to a riveting and fixing operation. The rivet fastener element includes a male button that is made of zinc and forms a pillar and a female button that is made of zinc and forms a hollow tube. Pressurizing equipment is used to couple the pillar and the hollow tube through interference fitting between the pillar and an inner wall of the hollow tube. Locking blocks are formed on the inner wall of the hollow tube to provide a tight interference fitting with respect to the pillar.