Pre-Integrated Through-Fastening Element for Error-Proof Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical part assembly methods require pre-provisioning of through-fastening elements like rivets or bolts, leading to logistical challenges, assembly errors, and risks of loss or increased weight, particularly in contexts like aircraft operations.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical part with pre-integrated through-fastening elements, where a rod is engaged in a through-opening and connected to the inner surface by a support that breaks under thrust, allowing the rod to be pushed into place, thus eliminating the need for separate fastening elements during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If through-fastening elements are attached during assembly operations, then the parts can be connected together, but logistical management becomes complex and there are risks of assembly errors and loss of fastening elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidlogistical management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The through-fastening element is merged with the part body by pre-integrating the rod into the through-opening during manufacturing. This combining eliminates the need for separate fastening elements during assembly, simplifying logistical management and reducing assembly errors while maintaining connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod of the through-fastening element is pre-positioned in the through-opening during the manufacturing of the part body. This preliminary action ensures the fastening element is already in place before assembly operations begin, eliminating logistical complexity and reducing the risk of assembly errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If separate fastening elements are used during assembly, then connection between parts is achieved, but weight increases and there are risks of loss in assembly enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidtotal assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the fastening element (rod) with the part body through pre-integration during manufacturing, the separate fastening elements that would otherwise add weight are eliminated. The rod becomes an integral part of the component, reducing total weight while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod is pre-integrated into the through-opening during manufacturing, ensuring the fastening element is already secured in place. This eliminates the risk of loss during assembly operations and reduces the total weight by removing separate fastening elements from the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If through-fastening elements are pre-integrated with support, then logistical management is simplified, but the support structure adds complexity to the manufacturing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogistical managementVSAvoidsupport structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is pre-integrated with the rod during the manufacturing of the part body. This preliminary integration simplifies logistical management by ensuring the fastening element is ready for use, while the support's simple geometry minimizes manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed as a simple, sacrificial element that is broken during assembly to release the rod. This disposable support simplifies the overall design by providing a straightforward mechanism for securing and releasing the pre-integrated fastening element without requiring complex retention systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution simplifies logistical management, reduces assembly errors and fastening element loss, and minimizes weight-related issues by integrating fastening elements directly into the mechanical part during manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

configured to break the link between the rod of the through-fastening element and the inner surface of the through-opening, under the effect of a thrust applied on the through-fastening element so as to push the rod of the latter into the through-opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS12311432B2Mechanical part with pre-integrated through-fastening element

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

A mechanical part includes a part body provided with a through-opening, and a through-fastening element including a rod engaged in the through-opening and connected to an inner surface of the through-opening by a support fastened to the rod of the through-fastening element and to the inner surface of the through-opening and configured to break the link between the rod of the through-fastening element and the inner surface of the through-opening, under the effect of a thrust applied on the through-fastening element so as to push the rod of the latter into the through-opening. Due to the fact that the through-fastening element is pre-integrated with the mechanical part, the logistical management prior to assembly of the mechanical part to another mechanical part is simplified, the risk of operator errors and loss of the fastening element are reduced.