Press-In Functional Element With Integrated Sealing Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing functional elements for fastening components in sheet metal parts require separate coating steps for sealing, increasing effort, cost, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A functional element with a sealing region featuring converging and diverging part surfaces and a projection design that displaces workpiece material to form a sealed connection without additional coatings, using a press-in process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate coating step is applied to seal connections between functional elements and sheet metal parts, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the functional element itself by integrating a sealing region directly into the element structure. The sealing region includes a contact surface with converging and diverging part surfaces that receive and press against displaced sheet metal material to create a seal, eliminating the need for separate coating applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional element performs its own sealing function through its integrated sealing region. During the press-in process, the contact surface of the sealing region automatically receives displaced sheet metal material and creates a seal without requiring external coating materials or separate sealing operations.
2Reliability
If a separate coating step is applied to seal connections, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing operation is merged with the press-in installation process. The sealing region is integrated into the functional element structure, allowing sealing to occur simultaneously with element insertion, thereby eliminating separate coating steps and reducing total manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing capability is prepared in advance by pre-forming the sealing region with its contact surface during functional element manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables the sealing action to occur automatically during installation without requiring additional time-consuming coating operations.
3Reliability
If a separate coating step is applied to seal connections, then sealing reliability is improved, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful coating materials and processes are extracted from the sealing solution. The sealing function is achieved through the mechanical action of the integrated sealing region pressing against displaced sheet metal material, completely eliminating the need for separate coating applications and their associated environmental impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional element creates its own seal through its integrated sealing region without requiring external coating materials. The sealing action is achieved by the contact surface receiving and pressing against the element's own displaced sheet metal material during the press-in process, eliminating harmful coating substances from the system.
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
Achieves a tight and secure connection with reduced effort and environmental impact by integrating the sealing function into the press-in process, eliminating the need for separate coating steps.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing region for receiving displaced material of the workpiece... the contact surface has a first part surface, which extends obliquely to the axial direction of the functional element and which converges viewed in a press-in direction of the functional element, and a second part surface that adjoins the first part surface, that extends obliquely to the axial direction of the functional element, and that diverges viewed in the press-in direction of the functional element
Data Source
AI summary
A functional element for pressing into a workpiece comprises a functional section; and a fastening section having an abutment surface for introducing a press-in force into the functional element; a workpiece contact surface that is disposed opposite the abutment surface; and a sealing region for receiving displaced material of the workpiece, said sealing region being disposed between the workpiece contact surface and the functional section and forming a contact surface for the displaced material to seal a connection between the functional element and the workpiece.