Protrusionless Blind Rivet Nut for Flush Axial Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blind rivet nuts and bolts protrude when set, causing interfering edges on workpieces, which is undesirable and adds expense, especially in thin materials where stability is compromised.

Innovation Solution

A blind rivet nut and bolt design with a setting area that can be enlarged radially without a protruding head, using a single force to create a friction or form fit within a workpiece recess, eliminating the need for countersinks and ensuring no or minimal protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blind rivet nut with a setting head is used, then axial fixation is achieved, but a protruding edge is created on the workpiece

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial fixationVSAvoidprotruding edge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The setting area of the blind rivet nut is designed to be dynamically deformable under setting force, transitioning from a smaller initial state to an enlarged state that creates interference fit with the workpiece bore, eliminating the need for a protruding setting head

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The outer dimension of the setting area is designed to change under applied force, allowing the blind rivet nut to expand radially and create a friction or form fit connection with the workpiece, thereby achieving axial fixation without protrusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a countersink is provided in the workpiece, then the blind rivet nut can be set flush, but additional manufacturing effort and reduced stability are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflush settingVSAvoidadditional countersink operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blind rivet nut performs its own setting function by enlarging its setting area under applied force to create interference fit directly within the existing bore, eliminating the need for separate countersinking operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The blind rivet nut is designed with a setting area that can be enlarged during the setting process itself, preparing the interference fit condition in advance without requiring preliminary countersinking of the workpiece

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a countersink is provided in the workpiece, then the blind rivet nut can be set flush, but stability is compromised especially in thin workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflush settingVSAvoidworkpiece stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The enlargement of the setting area is localized to the blind rivet nut itself, creating interference fit only where needed without removing material from the workpiece, thereby maintaining the structural integrity and stability of thin workpieces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The design allows for secure axial fixation without protrusions, enhancing stability and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for countersinks, while maintaining the ability to connect workpieces effectively.

Implementation Method 1

the setting area on its free axial section facing away from the threaded area can be enlarged with respect to its outer dimension at least in a radial direction when a second force acting on it is exceeded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

an upsetting area, wherein the upsetting area is provided between the threaded area and the setting area and is designed to form a closing bead when a first force acting on it is exceeded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

a frictional and/or positive locking connection with the workpiece can be created

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4215766A1Protrusionless blind rivet nut or protrusionless blind rivet threaded bolt
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 HONSEL UMFORMTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4215766A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4215766A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4215766A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a blind rivet nut (105) and a blind rivet threaded stud for creating a thread in a recess of a workpiece and/or for joining two workpieces, wherein the blind rivet nut / blind rivet threaded stud comprises a setting area (110); a threaded area (120), wherein the threaded area has at least a partial internal thread (blind rivet nut) or an external thread (blind rivet threaded stud); an upsetting area, wherein the upsetting area is provided between the threaded area and the setting area and is designed to form a closing bead when a first force acting on it is exceeded, wherein the setting area has an axial section facing the upsetting area and a free axial section (112) facing away from the upsetting area;wherein the setting area on its free axial section facing away from the threaded area can be enlarged in at least one radial direction with respect to its outer dimension if a second force acting on it is exceeded. The blind rivet nut and the blind rivet threaded bolt are flush with the component after insertion/setting (protrusion = 0 mm).