Removable-Head Blind Rivet for Non-Destructive Panel Unfastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional blind rivets are not optimized for temporary removal, as their destructive removal methods generate debris and can cause damage to panels, and existing solutions for non-destructive detachment require high forces and are limited to thicker panels.
Innovation Solution
A blind rivet design featuring a detachable head and body with a mandrel that allows for temporary unfastening by deforming the body to permanently attach to one panel while allowing removal of the other panel, using a threaded connection for easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional blind rivets are used for permanent fastening, then strong mechanical bonding is achieved, but removal requires destructive drilling that generates debris and damages panels
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into three main segments: a body that remains in the panel, a mandrel that provides structural support, and a head that can be removed. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be separated from the removal operation, enabling panel removal without destroying the fastener body or generating debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The head portion is designed to be discarded (removed) while the body and mandrel remain in place to maintain the fastening. This allows recovery of the panel for removal and reattachment, while the fastener body continues to provide structural support without requiring complete removal.
2Ease of operation
If traditional blind rivets are drilled for removal, then the fastener can be removed, but precision is difficult to maintain causing panel damage or rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The head is extracted as a separate removable component from the fastener body. This extraction transforms the removal operation from a destructive drilling process to a simple unscrewing or unthreading action, eliminating precision requirements and preventing panel damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of removing the entire fastener by drilling through the panel, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the body in place and removing only the head. This inversion allows removal of the panel from one side without requiring precise drilling through the entire fastener assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized blind rivets with non-destructive detachment are used, then removable fastening is achieved, but heavy deformation and high forces are required limiting application to thicker panels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the heavy mechanical deformation process with a threaded connection system. Instead of requiring high forces to plastically deform the rivet for removal, a screw thread mechanism provides controlled, low-force removal capability applicable to thin panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates a threaded portion with specific pitch and geometry that transforms the removal mechanism from force-intensive deformation to torque-based unscrewing. This parameter change enables removable fastening with minimal installation and removal forces.
4Ease of operation
If a removable head design is implemented, then panel disassembly is enabled, but device complexity increases with separate body and head components
Solution Approach 1:
The body and head are merged into a single integrated fastener assembly during installation, with the head initially positioned on the panel. This merging simplifies the installation process while maintaining the capability for head removal, balancing complexity with functionality.
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
Enables temporary unfastening of panels without damaging them, reducing debris and operational challenges, and allowing for easy re-fastening by rotating the head relative to the body.
Implementation Method 1
the exterior threaded portion of the body and the interior threaded portion of the head are engaged to removably secure the body to the head
Implementation Method 2
the mandrel shank at least partially occupies the cylindrical hole of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener comprising: a) a body having: i) a first cylindrical portion with a first diameter, ii) a second cylindrical portion with a second diameter, iii) a shoulder part of the first cylindrical portion, iv) an exterior threaded portion, and v) a cylindrical hole extending along an axis of the body; b) a mandrel having: i) a shank, and ii) a mandrel head at an end of the shank; and c) a head having an opening defined by an interior threaded portion; wherein the mandrel shank at least partially occupies the cylindrical hole of the body; wherein the mandrel head is located outside of the body and opposite of the exterior threaded portion of the body; and wherein the exterior threaded portion of the body and the interior threaded portion of the head are engaged to removably secure the body to the head.