Rivet Collar Fastening With Retaining Ring for Tolerance Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping and fastening devices for connecting flat components, such as sheet steel in vehicle construction, require complex assembly and securing mechanisms, including individual clamping nuts and threaded sleeves, which can be cumbersome and difficult to access, especially for components with tolerance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a connecting element with a deformed rivet collar and retaining ring, allowing for radial or lateral tolerance compensation, where the rivet collar is permanently deformed to engage with an undercut in the retaining ring, enabling secure fastening and adjustment of components without the need for external tools, and allowing for pre-assembly of clamping components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a clamping nut and threaded sleeve are used to connect components, then the components can be fastened at a predetermined distance, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires individual parts to be placed and secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping nut and threaded sleeve into a single integrated fastening element. The threaded sleeve is formed as one piece with the clamping nut, eliminating the need to assemble and secure separate parts. This integration maintains the predetermined distance function while significantly simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance-setting function is built into the integrated fastening element itself, with the threaded sleeve providing the predetermined distance from the clamping nut. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for separate distance-setting operations during assembly.
2Reliability
If a clamping nut is secured against turning with a suitable tool, then the clamping function works properly, but the process requires external tools and is difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fastening element is designed to be self-securing through its own structure. The threaded sleeve is formed as one piece with the clamping nut, creating an inherent locking mechanism that does not require external tools to secure against turning. The design allows the fastening element to maintain its position and function reliably without additional securing operations.
3Reliability
If hook-like sections engage in the component to fix the threaded sleeve, then the threaded sleeve is secured, but the structure becomes more complex and requires additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the threaded sleeve fixation function into the single-piece structure. Instead of adding separate hook-like sections or additional fixing mechanisms, the threaded sleeve is formed integrally with the clamping nut, eliminating the need for separate fixation parts while maintaining reliable securing.
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 the assembly process by allowing pre-assembly of clamping components, enabling precise adjustment and secure fastening of components with tolerance compensation, and allows for exclusive force application through the clamping bolt and spacer, reducing complexity and accessibility issues.
Implementation Method 1
permanent deformation of a rivet collar into a deformed rivet collar
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for fastening a functional element, for example a connecting element, e.g. in the form of a nut (4) or a threaded bolt, to a joining opening (10) provided in a component (1) made of a flat material, for example metallic flat material or sheet steel, by permanently deforming a rivet collar (11) provided on the functional element and extending through the component in the area of the joining opening into a deformed rivet collar (11.1). For lateral or radial tolerance compensation, a retaining ring (17) is provided on the side of the component facing away from the functional element, which extends into the joining opening with a section or collar (15) and forms an undercut (12) in an annular opening.The rivet collar inserted into the ring opening of the retaining ring is deformed into the rivet collar engaging behind the undercut, and the joining opening is produced with a cross-section that is larger than the outer cross-section of the aforementioned section of the retaining ring.