Blind Rivet Module Drilling and Threaded Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mechanically joining base materials using rivets require additional drilling steps, which degrade productivity and result in low joint strength and poor external appearance due to exposed screw and drilling portions.
Innovation Solution
A rivet module with a shank portion, base material friction portion, and base material fastening portion that drills through base materials using friction and applies a thread for screwing, allowing for increased joint strength and improved appearance by using a blind rivet mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional rivet method is used to join base materials, then the joining process is simple, but additional drilling steps are required which degrade productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling function and fastening function into a single integrated rivet module. The base material friction portion acts as both a drilling tool and part of the fastening mechanism, eliminating the need for separate drilling and fastening operations, thus improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet module is designed with multi-functionality: the base material friction portion serves both to drill through the base materials and to provide friction-based joining, while the base material fastening portion provides threaded fastening. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate tools and steps required
2Productivity
If an FDS rivet-type fastener element is used to join base materials, then additional drilling steps are eliminated, but the screw portion and drilling portion stick out from the base materials resulting in low external appearance quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protruding screw portion from the final assembly by designing the base material fastening portion to be countersunk or flush with the base material surface. The fastening portion is shaped to sit within the contour of the base materials, eliminating the unsightly protrusions characteristic of traditional FDS rivets
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet module features local quality variations: the base material friction portion has a specific geometry for drilling and friction joining, while the base material fastening portion has a threaded outer peripheral surface designed to be recessed or flush with the base material surface, creating different functional and aesthetic zones
3Ease of manufacture
If an FDS rivet-type fastener element is used to join base materials, then the joining process is simplified, but the joint strength is low because base materials are joined in a solid state simply with the screw portion
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet module employs a composite joining mechanism combining two different joining principles: friction-based joining through the base material friction portion and threaded mechanical fastening through the base material fastening portion. This composite approach creates a stronger joint than either method alone while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional portions: the base material friction portion that drills and creates friction-based joining, and the base material fastening portion that provides threaded fastening. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve superior joint strength
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 rivet module enhances joint strength and external appearance by drilling through base materials with friction and expanding the fastening portion using a blind rivet, eliminating the need for additional drilling and reducing protrusion of fastener elements.
Implementation Method 1
a hole is formed in the base materials by the friction between the drilling portion and the base materials
Implementation Method 2
a base material fastening portion that is fixedly fitted to the shank portion, supports the base material friction portion, and is fastened to the base materials through a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface
Data Source
AI summary
A rivet module is provided to join at least two sheets of base materials in a solid state, the rivet module including: i) a shank portion to be mounted on a reciprocal and rotatable joining tool; ii) a base material friction portion that is integrally connected to the shank portion and drills through the base materials as the joining tool causes the base material friction portion to be rotated while applying pressure to the base materials; and iii) a base material fastening portion that is fixedly fitted to the shank portion, supports the base material friction portion, and is fastened to the base materials through a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.