Rivet Nut Lining Fastening for Low-Profile Wear Plate Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching wear-resistant linings to heavy-duty machinery surfaces, such as haul truck bodies, are inefficient, prone to material infiltration, and require time-consuming welding, leading to detachment and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method using rivet nuts and bolts with rotational-locking washers to securely fasten lining elements to body steel plates, eliminating the need for welding and allowing for re-use of bolts, reducing the height of the fastening components, and minimizing material infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stud bolts are welded onto the surface to be protected, then the lining element can be fastened securely, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires substantial lining element height to protect the stud bolts from impact damages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the lining element itself and places it in a separate rivet nut that is inserted into the steel plate. The rivet nut contains the threaded portion and fastening mechanism, allowing the lining element to be attached without requiring welded stud bolts protruding from the surface. This separates the fastening component from the structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet nut acts as an intermediary component between the steel plate and the lining element. Instead of directly welding stud bolts to the plate or attaching the lining element directly, the rivet nut mediates the connection by being inserted into the plate and providing threaded engagement for the fastening bolt, eliminating the need for welding and reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If stud bolts are welded onto the surface, then the lining element can be fastened, but the stud bolts are likely to be destroyed during demounting of the lining elements
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet nut is designed to remain permanently installed in the steel plate while the fastening bolt can be easily removed and reused. This allows the lining element to be demounted without destroying the fastening components - the rivet nut stays in the plate and the bolt can be recovered for reuse on the next lining element installation.
3Reliability
If welded stud bolts are used for fastening, then the lining element can be secured, but the overall height of fastening components increases requiring substantial lining element height
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet nut is inserted into and nested within the steel plate thickness, with only its head protruding slightly. The threaded portion and fastening mechanism are contained within the plate structure rather than protruding outward. This nesting approach minimizes the overall height requirement for the fastening system compared to welded stud bolts that must protrude from the surface.
4Ease of manufacture
If material is allowed to travel in between the lining element edge and the surface, then the lining element can be installed, but the material gradually loosens the lining element from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet nut is inserted and secured in the steel plate before the lining element is attached. This preliminary installation creates a secure, pre-positioned fastening point that prevents material from interfering with the attachment. The rivet nut's position and the subsequent tightening of the fastening bolt establish a firm connection that resists material infiltration and loosening over time.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and fastening device (1) for use in heavy duty machinery for fastening a lining element (2) to a surface (3) of a body steel plate (4). The invention also relates to an assembly (17), a truck (23) and a handling tool (14).