Rivet Nut Unit for Mixed-Material Vehicle Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling vehicle body panels made of different materials, such as aluminum and steel, using weld nuts and projection welding machines are inefficient and cannot maintain sufficient fastening force due to material compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A rivet nut unit with a head portion and an insertion portion that includes slots and supporting protrusions, allowing for bonding and fastening of plates with improved torque and prevention of spinning, suitable for use with various materials including aluminum and steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If weld nuts and projection welding machines are used to assemble vehicle body panels, then mechanical assembly is achieved, but the method cannot be used with nonferrous metal materials such as aluminum due to material compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the welding process from the assembly method and replaces it with a mechanical riveting process. The rivet nut unit is inserted through holes in the panels and secured by deforming the insertion portion, eliminating the need for projection welding and enabling assembly of nonferrous metal materials while maintaining fastening reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet nut unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a rivet for mechanical bonding and a nut for threading bolts. This multi-functionality allows it to replace both weld nuts and traditional rivets, providing universal applicability across different material types including aluminum and steel panels
2Adaptability or versatility
If rivets or screwing methods are used to connect panels, then material compatibility is improved, but multiple connecting portions must be formed to maintain fastening force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple connecting portions into a single integrated rivet nut unit. The unit combines the head portion for bonding, the insertion portion for riveting, and the threaded portion for nut functionality, eliminating the need for multiple separate fastening operations and reducing assembly complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional riveting methods are used, then bonding of plates is achieved, but the fastening force is insufficient compared to the integrated rivet nut unit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines bonding, riveting, and nut functions into a single integrated unit. The head portion provides bonding support, the insertion portion enables riveting through deformation, and the threaded portion allows bolt fastening, creating a multi-mechanism system that achieves superior fastening force compared to traditional single-function riveting
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 nut unit reduces the task process, enhances fastening force, and increases productivity by bonding multiple plates while acting as a nut, ensuring strong and secure connections without the need for multiple fastening points.
Implementation Method 1
a protruding end bent to a lower surface of the plate for coupling the head portion to the plate while riveting the plate
Implementation Method 2
The supporting portion may include: a plurality of first support protrusions radially formed at an external circumferential surface of the insertion portion toward an external circumferential surface of the head portion
Data Source
AI summary
A rivet nut unit is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a rivet nut unit bonding at least one plate by being riveted to the plate and fastened with a bolt that may include: a head portion supported on an upper surface of the plate at a position corresponding to a processed hole in the plate, and formed with a penetration hole in the middle thereof corresponding to the hole; and an insertion portion extended from one side of the head portion, inserted into the hole, and formed with at least one slot and a protruding end bent to a lower surface of the plate for coupling the head portion to the plate while riveting the plate.