Sealed Blind Rivet Joint With Self-Compressing Sealing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rivet connections in aircraft construction are time-consuming and require two-person operation, with post-treatment sealing processes being labor-intensive, especially when dealing with complex geometries and environmental exposure.
Innovation Solution
A blind rivet system featuring a deformable rivet body with a bearing collar, sleeve, and a sealing ring made of curable material, which is compressed radially and axially during contraction to automatically seal gaps and spaces between workpieces, using a tool-guided mechanism that reduces manual labor and enhances ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rivet connections are used with two-person operation, then connection strength and reliability are ensured, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet connection system is segmented into two functional parts: a blind rivet that can be installed from one side and a rivet nut that is pre-threaded onto the rivet. This segmentation allows the rivet to be inserted and secured without requiring access to both sides of the workpiece, enabling single-person operation while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The blind rivet acts as an intermediary element between the tool and the workpiece, allowing the tool to apply contracting force through the rivet body to secure the connection. This intermediary mechanism enables automated or semi-automated installation while ensuring reliable mechanical fastening
2Productivity
If blind rivets are used to reduce accessibility requirements, then installation time and labor costs are reduced, but post-treatment sealing work increases manually
Solution Approach 1:
The blind rivet system performs self-sealing during the installation process itself. The rivet body and rivet nut create a sealed connection without requiring separate manual sealing operations, thereby maintaining installation efficiency while eliminating additional post-treatment sealing work
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the mechanical fastening function. The rivet connection structure itself provides the sealing action through the interference fit and deformation of the rivet body, combining two functions (fastening and sealing) into a single integrated operation
3Reliability
If manual sealing material application is used, then gaps and spaces are filled, but the process is time-consuming and reduces the benefits of automated blind rivet assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The blind rivet system provides self-sealing through the mechanical deformation and interference fit between the rivet body and the rivet nut, eliminating the need for separate sealing material application and reducing post-treatment time while maintaining sealing quality
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 blind rivet system significantly reduces manual work in post-treatment processes, such as grinding, by automatically filling and sealing gaps, maintaining the advantages of blind rivets while ensuring a durable, homogeneous surface for priming and painting, even in automated production.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sealing ring is arranged in such a manner that during contraction of the blind rivet it is pressed axially towards the bearing collar by a tool that can be connected to the tool holder head or by a section of the rivet mandrel
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sealing ring is made of a curable and not fully cured sealing material
Implementation Method 3
to adhere there
Data Source
AI summary
A blind rivet, for connecting workpieces, comprising a hollow, deformable rivet body with a bearing collar and a sleeve attached thereto, a rivet mandrel in the sleeve and extending through the bearing collar, having a tool holder head, and a sealing ring. The sealing ring is arranged between the bearing collar and the tool holder head and is made of a curable and not fully cured sealing material. During contraction of the blind rivet, the sealing ring is pressed axially towards the bearing collar by a tool that can be connected to the tool holder head or by a section of the rivet mandrel. The sealing ring is designed to flow radially and axially into gaps and spaces on the bearing collar and between the bearing collar and the workpieces while the sealing ring is compressed, and to adhere there.