Grooved Self-Drilling Bolt Assembly for One-Step Panel Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt and nut assemblies require multiple operations, including drilling, withdrawing the drill, inserting the bolt, and tightening the nut, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially in large construction projects.
Innovation Solution
A self-drilling bolt with a grooved nut that allows drilling and tightening operations to be performed in a single session using a single driver, featuring a drill-bit section with cutting blades and a grooved nut with compatible threads and grooves to facilitate passage and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate drilling equipment and bolt installation tools are used, then the drilling and fastening operations can be performed with dedicated tools, but the installation time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling bit and bolt into a single integrated self-drilling bolt component. The bolt includes a threaded section for fastening and a drill bit section at the end for drilling holes. This merging eliminates the need for separate drilling equipment and bolt installation tools, allowing both operations to be performed in one step with a single tool, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining dedicated tool performance through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-drilling bolt serves multiple functions: it acts as both a drilling tool and a fastening bolt. The drill bit section enables hole drilling, while the threaded section provides fastening capability. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what traditionally required separate tools, improving operational efficiency without sacrificing the specialized performance of dedicated tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple operations (drilling, withdrawing drill, inserting bolt, tightening nut) are performed sequentially, then each operation can be completed thoroughly, but the overall installation process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The self-drilling bolt is designed with the drill bit already attached and positioned at the correct location before installation. The grooved nut is pre-configured with grooves that align with the drill bit section. This preliminary arrangement allows the drilling and fastening operations to be performed in one continuous action without intermediate steps, maintaining operation completeness while dramatically improving installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design enables continuous drilling and fastening action. As the self-drilling bolt is driven into the material, the drill bit section drills the hole while the threaded section simultaneously engages with the grooved nut. The grooves in the nut allow the drill bit to pass through and align with the threaded section, enabling uninterrupted continuous operation from drilling to fastening, thereby eliminating idle time between operations.
3Device complexity
If traditional bolts and nuts are used, then the fastening operation can be performed with simple components, but the requirement for separate drilling equipment increases device complexity and operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drilling bit and bolt into a single self-drilling bolt component. This combination simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for separate drilling equipment, while the integrated design maintains operational simplicity through a single installation action. The grooved nut complements this by providing a simple receiving structure with grooves that guide the drill bit and accommodate the threaded section.
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
Enables rapid installation of rigid panels by combining drilling and tightening into a single operation, reducing installation time and cost by eliminating the need for separate drilling and fastening tools.
Implementation Method 1
The drill-bit section includes at least two cutting-blades, wherein the at least two cutting-blades are spaced apart
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A drilling bolt-and-nut assembly for attaching rigid panels, including a drilling bolt and a grooved nut. The drilling bolt includes a cylindrical screw-thread section, an external thread- diameter, and an internal thread-diameter; a drill-bit section; and a thread-less section interconnecting the screw-thread section, the drill-bit section. The grooved nut has a through cylindrical opening formed at the center of the nut, wherein the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical opening of the grooved nut is threaded with threads that are operatively compatible with the threads of the drilling bolt. The drill-bit section includes at least two cutting-blades, wherein the at least two cutting-blades are spaced apart. At least two grooves are formed in the wall of the through cylindrical opening, wherein the grooves are spaced apart similar to the peripheral distance between the cutting-blades of the drill bit-section.