Shape Memory Polymer Blind Fastener for Aesthetic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating blind joints require specialized tools, significant skill, and are time-consuming, as they often involve visible fasteners that disrupt the surface of workpieces, making them unsuitable for applications where aesthetics or complexity are critical.
Innovation Solution
A shape memory polymer fastener that expands laterally and shrinks axially when heated, allowing two workpieces to be securely joined without visible or accessible fasteners, using cavities in the workpieces to accommodate the fastener and facilitate the blind joint formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical fasteners such as nails and screws are used to create joints, then the joints can be assembled quickly with little skill required, but the fasteners become exposed and visible which is inappropriate for high-quality furniture and trimwork
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible portion of the fastener from the workpiece surface by using a blind fastener design where the fastener is inserted into a cavity and concealed within the workpiece thickness, eliminating the visible head or protruding elements that would compromise aesthetic appearance while maintaining the joining function
2Shape
If blind joints are created using prior art methods such as mortise-and-tenon, dovetail, or dowel joints, then the fastener becomes hidden and aesthetic appearance is improved, but expensive tools, jigs, fixtures, and specialized skills are required making the process complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical joint systems (mortise-and-tenon, dovetail, dowel) with a simplified blind fastener system that uses a single insertable component with expansion mechanism, eliminating the need for specialized cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, and skilled craftsmanship while achieving the same aesthetic blind joint result
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature parameter changes to trigger the expansion of the fastener body from a compressed insertion state to an expanded locking state, enabling the fastener to be easily inserted in a compact form and then automatically secure the joint through thermal expansion without requiring complex mechanical assembly operations
3Shape
If blind joints are created using prior art methods, then the fastener becomes hidden, but considerable time is required to lay out and prepare tools and allow adhesive to cure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive dependency from the fastening process by using a mechanically expanding fastener system that secures joints through physical expansion and friction lock rather than chemical bonding, eliminating the curing wait time associated with adhesive-based blind joints like dowel joints with adhesives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous productive action by having the fastener expand and secure the joint immediately upon heating, eliminating idle curing time and allowing the joint to bear load without waiting for adhesive to set, thereby maintaining continuous workflow and reducing total assembly time
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 quick and easy formation of blind joints with minimal skill required, as the fastener becomes inaccessible and invisible after assembly, suitable for applications where appearance and complexity are concerns, such as in furniture and electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure provides a fastener for producing a blind joint that substantially obviates one or more of the limitations and disadvantages of the related art. The present disclosure provides a fastener that can join two opposed items to provide a blind joint, meaning that the fastener itself is not accessible without damaging the workpiece(s) or fastener after the joint has been formed.
Implementation Method 2
heating the blind fastener so that the fastener expands laterally and shrinks axially to engage the surfaces of the cavities and hold the two workpieces together
Data Source
AI summary
Fasteners for producing double blind joints where the fastener is not visible or accessible are provided. The fasteners comprise a shape memory polymer that may be used to fasten workpieces by heating the fasteners, inducing recovery of the original, permanent shape of the fasteners.