Sheet Metal Plate With Folded Edge For Non-Welded Screw Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching screws to thin sheet metal plates, such as those used in inspection hatches, often result in surface defects that require masking due to welding, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A thin sheet metal plate design featuring a central part and an edge part folded over the central part, with the screw's head inserted between the folded edge and central parts, and a body passing through the edge part, where the edge part has a rim extending perpendicularly, allowing the screw to be held in place without welding, and optionally including an insulating block assembled by gluing to the rim and central part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the screw is connected to the plate by welding, then the screw is securely attached to the plate, but surface defects are created that require masking
Solution Approach 1:
The edge part is separated from the central part by a fold line, allowing the edge part to be folded over and create a mechanical retention structure. This segmentation enables the screw to be held by the folded edge portion rather than welding, eliminating surface defects while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge part is folded over the central part, transitioning from a flat 2D configuration to a 3D structure. This dimensional change creates a folded edge portion that mechanically retains the screw head, providing secure attachment without welding-induced surface defects.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the edge part is folded over the central part to hold the screw, then welding is eliminated, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fold line is pre-defined in the plate design, allowing the edge part to be folded over the central part in a controlled manner. This preliminary structuring simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a clear folding path and ensuring proper screw retention without complex assembly steps.
3Strength
If a rim is added to the edge part, then structural stiffness is improved, but the plate design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is integrated into the edge part as a continuous structure, merging the rim function with the edge part geometry. This combination provides enhanced structural stiffness while avoiding the need for separate rim components, thus limiting the increase in design complexity.
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
This solution eliminates the need for welding, providing a secure and defect-free attachment of screws to the plate, while also allowing for insulation and improved structural stiffness through the use of a flange, facilitating the manufacturing process by folding and gluing the edge part over the central part.
Implementation Method 1
the screw comprising a head inserted between the folded edge part and the central part, and a body passing through the edge part, characterized in that the edge part comprises at its lateral end a rim extending perpendicularly to this edge part. The screw is thus held in place by the folded edge portion, without the need for welding.
Implementation Method 2
the block of insulation is assembled by gluing to the rim and to the central part
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The thin metal sheet plate (10) carries at least one screw (16) for fixing equipment. It has a central part (12) and an edge part (14) folded over the central part (12), the screw (16) having a head (16A) interposed between the folded edge part (14) and the central part (12), and a body (16B) passing through the edge part (14).