Reusable Single Groove Rivet System for Reduced Alignment Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plural pull groove rivet systems face issues with high positioning precision requirements, manufacturing tolerances, and complex removal processes, leading to incomplete engagement, wear, and premature failure of grooves and ribs, which hinder reusability and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A reusable single groove rivet system with a wider and deeper pull groove structure, heat-treated collar, and specialized installation and removal tools that reduce alignment complexity and allow for flexible hardness and strength, along with indicators for axial force, simplifying manufacturing and ensuring reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a plural pull groove structure is used, then the fastening strength is improved, but the positioning precision requirements increase and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the collar into multiple segments or lobes (typically 3-6 segments) around the single pull groove. Each segment independently engages with the pull groove, distributing the fastening function across multiple elements while maintaining a single groove structure. This segmentation provides multiple engagement points for enhanced strength without requiring multiple separate grooves, thereby reducing positioning precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple fastening functions into a single pull groove structure. Instead of having separate grooves that each require precise positioning, the single groove works in conjunction with the segmented collar to achieve the fastening effect. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple groove positions to be precisely aligned, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining fastening strength.
2Strength
If a plural pull groove structure is used, then the fastening strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into multiple lobes or sections that rotate and engage with the single pull groove. This segmentation provides the mechanical advantage of multiple engagement points for enhanced fastening strength while keeping the groove structure simple. The segmented design allows each lobe to independently contribute to the fastening action without requiring complex multi-groove geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating multiple grooves in the collar to achieve fastening strength, the invention inverts the approach by creating a single groove and multiple engaging lobes. This inversion simplifies the groove geometry and reduces device complexity while the multiple lobes provide the necessary mechanical advantage for strong fastening through their collective engagement with the single groove.
3Ease of repair
If conventional removal tools are used to cut the collar, then the collar can be removed, but the pull grooves experience higher loads causing damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the collar from the fastening system during removal, allowing the collar to be separated and discarded while the rivet bolt with the pull groove structure remains intact. By removing only the collar and not applying cutting forces to the groove-containing rivet bolt, the pull grooves are protected from the high loads and damage that would occur during collar cutting. The collar acts as a sacrificial component that can be removed without compromising the reusable rivet bolt.
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 single groove structure reduces labor intensity and manufacturing costs, enhances installation efficiency, and extends tool life by evenly distributing tension and allowing for flexible collar hardness, while ensuring the rivet bolt can be reused without additional load during removal.
Implementation Method 1
With entire collar being thoroughly heat treated at different cooling speeds, different grades of collar hardness and strength can be more flexibly obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable single groove riveting system includes a single groove riveting bolt and a collar, and a method of use thereof as well as installation and removal methods thereof. A pull groove has a variable section feature along the axial direction so a collet and the single groove can automatically align during installation; the variable section can reduce the stress concentration effects along the single groove structure and avoid stuck problems. While raising the strength of the collar flange, the design feature of the axial installation force indicator is added. The single groove structure will not receive any extra load from the tool during disassembly or removal process so the rivet bolt can be reused after the disassembly. In the event the bolt pull groove is accidently damaged or the work space is limited, the collar can be effectively removed from the joint with this disassembly or removal method.