Sleeve Fastener with Flange and Fillets for Surface Attachment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods often result in unattractive appearances on component surfaces, as they require penetration or material alteration, leading to issues like sink marks, bulges, and color changes, which are unacceptable in applications such as computer and automotive industries.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve-shaped fastener with a flange-like extension and countersink design, utilizing dual-cure adhesive that is cured with light and heat, allowing for reliable attachment without surface penetration, and featuring fillets to reduce mechanical stress and prevent stiffness jumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fastening methods (penetration or melting) are used to achieve reliable connection, then connection strength is improved, but appearance quality deteriorates due to sink marks, bulges, and color changes
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into distinct functional parts: a receiving part for mechanical connection, a flange-like extension for surface attachment, and fillets for stress distribution. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising overall performance or appearance
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting element acts as an intermediary component between the component surface and the element to be fastened. It provides a mounting surface that avoids direct penetration or melting of the component, thereby preserving surface appearance while achieving reliable connection through adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking
2Ease of operation
If flange-like extension is placed on surface to provide attachment area, then ease of attachment is improved, but mechanical stress concentration worsens due to stiffness jumps
Solution Approach 1:
Fillets with rounded contours are provided at the transition zones between the flange-like extension and the receiving part. These curved transitions eliminate sharp corners and stiffness jumps, distributing mechanical stresses evenly and preventing stress concentration that would lead to failure
3Shape
If adhesive is used to fill countersink for connection, then appearance quality is improved by avoiding penetration, but connection reliability worsens due to potential adhesive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element combines multiple connection mechanisms: adhesive bonding in the countersink, mechanical interlocking through the receiving part with thread or snap-on element, and stress distribution via fillets. This multi-modal approach ensures reliable connection while maintaining surface appearance
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 solution provides a reliable and aesthetically acceptable connection that withstands mechanical loads while preventing surface damage, ensuring a clean appearance and maintaining component integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element is applied to the surface or into this countersink by light and heat-curing adhesive and then cured by targeted exposure to light and heating of the countersink, the adhesive or the entire connecting element.
Implementation Method 2
The connecting element is applied to the surface or into this countersink by light and heat-curing adhesive and then cured by targeted exposure to light and heating of the countersink, the adhesive or the entire connecting element.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting element 1 and a suitable method for attaching it to a surface 42 of a component 40. The connecting element 1 comprises a sleeve-shaped receiving part 10 for receiving an element to be attached inside 12, a flange-like extension 20 with a recess 22, which is designed such that the connecting element 1 can be attached to the surface 42 by filling the recess 22 with a suitable fastening material 30.