Tapered Insert Element Structure for Torque and Pullout Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insert elements are not reliably fastened within component openings and lack sufficient resistance to torque and pullout forces.

Innovation Solution

An insert element with a tapered hollow-cylindrical shaft and an annular groove with anti-rotation features, such as bead-like webs, is designed to securely fasten within a pre-punched component opening, enhancing torque resistance and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the insert element is forced into a pre-punched component opening, then installation simplicity is improved, but fastening reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidfastening reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The component opening is pre-punched to the appropriate size and shape before insert element installation. This preliminary preparation ensures proper fit and engagement geometry is already established, enabling both simple insertion and reliable fastening without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insert element employs multiple geometric parameters including groove depth, projection height, and inclined surface angles, all optimized to achieve both easy insertion into the pre-punched opening and reliable fastening through proper material engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the hollow cylindrical shaft tapers with inclined radial surfaces, then pullout resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepullout resistanceVSAvoidshaft geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft incorporates controlled geometric parameter variations including taper angles and radial surface inclinations. These parameter changes are designed to be manufacturable while achieving the required pullout resistance, balancing performance improvement with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 insert element provides reliable fastening and increased resistance to torque and pullout forces, ensuring secure mounting and connection of additional components.

Implementation Method 1

a radial outer side of the shaft wall extends radially inwardly in an inclined manner with respect to the central longitudinal axis, so that the hollow cylindrical shaft tapers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an annular groove encompasses the hollow cylindrical shaft, the groove forming a triangular cross-sectional area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

anti-rotation features, such as bead-like webs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

anti-rotation features arranged around the pilot portion that resist rotation of the nut or the insert due to an applied torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4336058B1An insert element as well as a setting method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4336058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4336058B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4336058B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An insert element with a cylindrical base body comprising, along a central longitudinal axis and opposing one another, a fastening side for fastening the insert element to a component opening and a mounting side for mounting side of an add-on part, at the mounting side, a fastening bolt projects from the base body or a fastening opening having a fastening structure extends into the base body, the fastening side includes a hollow-cylindrical shaft coaxially to the central longitudinal axis of the base body having a circumferential shaft wall, wherein in a direction axially facing away from the base body, a radial inner side of the shaft wall extends parallel and a radial outer side of the shaft wall extends radially inwardly in an inclined manner with respect to the central longitudinal axis, so that the hollow cylindrical shaft tapers, and an annular groove encompasses the hollow cylindrical shaft, the groove forming a triangular cross-sectional area in an axial cut parallel to the central longitudinal axis.