Threaded Bushing for Plastic-Metal Vehicle Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting fiber-reinforced plastic components to metal components in motor vehicle structures, such as those in the chassis, face challenges in reliably absorbing large forces during rare repair situations without integrating a metal insert into the plastic component.
Innovation Solution
A threaded bushing with a metallic sleeve-like body featuring an external and internal thread, where the external thread engages directly with the fiber-reinforced plastic component, and a spreading groove for adhesive distribution allows for a torsion-proof connection, enabling high force absorption without a metal insert, using either a buttress or trapezoid thread for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal insert is integrated into the fiber-reinforced plastic component for connection, then the connection strength and force absorption capability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the metal insert from the fiber-reinforced plastic component, replacing it with a threaded bushing that is separately manufactured and subsequently inserted into a recess in the plastic component. This separation allows the plastic component to be manufactured without complex metal embedding processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection strength through the threaded bushing's direct engagement with the plastic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separate functional elements: the fiber-reinforced plastic component with a recess, the threaded bushing with external and internal threads, and the connecting screw. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring reliable force transmission through the threaded interface.
2Ease of manufacture
If a threaded bushing is screwed directly into fiber-reinforced plastic without adhesive, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the connection reliability and torsion resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance between the threaded bushing and the fiber-reinforced plastic component. The adhesive is applied to the external thread of the bushing before insertion, creating a chemical bond that enhances connection reliability and torsion resistance. This mediator allows the simple direct-screw-in manufacturing process to achieve reliable, durable connections comparable to or exceeding traditional metal insert methods.
3Reliability
If a spreading groove for adhesive is introduced into the threaded bushing, then the adhesive distribution and connection reliability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the bushing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a spreading groove at a specific location on the external thread of the threaded bushing, typically at the leading edge. This localized feature concentrates the adhesive application where it is most needed for initial bonding and load transfer, improving overall connection reliability without requiring complex adhesive distribution systems throughout the entire bushing structure. The groove's simple geometry keeps manufacturing complexity low.
4Force
If a buttress or trapezoid thread is used instead of a standard thread, then the force absorption capability and connection stability are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thread geometry parameters from a standard thread profile to a buttress or trapezoid thread profile. These alternative thread forms have asymmetric pitch angles and depth characteristics that optimize force transmission in the primary load direction while maintaining acceptable manufacturing precision through standardized production methods. The parameter changes enhance force absorption capability without requiring ultra-precision manufacturing.
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 provides a reliable and force-absorbing connection between fiber-reinforced plastic and metal components, ensuring secure attachment and efficient force distribution during rare repair situations, enhancing the structural integrity of motor vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
The groove is a spreading groove for adhesive. The introduction of at least one spreading groove for adhesive positioned between the metal threaded bushing and the fiber-reinforced plastic of the first component permits a particularly advantageous connection of the threaded bushing to the fiber-reinforced plastic of the first component so that high forces can be absorbed safely and reliably in a torsion-proof manner.
Implementation Method 2
The external thread of the threaded metal bushing is engaged directly with the fiber-reinforced plastic of the first component.
Implementation Method 3
An external thread is formed on an external wall of the basic body... The threaded bushing can be screwed via the external thread into a recess in the first fiber-reinforced plastic component.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded bushing (14) is provided for releasably connecting a fiber-reinforced plastic first component of the motor vehicle structure to a plastic or metal second component of the motor vehicle structure. The threaded bushing (14) has a sleeve-like basic body (15) made of metal. The basic body (15) has an external wall (16) with an external thread (17) and an internal wall (18) with an internal thread (19). The threaded bushing (14) can be screwed via the external thread (17) into a recess in the fiber-reinforced plastic of the first component. A screw penetrates a recess in the second component is screwed into the internal thread (19) of threaded bushing (14).