Adhesive Cage Nut Structure for One-Sided Brittle Component Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening elements for connecting elements, such as nuts, face challenges when accessing components from one side only, leading to high mechanical loads, damage to brittle components, and complex installation processes, particularly for thin or brittle components, and often require two-sided accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A cage nut design featuring a cage element with a peripheral boundary wall and an installation opening on one face, allowing for a connecting element to be inserted and held in a form-fit manner, with an adhesive surface on the opposite face for secure attachment to a component, reducing mechanical loads and simplifying installation by enabling one-sided access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a collar is deformed within the component opening to create a friction-locked connection, then mechanical fastening is achieved, but high mechanical loads arise that can damage brittle or thin components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidmechanical load on component

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cage element as an intermediary component between the connecting element and the component. The cage element receives the connecting element in a receiving space and provides adhesive surfaces for mounting to the component, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating direct mechanical deformation of the component opening collar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical friction-locked connection (collar deformation) with an adhesive connection system. The cage element has adhesive surfaces that are bonded to the component surface, substituting mechanical deformation with chemical bonding to avoid damaging brittle or thin components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If two-sided accessibility is required for fastening installation, then secure fastening can be achieved, but application scope is restricted for components accessible from one side only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidapplication scope

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fastening function into two separate parts: the cage element with receiving space for the connecting element, and the adhesive surfaces for component mounting. This segmentation allows the cage element to be installed from one side while providing secure fastening functionality that traditionally required two-sided access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring access to both sides of the component for installation, the patent inverts the approach by designing the cage element to be mounted on the accessible side with adhesive surfaces, while the connecting element is received within the cage element's receiving space, eliminating the need for backside access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If multiple installation steps are used for mechanical pressing and adhesive bonding, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation effort and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical receiving function and the adhesive bonding function into a single integrated cage element. The cage element simultaneously provides the receiving space for the connecting element and the adhesive surfaces for component mounting, allowing both functions to be accomplished in one installation operation rather than separate steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cage element is designed as a multi-functional component that combines the functions of mechanical reception (receiving space for connecting element) and adhesive bonding (adhesive surfaces for component mounting). This universal design eliminates the need for separate mechanical pressing and adhesive bonding steps, reducing installation time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cage nut design facilitates easy installation and secure fastening of connecting elements with reduced mechanical stress on components, allowing for flexible alignment and easy exchange of the connecting element, while minimizing damage to thin or brittle components and simplifying the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the first and second face forms an adhesive surface for fastening the cage element to a component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the connecting element can be received through the installation opening in the second face and held in a floating manner in a form-fit in the receiving area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForm-fit connection: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS11073176B2Fastening element

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

A fastening element consisting of a cage element with a nut arranged therein that is held by a fastening flange in the cage element. The cage element has a wall element which can be moved in an axial direction and shields the seat area of the cage element against the penetration of adhesive while mounting the fastening element on a component surface.