Adhesive Nut Shank for Panel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching nuts to work pieces, such as metal panels, often require welding, which can be cumbersome and may not provide a strong adhesive bond, especially when different materials are involved.
Innovation Solution
A nut with a threaded bore and a depending shank is adhesively secured to a work piece using a heat curable adhesive, where the shank and underside of the nut are coated with the adhesive, and electrodes apply heat to cure it, forming a strong bond between the nut and the work piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to attach the nut to the work piece, then the attachment strength is improved, but the process complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with an adhesive bonding system. The nut includes a shank with adhesive applied to its outer surface, which bonds the nut to the work piece through chemical adhesion rather than welding, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining attachment strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance between the nut and the work piece. The adhesive acts as a mediator that creates a strong bond without requiring direct welding contact, simplifying the attachment process while achieving reliable fastening
2Ease of operation
If adhesive bonding is used to attach the nut to the work piece, then the ease of operation is improved, but the bond strength may be insufficient compared to welding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive to the shank of the nut before insertion into the work piece hole. This preliminary application of adhesive ensures that when the nut is inserted and the adhesive cures, a strong bond is formed without requiring complex welding operations during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the bonding process by using heat-curable adhesive instead of welding. The adhesive transitions from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a cured solid state through heat application, creating a strong bond that rivals welding while being easier to operate
3Reliability
If welding is used to attach nuts to work pieces, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different materials decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adhesive bonding as a universal attachment method that can bond the nut to various work piece materials including metals, plastics, and composites. The adhesive serves multiple material types simultaneously, providing reliable attachment without the material compatibility restrictions of welding
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 method provides a robust and efficient attachment of nuts to work pieces, allowing for secure fastening without welding, and accommodates various materials, including different metals, by forming a strong adhesive bond through heat curing.
Implementation Method 1
A heat curable adhesive coats the shank and also coats the underside of the nut between the depending shank and the depending skirt so that upon curing of the heat curable adhesive the nut is adhesively secured to the work piece
Data Source
AI summary
A nut and a method of attaching the nut to a work piece includes the nut having a top side with a threaded bore therein to receive a bolt and the nut having an underside with a skirt depending from the outer periphery thereof. A shank depends from the nut and extends into a hole in the work piece to which the nut is to be attached. A heat curable adhesive coats the shank and also coats the underside of the nut between the depending shank and the depending skirt so that upon curing of the heat curable adhesive the nut is adhesively secured to the work piece.