Adjustable Nut Fastener With Overmolded Bushing for Gap Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners fail to effectively adapt to and compensate for gaps between components, leading to inadequate connection and potential separation during industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A nut fastener comprising a mounting nut with retaining arms and an adjustment bolt, where the adjustment bolt features a bushing overmolded with thermoplastic elastomer, providing a flanged edge to cover the support surface and prevent rotation, ensuring secure engagement and waterproof functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastener is used to connect components, then the connection is simple and straightforward, but the fastener cannot adapt to gaps between components, leading to inadequate connection and potential separation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates an adjustment bolt that can rotate relative to the mounting nut, enabling dynamic adjustment of the fastener length to adapt to varying gap sizes between components. This dynamic mechanism allows the fastener to maintain reliable connection across different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design allows changing the effective length parameter through rotation of the adjustment bolt within the mounting nut. This parameter adjustment capability enables the fastener to compensate for gap variations while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If the adjustment bolt is provided without a bushing, then the structure is simpler, but the adjustment bolt cannot provide waterproof function and may rotate or separate during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
A bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the adjustment bolt and the mounting nut. This bushing serves multiple functions: preventing rotation, providing waterproof sealing, and reducing wear. The bushing is securely retained through injection molding integration with the mounting nut.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is made of thermoplastic elastomer material that combines flexibility for sealing with sufficient strength for mechanical retention. This composite material approach enables the bushing to provide both waterproof function and rotational prevention.
3Strength
If the bushing is made of rigid material, then the structural strength is higher, but the waterproof sealing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing material properties are optimized by selecting thermoplastic elastomer that provides the right balance between rigidity for structural strength and elasticity for waterproof sealing. The material's viscoelastic properties allow it to deform slightly to fill gaps while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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 nut fastener provides appropriate tension between components, is readily removable, and prevents separation during transportation, while maintaining a secure connection and waterproof seal.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing is overmolded onto a side wall of the bolt receiving passage by means of two-shot injection molding
Implementation Method 2
the bushing is made of a thermoplastic elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a nut fastener, comprising a mounting nut and an adjustment bolt. The mounting nut comprises retaining arms and a nut receiving passage. The adjustment bolt is configured to be at least partially received in the nut receiving passage and comprises a bolt receiving passage. A bushing is arranged in the bolt receiving passage of the adjustment bolt and over molded onto a side wall of the bolt receiving passage by means of two-shot injection molding. The nut fastener in the present application is easy to mount and use.