Bonded Standoff With Floating Internal Nut to Prevent Cross-Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standoff attachments with rigidly locked threaded nuts face issues with cross-threading during assembly and disassembly, particularly when using power tools, making it difficult to reassemble without replacing the nut, especially in maintenance procedures.
Innovation Solution
A floating internal nut at the distal end of the standoff post, accommodates minor axial and rotational displacement, preventing cross-threading and allowing secure adhesive bonding without the need for substrate holes, using a tubular structure with a slotted channel and a radially in-turned flange for secure engagement with a mating fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the threaded nut is rigidly locked or anchored in position on the standoff post, then the nut is securely retained, but the risk of cross-threaded engagement increases during assembly with power tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a rigidly locked nut to a floating nut that can move axially and rotate relative to the standoff post. The floating nut is retained by the slotted channel and flange structure, allowing it to accommodate movement during power tool assembly while preventing complete separation. This dynamic capability eliminates cross-threading issues while maintaining secure retention.
2Reliability
If the threaded nut is rigidly locked in position, then the nut remains fixed, but disassembly and reassembly become difficult or impossible without replacing the nut
Solution Approach 1:
The floating nut design enables easy disassembly and reassembly by allowing the nut to move freely within the slotted channel and rotate on the standoff post. During maintenance, the nut can be completely removed and reinstalled without risk of cross-threading, facilitating routine maintenance procedures while the slotted channel prevents the nut from separating from the post.
3Ease of operation
If the threaded nut is allowed to float freely, then cross-threading is prevented, but the risk of nut separation from the post increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the slotted channel and radially in-turned flange as intermediary structures that mediate between complete freedom of movement and complete restraint. The slotted channel allows axial and rotational movement while the flange prevents the nut from separating from the post. This intermediary structure enables the floating nut to accommodate assembly variations while maintaining reliable retention.
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
Facilitates quick, secure, and cost-efficient mounting with minimal risk of cross-threading, enabling easy disassembly and reassembly of support elements like wiring bundles, while maintaining stability and preventing nut separation from the post.
Implementation Method 1
the base structure of the standoff attachment is adapted for adhesive bonded mounting onto the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A standoff attachment for bonded fixation to a substrate includes a standoff post with internal nut for engaging a mating fastener used to mount a support element such as a line clamp substantially at a distal end thereof. The standoff post extends from an enlarged bond-on base and defines a hollow slotted channel of noncircular cross-section which terminates at the distal end in an in-turned flange defining an open fastener-receiving port. The nut includes a keyed rib sized and shaped for axial slide-fit reception into the slotted channel at an inboard side of the distal end flange, wherein this rib mates with the slotted channel shape to preclude substantial nut rotation. An elongated slotted plug is secured within the slotted channel to retain the nut, preferably with a minor degree of axial freedom, axially between the plug and the distal end flange.