Cage Nut Elastic Sleeve Simplifies Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cage nuts are complicated to assemble and require free accessibility of a slot in the retaining plate for inserting the connecting socket, which is a disadvantage.
Innovation Solution
The second collar is curved and oversized, forming a mushroom-head-like body that can be pressed through the passage opening to lock the connection socket to the retaining plate, eliminating the need for lateral accessibility and allowing for easier assembly, with features like internal threads and self-tapping screws for enhanced mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slot is provided in the retaining plate for inserting the connecting socket, then the connecting socket can be inserted into the retaining plate, but free accessibility of the slot is required which complicates assembly and limits application scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a slot in the retaining plate for inserting the connecting socket, the patent inverts the approach by making the second collar of the connecting socket elastic and oversized, allowing it to be pressed through the retaining plate from the opposite side. This eliminates the need for lateral accessibility and simplifies assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second collar is designed with elastic properties and oversized dimensions relative to the passage opening. By changing the physical parameters (elasticity and size) of the second collar, it can be deformed to pass through the retaining plate and then resume its original shape to achieve captive locking, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
2Reliability
If the second collar is elastic and oversized, forming a mushroom-head-like body, then the connecting socket can be locked captive to the retaining plate, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second collar is designed as an elastic, dynamic component that can deform during assembly and then resume its original shape. This dynamic behavior allows the collar to be pressed through the retaining plate in a deformed state and then expand to lock the connecting socket captive, achieving reliable locking without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic second collar performs the locking function automatically by resuming its original shape after being pressed through the retaining plate. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional locking components or complex assembly operations, achieving reliable locking with minimal structural complexity.
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 design simplifies assembly, ensures captive locking of the connecting socket, and provides axial alignment and tolerance compensation, preventing rattling noises and paint adhesion issues during vehicle painting.
Implementation Method 1
the second collar is curved at least in some areas in the direction of the first collar, the second collar being oversized in relation to the passage opening... the second collar is elastic and curved at least in some areas in the direction of the first collar and is oversized compared to the passage opening, a mushroom-head-like body is formed, through which the connection socket can be locked to the retaining plate by pressing the curved elastic second collar through
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cage nut comprising a nut (3) with a radially projecting flange (31) having two parallel, opposing side surfaces and a sleeve-like screw receptacle (32), a retaining plate (1) with a cover plate (11) having right-angle bent legs (12) arranged parallel to each other on two opposite sides, which is provided with a through-opening (15) through which the screw receptacle (32) of the nut (3) penetrates, and a connecting sleeve (2) which surrounds the screw receptacle (32) of the nut (3) and which has at one end a first collar (22) for bearing the flange (31) of the nut (3) and at its opposite end a second collar (24), which collars (22, 24) partially cover the cover plate (11) of the retaining plate (1) on both sides in the area of the through-opening (15).wherein the second collar (24) is elastic and at least partially curved in the direction of the first collar (22), wherein the second collar (24) has an excess relative to the passage opening (15).