Cage Nut Assembly for Tool-Free Mounting Without Axial Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cage nuts experience play along the axis between the cage and frame even when tightened, and are typically limited to use from behind, requiring a tool for installation.
Innovation Solution
A cage nut design that allows partial insertion and angled rotation within rectangular openings, featuring diametrically opposite lugs and support sections that engage with the thin wall, enabling secure screwing without play and allowing installation from either side without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cage nut is tightened, then the connection strength is improved, but axial play between the cage and frame persists
Solution Approach 1:
The cage nut is divided into two functional parts: a cage component with support sections that engage the frame, and a nut component that threads onto the screw. This segmentation allows the support sections to eliminate axial play while the nut provides tightening function, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and axial play elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The support sections act as an intermediary element between the cage nut assembly and the frame. These support sections engage with the frame's opening to prevent axial movement, while the nut separately provides the tightening function, thus eliminating axial play without compromising connection strength.
2Device complexity
If the cage nut is designed for use from behind only, then the installation direction is simplified, but the versatility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cage nut incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular cross-section and a integrated tool engagement element that allows operation from either side. The asymmetric design enables the tool engagement element to interface with the driving tool regardless of which side the installer approaches from, thus maintaining simplicity while enabling bidirectional installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage nut is designed with universal installation capability, allowing it to be installed from either the front or back of the workpiece. The integrated tool engagement element and symmetric support sections enable the same component to function effectively regardless of installation direction, thus improving versatility without increasing complexity.
3Force
If a tool is required for installation, then the tightening force is sufficient, but the ease of manufacture and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool engagement element is merged directly into the cage nut structure, eliminating the need for separate installation tools. The integrated design allows standard manual tools to engage with the cage nut's built-in features, maintaining sufficient tightening force while simplifying the assembly process and improving manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage nut incorporates self-contained engagement features that allow it to be installed and tightened using simple manual tools without requiring specialized equipment. The integrated tool engagement element enables the cage nut to serve itself during installation, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1~5C
Figure 6A~6D
Figure 7~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a cage nut (10, 110) comprising a nut (14, 114) which is arranged in a cage (12, 112). The cage (12, 112) has a base (16, 116) that has a round hole out of which two opposing lateral parts (18, 118) rise, each lateral part having a support portion (20, 120) oriented outwards. The cage (12) and the nut (14) have diametrically opposing attachments which are formed such that the nut, which is inserted into the cage, can be partly inserted axially into a non-round opening, preferably a quadratic opening, in a thin wall in a specified rotational position in the event of an emergency after the lateral parts have been pressed together, and the screw (30) can then be screwed into the nut (14).