Compensation Nut Fastener Assembly Torque Clip Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener assemblies, particularly compensation nut assemblies, face issues with noise due to rattling and loose connections caused by gaps between components, and require labor-intensive welding for secure connections, with torque clips being prone to slipping and dislodging.

Innovation Solution

A compensation nut fastener assembly featuring a torque clip with securing members, including a fixing clip and offset tab, securely fixed within a nut channel to prevent rotation and dislodging, and eliminating the need for a separate O-ring by defining a minimum offset distance between nuts to prevent jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fasteners are welded to components to provide a secure connection, then a reliable connection is achieved, but the process is labor and time intensive, adding cost to manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of a fastener, torque clip, and nut assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations while providing equivalent or superior connection security through threaded engagement and mechanical retention features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener assembly is designed to be self-installing without requiring external welding equipment or specialized operators. The threaded fastener automatically secures components through screwing action, and the torque clip with securing members self-anchors to the nut, eliminating labor-intensive welding processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a separate O-ring is used to prevent the top nut from jamming with the bottom nut, then jamming is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming preventionVSAvoidassembly components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-jamming function previously performed by a separate O-ring is merged into the torque clip structure itself. The body configuration and securing members of the torque clip create clearance and prevent direct contact between the top nut and bottom nut, eliminating the need for an additional O-ring component while maintaining jamming prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The torque clip is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: centering the fastener in the fastener-receiving channel, preventing torque application to the nut, anchoring securely to the nut via securing members, and preventing jamming between nuts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3194795B1Compensation nut fastener assembly
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3194795B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3194795B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3194795B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A compensation nut fastener assembly (100) may include a first nut (110) including a first channel, a second nut (112) including a second channel configured to receive a portion of the first nut, and a torque clip (300) including at least one securing member (304) radially extending from the shaft (306). The shaft (306) is securely fixed within the first channel. The securing member(s)(304) may include a fixing clip (322) that securely fixes the torque clip (300) to the first nut, and an offset tab (326) that defines a minimum offset distance between the first nut and the second nut.