Compression Limiting Nut for Over-Tightening Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies can cause structural or cosmetic damage due to excessive compression when tightening, and current solutions require additional components that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A hollow fastening nut with an integral coaxial, internally threaded lower section acts as a compression limiter, featuring a polygonal head for tool engagement and an enhanced diameter locking structure to prevent over-tightening, optionally incorporating an annular disc spring for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a standard nut is used to secure the threaded member to the fastened component, then a secure connection is achieved, but excessive compression may cause structural or cosmetic damage to the fastened component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the nut and compression limiter into a single integrated component. The compression limiting nut includes a body with a first portion that engages the threaded member and a second portion that acts as the compression limiter, eliminating the need for separate components while simultaneously providing both fastening and compression protection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the compression limiting nut body acts as an intermediary element between the nut and the fastened component. This intermediary structure provides a bearing surface that limits compression force transmission to the fastened component, preventing damage while allowing secure fastening
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a supporting sleeve insert is used to prevent excessive compression, then compression damage is avoided, but the sleeve is a separate component which adds complexity and cost to the joining procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compression limiter function with the nut body into a single integrated component. The compression limiting nut includes a body with a first portion for engaging the threaded member and a second portion serving as the compression limiter, eliminating the need for separate supporting sleeve inserts and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compression limiting nut performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the fastening function through engagement with the threaded member and the compression limitation function through its second portion that contacts the fastened component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated compression limiter components
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow fastening nut assembly including an upper head adapted to engage a wrench or other tightening tool and an integral co-axial, internally threaded lower section of reduced diameter adapted for insertion into an access opening in a fastened component. The lower section acts as a compression limiter. An optional annular disc spring may be disposed about the internally threaded lower section for engagement with the rear surface of the fastened component. A locking structure may be disposed at the exterior surface of the internally threaded lower section to engage the interior of the access opening to lock the nut assembly in place.