Curved-Interface Floating Nut Plate for Misaligned Panel Fastening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nut plate assemblies fail to adequately accommodate misalignment of fasteners and secure non-parallel surfaces, leading to improper panel assembly in aerospace and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A nut plate assembly featuring a shell with a bias member and a retention washer that forms a curved interface with the nut, allowing the nut to be tiltable and moveable between positions, enabling secure attachment of fasteners at various angles and accommodating non-parallel surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional floating nut plates are used with parallel surfaces, then simple installation is achieved, but non-parallel surfaces cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved engagement surface on the retention washer that interfaces with a corresponding curved surface on the nut. This curved interface allows the nut to tilt and accommodate non-parallel surfaces between the panel and structure, while maintaining a relatively simple overall nut plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is designed to be movable within the shell rather than fixed, allowing it to tilt and adjust its orientation dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to accommodate misalignment and non-parallel surfaces without requiring a fundamentally complex adaptive structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed nut positions are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but misalignment of fasteners cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is designed to be movable within the shell rather than fixed, allowing it to tilt and adjust its orientation dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to accommodate misalignment and non-parallel surfaces without requiring a fundamentally complex adaptive structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved engagement surface changes the geometric parameters of the nut-retention washer interface, allowing angular adjustment and tilting of the nut to accommodate misalignment while maintaining secure fastening.
3Ease of operation
If single-end access is used for installation, then ease of operation is improved, but proper assembly of non-parallel surfaces is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The curved engagement surface on the retention washer enables the nut to tilt and orient itself to accommodate non-parallel surfaces, making single-end access installation feasible even for angled applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable nut with curved engagement surfaces allows the assembly to self-adjust and self-align to accommodate non-parallel surfaces during single-end access installation, reducing the need for complex alignment procedures.
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 secure attachment of panels with non-parallel surfaces and accommodates fasteners of varying lengths, ensuring proper assembly and easy installation/removal with single-end access, reducing the risk of misalignment and improper attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member positioned to bias the nut toward one of the first position and the second position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A nut plate assembly includes a plate comprising an aperture defined therethrough, and a shell attached to the plate and extending along a center axis. The shell includes a first end and a second end. The nut plate also includes a nut disposed within the shell. The nut is moveable between a first position proximate the first end of the shell and a second position proximate the second end of the shell. The nut includes a first curved engagement surface and is tiltable relative to the center axis when the nut is retained within the shell.