Dual-Part Fixing Nut for Fast Sanitary Fitting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary fitting installation methods are costly and time-consuming, especially with thin worktops, and the detachment of sanitary fittings is difficult due to complex nut structures that do not allow easy removal.
Innovation Solution
A dual-nut system with radially threaded lugs that can be axially displaced, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by transitioning from an open to a closed position, utilizing a spring or beveled surfaces for self-closure and easy detachment, and a guide device for defined movement, enabling quick and reliable fixing and releasing of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional nut is used to fix a sanitary fitting to a worktop, then the component can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly especially with thin worktops
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is pre-assembled in an open position where the threaded lugs are radially displaced outward, allowing the nut to be slid onto the threaded shank before final tightening. This preliminary configuration enables quick placement without time-consuming manual threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut incorporates movable threaded lugs that can dynamically change their radial position between an open position (for easy assembly) and a closed position (for secure fixation). This dynamic capability allows the nut to adapt its structure during the assembly process to improve productivity.
2Productivity
If a nut with resilient threaded tabs is used to enable quick assembly, then the assembly speed improves, but the nut structure becomes complicated and detachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into two separate parts: a first nut part containing the threaded lugs and a second nut part that acts as a cover. This segmentation allows the threaded lugs to be simple and easy to manufacture while the cover provides the necessary structural support, reducing overall complexity compared to a single-piece resilient design.
Solution Approach 2:
The second nut part (cover) acts as an intermediary that enables the threaded lugs to be pressed radially inward without requiring the lugs themselves to be complex resilient elements. The cover transmits the pressing force to the lugs, simplifying their structure while maintaining the quick-assembly capability.
3Productivity
If a nut with complicated structure is used to enable quick assembly, then assembly speed improves, but detachment becomes very difficult or time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded lugs are designed to be movable between an engaged state (pressed radially inward for fixation) and a disengaged state (displaced radially outward for detachment). This dynamic reversibility allows the same mechanism to facilitate both quick assembly and easy detachment, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
For detachment, the nut can be preliminarily positioned in the open state where the threaded lugs are radially outward, allowing it to be easily removed from the threaded shank. This preliminary positioning capability makes detachment as easy as assembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the fitting shaft is made long to accommodate different worktop thicknesses, then adaptability improves, but the required operating space for the fitter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nut utilizes radial displacement of the threaded lugs (movement in the radial dimension) to achieve the functionality that would otherwise require axial length (extension along the shaft). By displacing lugs radially outward, the nut can accommodate various worktop thicknesses without requiring a long shaft, thus reducing the operating space needed.
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
The dual-nut system simplifies assembly and disassembly, reduces the required space for fitting, and allows for quick and easy fixing and releasing of sanitary fittings, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (9) which exerts a restoring force in the direction of the open state (201), in particular between the first nut part (2) and the second nut part (3)
Implementation Method 2
at least one beveled surface (21, 20) which, when the two nut parts (2, 3) are pushed together axially, generate a force component in the radial direction pressing the threaded lugs (4) radially inward
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a nut (1) for fixing a component to a support, in particular a sanitary fitting to a worktop, comprising a first nut part (2) and a second nut part (3), wherein the first nut part has at least two threaded tabs (4) which have a thread (5) on their radial inner side, wherein the threaded tabs are arranged radially outwards at a first angle (91), and wherein the two nut parts are arranged axially displaceable relative to each other, such that in a first position - open position - the threaded tabs of the first nut part are arranged radially outwards, and that in a second position - closed position - the threaded tabs of the first nut part are pressed radially inwards by means of the second nut part to engage in a corresponding external thread of the component.