Fastening Nut With Elastic Spring Elements for Panel Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening nuts for panels and accessories lack effective rotational prevention, often relying solely on joining pressure, which can lead to undesirable rotation during tightening, and fail to adapt to varying panel thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A fastening nut with flexible and resilient spring elements that integrate with a fixing plate, providing anti-rotational security and adaptable fitting through slotted openings, allowing for secure attachment across different panel thicknesses and preventing accidental separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If joining pressure between legs and panel surface is used to prevent rotation, then the fastening nut can be simple in structure, but rotation prevention is insufficient and undesirable rotation occurs during tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the fixing elements from rigid to elastic by using spring elements that can deform laterally. This elasticity allows the elements to exert continuous rotational preventing force on the panel while accommodating variations in panel thickness and surface irregularities, thereby improving rotation prevention reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements are designed as dynamic spring elements that can laterally deform and adapt to the panel thickness. This dynamic capability allows the elements to maintain optimal contact force with the panel surface during tightening operations, preventing rotation while automatically adjusting to different installation conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-length fixing elements are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the fastening nut cannot adapt to different panel thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to panel thicknessVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spring elements with elastic properties that allow lateral deformation. This elasticity enables the fixing elements to adapt their effective length and contact position to match different panel thicknesses, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-length variants or complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic elastic nature of the spring elements allows them to automatically adjust to varying panel thicknesses during installation. The elements can compress and extend laterally to reach the optimal fixing position, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms while maintaining adaptability across different panel specifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If rigid fixing elements are used, then the structure is simple, but the fastening nut cannot provide anti-rotational security and stable joint

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-rotational securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixing elements from rigid to elastic by using spring material that can laterally deform. This elasticity enables the elements to flexibly engage with the panel surface, providing continuous rotational preventing force while accommodating surface variations, thereby achieving reliable anti-rotational security without excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements provide dynamic rotational prevention by laterally deforming to maintain optimal contact force with the panel. This dynamic adaptation ensures stable joint formation during tightening operations, preventing undesirable rotation while automatically adjusting to different installation conditions and panel geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures a stable, anti-rotational joint that adapts to various panel thicknesses and prevents accidental rotation, enhancing the reliability and versatility of panel fixation.

Implementation Method 1

spring elements which are flexible and resilient in a direction lateral to the vertical direction of downward extension thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The spring elements (6) working in combination with a fixing plate (2)... retaining said fixing plate (2) by means of the lateral force exerted by said spring elements (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3060818B1Fastening nut
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3060818B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

Fastening nut, of the type used in the automobile industry for fixing panels and accessories thereto, wherein said nut (1) is formed by a surface or base (4) having, extending downwardly therefrom, spring elements (6) which are flexible and resilient in a direction lateral to said vertical direction of downward extension thereof, said spring elements (6) working in combination with a fixing plate (2) which has openings or slits (7) for receiving said spring elements (6) which interfere with them; having a cylindrical tube (5) projecting from said base (4) and provided with an internal thread for receiving a fixing screw.