Quick Install Faucet Nut with Self-Engaging Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push and turn nuts require excessive spinning during installation, lack efficient torque transmission, and are cumbersome to use in confined spaces like under a sink deck, where minimal spinning and easy installation are desired.
Innovation Solution
A nut design featuring an outer shell with an inwardly extending flange and an insert piece with downwardly extending projections, allowing for minimal spinning by pressing the flange upwardly to engage the projections, which then move outwardly to secure the nut-receiving surface, and inwardly upon removal, utilizing a conical surface and ribs for enhanced torque distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional push and turn nuts are used, then the nut can be installed on a threaded tailpiece, but excessive spinning is required during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into two distinct parts: an outer shell and an inner insert. The insert contains threaded projections that engage with the tailpiece, while the outer shell provides the pushing surface. This segmentation allows the nut to be pushed onto the tailpiece without excessive spinning, as the threaded projections automatically engage the threads during the pushing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner insert is designed to be movable relative to the outer shell. During installation, the insert can shift position within the shell to accommodate the threading action, reducing the spinning effort required. The insert moves outwardly as the nut is pushed, allowing the threads to engage smoothly with minimal rotation.
2Strength
If conventional nuts are used, then the nut can secure the faucet, but insufficient torque transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded projections on the inner insert are pre-configured to engage with the tailpiece threads before the nut is fully tightened. This preliminary engagement ensures proper alignment and maximizes torque transmission during the tightening process, preventing slippage and ensuring secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut combines two different components with complementary properties: the outer shell provides structural integrity and the pushing surface, while the inner insert provides the threaded engagement surfaces. This composite structure optimizes both the securing strength and torque transmission capabilities of the nut.
3Ease of operation
If conventional nuts are used, then the nut can be installed, but it is cumbersome to use in confined spaces like under a sink deck
Solution Approach 1:
The threading function is extracted from the outer shell and placed into the inner insert. This allows the outer shell to be a simple, smooth pushing surface that can be easily manipulated in confined spaces, while the threading action occurs within the insert, reducing the complexity of the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is designed to perform the threading action automatically during the pushing motion. The threaded projections on the insert self-align and engage with the tailpiece threads as the nut is pushed into place, eliminating the need for separate threading operations and simplifying installation in confined spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A nut and an assembly including such a nut are described herein, wherein the nut includes an outer shell having an outer surface, an inner circumferential surface having a inwardly extending flange, and an upper rim portion; and an insert piece having an upper outwardly extending portion and a plurality of downwardly extending projections, wherein each of the projections has an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of the inner surfaces of the projections is configured to engage a nut-receiving surface and the outer portion of the projections is configured to engage the inner circumferential surface of the first outer shell such that upon a pushing action of a user the inwardly extending flange on the outer shell presses upwardly on the upper outwardly extending portion of the insert piece so that the portion of the inner surfaces of the projections configured to receive a nut-receiving surface moves outwardly and upon removal of the pushing action, portion of the inner surfaces of the projections configured to receive a nut-receiving surface moves inwardly.