Floating Clinch Nut Geometry for More Lateral Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems, such as clinch nuts, face challenges in accommodating manufacturing variations and misalignments, particularly in allowing sufficient lateral adjustment while maintaining strength and preventing rotation.
Innovation Solution
A star-shaped fastener design with a retainer and captive nut, featuring valleys between corners with angled side surfaces, allowing for increased lateral movement while resisting rotation through interference with the retainer's inner wall, and utilizing a circular clip for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a square nut is held within a square cavity of a retainer, then rotation resistance is provided, but lateral float is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a symmetric square-in-square configuration to an asymmetric star-shaped insert with rounded corners. This asymmetric geometry creates specific interference patterns with the retainer cavity that allow lateral movement while maintaining rotational resistance. The rounded corners interact with the retainer's corner features to prevent rotation, while the overall star shape provides greater clearance for lateral float compared to a square configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing a system that allows controlled movement in certain directions while restricting movement in other directions. The star-shaped insert is designed to float laterally within the retainer cavity, providing dynamic adaptability to manufacturing tolerances, while the corner interference features dynamically engage to prevent rotation when torque is applied. This creates a semi-dynamic connection that adapts to assembly variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are reduced to achieve precise alignment, then alignment precision improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the insert, specifically using a star shape with rounded corners and specific corner radius values. These parameter changes create a geometry that is more tolerant of manufacturing variations while maintaining functional performance. The rounded corner radius is specifically designed to provide interference with the retainer, and the star shape parameters are optimized to balance float capability with alignment tolerance, reducing the need for tight manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between insert and retainer is increased to maximize float, then lateral float increases, but rotational stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the insert geometry. The corners of the star-shaped insert have specific local characteristics with rounded corners that provide rotational stability through interference with the retainer. Meanwhile, the mid-sections of the star points maintain larger gaps with the retainer cavity, providing lateral float capability. This local differentiation of geometric quality allows the insert to simultaneously achieve both rotational stability and lateral float.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insert periphery into distinct functional segments: the corner regions that provide rotational resistance through interference, and the mid-section regions that provide lateral clearance. This segmentation of the geometric form allows different parts of the insert to serve different functions, with corners engaged for rotation prevention and sides providing float, thereby resolving the contradiction between rotational stability and lateral mobility.
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
This design enhances lateral float by approximately 25% compared to traditional square-in-square configurations, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and ensuring strength and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer has attachment means on an outer wall thereof for attachment to a first object
Implementation Method 2
resisting relative rotation by the interference between the insert corners and inwardly projecting elements on the inner wall of the retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A floating fastener comprises a retainer and a captive nut held within a cavity of the retainer. The nut is star-shaped with four points spaced equally apart and with four valleys on the periphery of the nut between the points creating the overall star-shape of the nut. Likewise, the cavity in the retainer corresponds to the shape and contour of the nut but sized so that there is a substantial gap between them. Permissible lateral float of the nut can be maximized by employing a particular angularity of the sides of the valleys in relation to other dimensions of the fastener.