Insert Nut Flange Structure to Prevent Molded Part Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insert nuts are prone to cause deformation or damage to injection molded structures during press fitting, which is difficult to detect and affects product durability.
Innovation Solution
An insert nut insertion structure with a flange portion and cantilever fingers that allow easy insertion by hand, minimizing stress on the injection molded structure by directing fastening force away from the fingers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insert nut is press fitted into the injection molded structure using conventional methods (hammering), then the insert nut can be securely installed, but the injection molded structure is subjected to high stress causing deformation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated insertion structure consisting of a insertion groove with lateral walls and a bottom surface that receives the insert nut. This intermediary structure mediates between the insert nut and the injection molded structure, distributing the insertion stress uniformly across the groove rather than concentrating it at a single point, thereby preventing deformation or damage to the molded structure while ensuring secure installation of the insert nut
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the insertion groove with lateral walls for stress distribution, the bottom surface for receiving the insert nut, and the threaded hole for bolt engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the groove structure handling stress distribution during insertion and the threaded hole providing secure fastening
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the insert nut is press fitted by hand without tools, then the stress on the injection molded structure is minimized, but the insertion process becomes more difficult and may not provide secure installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the insertion groove, specifically designing lateral walls with appropriate thickness and angles, and a bottom surface with suitable dimensions, to create a structure that can be easily compressed by hand. These parameter changes enable the groove to deform elastically during insertion, facilitating easy installation by hand while maintaining structural integrity and providing secure installation of the insert nut
3Productivity
If the insert nut is inserted at an angle or with misalignment, then the insertion process may be faster, but the stress concentration increases and may cause damage to the injection molded structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the insertion groove with laterally extending walls that create an equipotential insertion path, guiding the insert nut into proper alignment as it enters the groove. The symmetric configuration of the lateral walls ensures that the insert nut is naturally directed to the center position regardless of slight angular deviations during insertion, maintaining uniform stress distribution and preventing stress concentration that could cause damage
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an insert nut insertion structure, including an insert nut including a bolt fastening portion having threads on an inner circumference into which a bolt is screwed; and a flange portion provided on an outer circumference of the bolt fastening portion and extended in a circumferential direction of the bolt fastening portion; and a nut fixing groove into which the insert nut is inserted in a first direction perpendicular to a direction in which the bolt is screwed, wherein the nut fixing groove includes a flange receiving portion having an internal space conforming to a shape of the flange portion; and a pair of fingers provided on the flange portion positioned in the flange receiving portion and formed in a cantilever shape that surrounds, in part, a periphery of the bolt fastening portion.