Lateral-Insert Nut Connector for Torque-Safe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices are prone to user errors during assembly, leading to component deformation and loss of sealing effectiveness due to excessive torque, which can result in damage and detachment of parts.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a laterally insertable nut device and a solid, recess-free flange portion that prevents axial insertion, ensuring secure and reliable connection and sealing by allowing only lateral insertion of the nut device, which is further secured by retaining elements and a sealing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nut device is axially insertable into the receiving space, then the assembly operation is simplified, but excessive torque can cause component deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion direction of the nut device from axial to lateral. The nut device is inserted through lateral insertion openings in the flange portion rather than axially through the shaft portion, fundamentally changing the dimension of insertion to prevent harmful stamping effects on components while maintaining assembly simplicity
2Ease of operation
If the flange portion has screw through-passages for axial insertion, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the flange portion becomes structurally weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the insertion openings from the axial direction to the lateral direction in the flange portion. This allows the flange portion to maintain its structural integrity without axial cutouts while still providing access for nut device insertion through the lateral openings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the insertion function by providing separate lateral insertion openings in the flange portion for the nut device, distinct from the axial through-passage in the shaft portion for the screw device. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized structural integrity
3Reliability
If retaining elements are designed for axial retention, then the connection is secure, but excessive torque can cause detachment and loss of sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the retaining elements from axial retention to lateral retention within the receiving space. The retaining elements laterally engage the nut device from the sides rather than axially, preventing detachment even under excessive torque conditions and maintaining sealing integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device, in particular for connecting two components, includes a housing device, having an axial shaft portion delimiting a receiving space, and a radial flange portion having a screw through-passage terminating into the receiving space, wherein a face of the flange portion facing the shaft portion is a connecting wall, and a face of the shaft portion opposite the connecting wall is a fastening wall, wherein the axial shaft portion is adapted to be inserted into a through passage of a first component and a nut device is in particular axially displaceably and rotatably arranged in the receiving space, wherein the nut device can preferably only be inserted laterally into the receiving space.