Magnetic Locking Nut Plate Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener mechanisms and accessories are not suitable for high-temperature environments or structures subject to extreme vibration, and existing floating nut plates can lead to improper assembly due to the use of incorrect fastener lengths.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly and nut plate assembly that include a threaded fastener, a floating nut with a bore, and a lock member, along with a magnetic component that switches the assembly between locked and unlocked configurations, allowing for secure and adjustable fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms and accessories are used, then the fastening system is simple and easy to manufacture, but they are not suitable for high temperature environments or extreme vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a fastener element, a nut plate assembly with a floating nut, and a lock member. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve reliable fastening in extreme conditions while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating nut is designed to move dynamically within the nut plate assembly, allowing it to accommodate movement between fastened components while maintaining secure fastening. This dynamic capability enables the fastener to adapt to extreme vibration conditions without compromising reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If floating nut plates are used to enable movement between components, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of using incorrect fastener lengths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. The magnetic component can detect and lock the correct fastener length without requiring complex mechanical interlocks, thereby maintaining adaptability for component movement while ensuring assembly correctness through non-contact sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the lock member and the fastener element. This magnetic intermediary enables the lock member to sense and respond to the presence and length of the fastener without direct mechanical contact, allowing the system to accommodate fastener length variations while preventing incorrect assembly.
3Reliability
If a lock member with magnetic component is added to switch between locked and unlocked configurations, then vibration resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic component replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic component can switch the lock member between locked and unlocked configurations through non-contact magnetic interaction, providing vibration resistance while minimizing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic component utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, or presence) to control the locking state. By changing magnetic field parameters rather than relying on complex mechanical switches, the system achieves vibration resistance with simplified device architecture.
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 provides a secure, vibration-resistant fastening system that prevents loosening under extreme conditions and allows for quick and easy installation and removal, while also preventing the use of incorrect fastener lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic component configured to engage the lock member and switch the fastener assembly between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Fastener assemblies and nut plate assemblies for fastener assemblies include a nut defining a bore configured to receive a threaded fastener, and a lock member. The assembly has a locked configuration in which the lock member is configured to fix rotation of the threaded fastener relative to the nut and an unlocked configuration in which the threaded fastener is allowed to rotate relative to the nut. The assembly also includes a magnetic component configured to engage the lock member and switch the assembly between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.