Molded Nut with Breakable Links for Front-Access Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screw fixing means require separate nut and cage components, which are difficult to handle and often require rear access for assembly, and cannot be easily dismantled without damaging the parts.
Innovation Solution
A molded nut integrated with a single part, held by breakable links, allows for assembly by screwing without pre-placing the nut, as the nut is embedded in the part and released during screwing, enabling assembly from the front face and easy dismantling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate nut and cage components are used, then the fixing means can be assembled from the rear side, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple parts to be placed and maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the nut and the first part into a single integrated component where the nut is molded directly into the first part. This eliminates the need for separate cage components and simplifies the assembly process, allowing assembly from the front face without requiring rear access or multiple placement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part of the nut is designed with breakable links that can be separated during assembly. This segmentation allows the nut to be initially integrated with the first part for simplified manufacturing, then separated during assembly to enable proper installation without damaging either component.
2Device complexity
If the nut is molded integrally with the first part, then the number of parts is reduced, but the nut must be released during assembly which requires breakable links
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable links are pre-designed into the connecting part during manufacturing, allowing the nut to be molded integrally with the first part while maintaining the capability for easy separation. This preliminary design of release mechanisms eliminates the need for complex post-manufacturing assembly operations.
3Reliability
If conventional screw fixing means are used, then the parts can be securely fixed, but they cannot be dismantled without damaging the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part transitions from a fixed integrated state during manufacturing to a separable state during assembly. The breakable links are designed to fracture at specific points, allowing the nut to be released from the first part after secure fixing is achieved, enabling both reliable fixation and easy dismantling.
4Ease of operation
If rear access is required for assembly, then the nut can be placed and maintained during tightening, but access to the rear of the panel is not possible in many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional assembly approach by allowing assembly from the front face rather than requiring rear access. The nut is integrated into the first part which is visible from the front, and the assembly operation is performed by accessing only the front face, eliminating the need for rear panel access.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The nut (1) has a connection and stop part (12) connected to a nut body (11). The connection and stop part has a hole that is tapped by the insertion of a screw (4). Edges of the connection and stop part limits the rotation of the nut after its detachment from an L shaped molded part (2) such as support, at a quarter turn. A tapping of the connection and stop part is conformed such that the screw is supported on the molded part, when the screw is engaged in the tapping, and the screw breaks divisible links of the nut by tension to drive the nut in rotation. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling a part with another part.