Nut Holder Assembly for Slotted Member Bolt Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting attachments to slotted members, such as conveyor tracks, require manually holding a plate with threaded holes in position, which is costly and awkward, and necessitate expensive machining for various sizes.
Innovation Solution
A nut holder assembly formed by laser-cutting a bendable sheet material with hex openings and slots, allowing nuts to be securely held and aligned without manual handling, enabling bolts to be threaded into the nuts for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plate with threaded holes is used to mount attachments, then the mounting function is achieved, but the plate requires manual holding and is expensive to manufacture in various sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple separate components: a holder body with openings, individual nuts, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective methods while eliminating the need for manual plate handling during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional plate to a three-dimensional holder structure with vertical openings and foldable mounting brackets. This dimensional change enables the holder to be inserted through the slot in a vertical orientation, eliminating the need for manual positioning while maintaining mounting functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a plate is turned sideways to insert through the slot, then insertion is possible, but the plate cannot be easily held in position during bolt threading
Solution Approach 1:
The holder body is designed with a narrow profile that allows it to be inserted through the slot in a vertical orientation without manual manipulation. The structure self-aligns and secures itself within the slot, eliminating the need for manual positioning during the insertion and assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of plates with threaded holes are manufactured, then various mounting requirements are met, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The holder body is designed as a universal component with standardized openings that can accommodate nuts of various sizes. The same holder body can be used for different mounting requirements by simply changing the nuts and mounting brackets, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple sizes of holders and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical dimensions of the holder body for different sizes, the design allows parameter changes through interchangeable nuts and mounting brackets. This approach maintains the same holder structure while adapting to different mounting requirements, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the alignment process, allowing for efficient and cost-effective mounting of attachments to slotted members without the need for manual plate positioning.
Implementation Method 1
cutting a pattern of openings in a strip of bendable sheet material, preferably by laser cutting sheet material to form the strip
Implementation Method 2
bendable sheet material
Data Source
AI summary
A nut holder assembly for use in bolting an attachment to a slotted supporting member by bolts received in a one of a respective nuts included in the nut holder assembly.