Nut Restraint Mechanism for One-Sided Bolt Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for making one-sided connections using bolts and nuts are expensive and labor-intensive due to the need for pre-placement and alignment of nuts when access is limited to one side.
Innovation Solution
A nut restrainer mechanism that allows pre-attachment of nuts with limited lateral movement, enabling self-alignment and rotation restriction, facilitating bolt insertion even when initially misaligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional nut connection mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the nut can rotate freely causing loose connections and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The nut connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a nut body with threaded engagement features, a separate locking component with protrusions, and a base structure with recesses. This segmentation allows the locking function to be added as a discrete mechanism rather than integrating it into the basic nut structure, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking component acts as an intermediary element between the nut and the base. This mediator prevents direct rotation of the nut by engaging protrusions from the locking component with recesses in the base, thereby stabilizing the connection without requiring the nut itself to be fundamentally redesigned.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent nut rotation, then connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-engaging through spring-loaded protrusions that automatically engage with recesses in the base when the nut is tightened. The spring provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement without requiring external actuation or complex control systems, thereby achieving reliable anti-rotation with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simplified spring-protrusion-recess arrangement. The spring provides the necessary locking force through elastic deformation rather than requiring threaded locking elements or cam mechanisms, reducing the overall complexity of the anti-rotation system.
3Reliability
If the nut structure is modified to prevent rotation, then connection reliability improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation functionality is segmented into a separate locking component rather than being integrated into the nut body. This allows the nut to be manufactured as a simple threaded fastener using conventional processes, while the locking component with its protrusions is manufactured separately and assembled, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture for the nut while achieving connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component serves multiple functions: it prevents nut rotation, provides a mounting interface to the base, and maintains constant locking pressure through the spring mechanism. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than modifying the nut structure, the manufacturing complexity of the nut itself is minimized while achieving reliable anti-rotation capability.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective one-sided connections by allowing nuts to adjust laterally for misalignment, reducing labor and material costs.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable element may be configured to hold the nut substantially concentric with the nut restrainer when the lateral force is not applied to the nut
Implementation Method 2
a deformable element affixed to the nut restrainer and configured to allow the nut to move laterally within the nut restrainer in response to a lateral force applied to the nut
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2f
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Connection mechanisms utilizing nut restrainers and methods of use are presented, particularly as they apply to high-strength bolted connections for steel structures. Nut restrainers may include a base plate and a cap that accepts insertion of a nut, and may include deformable or removable protrusions that allow the nut and/or a cap to move laterally to accept a bolt that is inserted non-concentrically with the nut. A method of positioning a nut restrainer concentric with a bolt hole accurate to within the radial tolerance of the bolt hole is further disclosed.