Pivoting Nut Fastener Assembly for Faster Bolt Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener systems require multiple process steps and reorientation of components, making them inefficient for mounting, assembling, and tightening, particularly in applications like vehicle body part assembly.

Innovation Solution

A fastener system featuring a pivot nut assembly with a pivot body and nut that is threadably engaged with a bolt, allowing the nut to move between an insertion-ready and a torque-ready orientation, facilitating easier assembly and tightening by allowing the nut to pivot and rotate relative to the bolt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate threaded studs and nuts are used, then the fastening function is achieved, but multiple process steps and reorientation of components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of process steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stud and nut into a single integrated fastener assembly where the nut is pre-attached to the stud, eliminating the need for separate handling and assembly steps of individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nut is designed with pivoting capability allowing it to rotate and pivot during insertion, enabling the fastener to adapt to different insertion angles and orientations without requiring component reorientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the nut is fixed in orientation, then the structure is simple, but the fastener cannot adapt to different insertion angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion angle flexibilityVSAvoidnut structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nut incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its orientation during insertion, enabling adaptation to various insertion angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The nut's orientation parameter can change during the insertion process through pivoting motion, allowing the fastener to accommodate different angular requirements without changing the fundamental design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple separate fastener components are used, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the nut and stud into a single pre-assembled unit, the patent eliminates the time required for separate component handling, positioning, and assembly, directly improving assembly speed and reducing cycle time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nut is pre-attached to the stud during manufacturing, performing the fastening component assembly action in advance before the actual installation process, thereby reducing on-site assembly time and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11592052B2Fastener assembly with pivoting nut

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

An example pivot nut assembly includes a pivot body and a nut. The nut is pivotably engaged in the pivot body.