Plug-in Nut Spring Arm Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in nuts for fastening add-on parts to carrier parts face challenges in manufacturing simplicity and stability, particularly due to complex spring arrangements that require precise alignment and high prestressing forces.
Innovation Solution
The plug-in nut features a spring arrangement with a freely movable spring arm, allowing for separate or combined manufacturing of the bearing and sliding parts, using a film connection, and a design that enables easy assembly with low prestressing forces, enhancing stability and manufacturing ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a complex spring arrangement with two flexible band strips firmly connected to both bearing part and sliding part is used, then prestressing force is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arrangement is segmented into multiple independent spring arms (first spring arm and second spring arm) instead of using a single complex band strip system. Each spring arm can be manufactured separately and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the required prestressing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms are extracted as separate components from the bearing part, allowing them to be manufactured independently and then assembled. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing of the main bearing part while the spring arms can be produced using simpler processes and attached later.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece plug-in nut design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but stability and prestressing force application are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in nut is divided into separate components (bearing part, sliding part, and spring arms) that can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling better stability through proper component design and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms are designed to automatically apply prestressing force to the sliding part through their elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex external prestressing mechanisms. The component structure itself provides the stabilizing force.
3Reliability
If strong spring arms with high prestressing forces are used, then stability is improved, but attachment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are designed with flexible mounting at the actuating end, allowing them to dynamically adjust and move freely during the attachment process. This dynamic design reduces the effective prestressing force during assembly, making attachment easier, while still providing strong stabilizing force once assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting of the actuating end is designed to change the effective spring constant or prestressing force parameter during different phases: during assembly, the mounting allows movement that reduces effective force, while in the final assembled state, the same spring arm provides strong stabilizing force.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, achieves high stability, and facilitates easy attachment with reduced prestressing forces, while maintaining strong spring arm functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the spring arrangement has at least one spring arm, the actuating end of which is mounted so that it can move freely in relation to the sliding part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The push-on nut (1) comprises a slab (3) and an edge plate (6) that are aligned to each other. A slide element (16) is displaceably connected in a longitudinal direction to a bearing portion (2) over a guide assembly (7-10,17,18). A spring assembly is biased with the slide element towards the slab and provided with a spring arm (11). An attachment end (12) of the spring arm is attached for facing away from the slab or from side of the edge plate. The attachment end of the spring arm is freely and movably supported opposite to an operation end (13) at the slide element.