Rail Sliding Nut Positioning Clip for Secure Low-Cost Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for rails with a C-like cross-section are costly to manufacture and require complex assembly processes, lacking efficient solutions for securing sliding nuts of varying sizes and preventing slipping or falling.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a sliding nut, a holding disk, and a positioning component with a base and side parts connected by film hinges, featuring a truncated cone-like elevation and braking device, allowing for easy assembly and secure positioning of the sliding nut relative to the positioning component, regardless of size, and preventing slipping or falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening devices are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but manufacturing costs are high and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated positioning component made of plastic. This component simultaneously provides positioning, securing, and braking functions that previously required separate metal parts, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining fastening security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to plastic for the positioning component. This material substitution reduces manufacturing cost and enables complex geometries that are difficult or expensive to machine from metal, while the plastic material properties provide sufficient strength and friction for secure fastening.
2Ease of operation
If complex assembly processes are used, then secure positioning is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning component is designed to automatically position and secure the fastening device through its own geometric features and elastic deformation. The component self-adjusts to accommodate the sliding nut and holding disk, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional securing steps while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic positioning component utilizes flexible thin-walled structures that can elastically deform during assembly to accommodate components, then maintain rigid positioning once assembled. This flexibility enables simple snap-fit assembly while the resulting rigid structure ensures precise positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sliding nuts of varying sizes are accommodated, then versatility is improved, but securing reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning component is designed with universal geometric features and sufficient elastic deformation capacity to accommodate sliding nuts of various sizes. The same component structure secures different sized nuts through elastic engagement, maintaining securing reliability across the size range without requiring size-specific variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic material properties are selected to provide appropriate elasticity and friction characteristics that adapt to different sliding nut sizes. The material deformation and friction parameters naturally adjust to accommodate varying sizes while maintaining consistent securing reliability through the physics of elastic engagement and friction.
4Reliability
If braking devices are added, then slipping prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is merged into the positioning component itself through integrated geometric features such as friction surfaces or engagement profiles. This eliminates the need for separate braking devices while providing slipping prevention through the same plastic component that performs positioning and securing functions.
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 simple, tool-free, and fully automatic assembly of the fastening device, securing the sliding nut and holding disk to the rail, while accommodating different sizes and preventing slipping or falling, thus reducing manufacturing costs and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
The positioning component has a base (40) and two side parts (46, 48) connected to the base by means of film hinges (50)
Implementation Method 2
The base (40) has a truncated cone-shaped elevation (42) which positions a sliding nut (28) relative to the positioning component (26)
Implementation Method 3
The positioning component (26) has a braking device which prevents the fastening device (12) from slipping or falling
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device (12) for retaining rails (14) with at least a partially C-shaped cross-section, comprising a sliding nut (28), a retaining washer (20), and a positioning element (26), wherein the positioning element engages the sliding nut at least partially and the positioning element holds the retaining washer at a distance from the sliding nut, wherein the positioning element has a base (40) arranged opposite a bottom surface of the sliding nut, wherein the positioning element has a first side part (46) and a second side part (48), wherein the first side part and the second side part are connected to the base and bear against opposite side surfaces of the sliding nut at least partially, wherein the positioning element has a top part (78) arranged opposite a top surface of the sliding nut.wherein the upper part has at least a first section (52) and a second section (54), wherein the first section is connected to the first side part and the second section is connected to the second side part, and wherein the first section and the second section are connected to each other by means of locking means (66, 64).