Replaceable Nut Threaded Insert for Damaged Thread Repair

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing threaded inserts require the entire unit to be replaced when internal threads become damaged, which can be messy and damaging to the parent material, and does not allow for easy replacement of only the nut element.

Innovation Solution

A threaded insert design featuring a replaceable nut element with an attachment mechanism that secures the nut within an insertable housing, preventing axial and rotational movement, allowing for easy replacement of the nut without removing the entire insert.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire threaded insert is replaced when internal threads become damaged, then the threaded insert can be restored to full functionality, but the parent material may be damaged and debris may be created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreaded insert functionalityVSAvoiddamage to parent material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded insert is divided into two separable components: a housing that remains in the parent material and a nut element that can be removed and replaced. The housing includes an internal cavity that receives the nut element, allowing the nut to be detached and replaced without removing the entire insert assembly from the parent material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nut element is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the housing. When the internal threads become damaged, only the nut element needs to be removed and replaced, while the housing remains in place within the parent material, avoiding damage to the parent material that would occur with complete insert removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the entire threaded insert is removed and replaced, then damaged threads can be replaced, but the removal process is messy and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread replacementVSAvoidremoval and replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded insert is divided into two separable components: a housing that remains in the parent material and a nut element that can be removed and replaced. The housing includes an internal cavity that receives the nut element, allowing the nut to be detached and replaced without removing the entire insert assembly from the parent material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nut element is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be discarded when damaged, while the housing is recovered and retained in the parent material. This allows for quick replacement of only the damaged nut element without the need to remove and reinstall the entire insert assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If the threaded insert is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structure is simple, but the nut element cannot be replaced without replacing the entire insert

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenut element replaceabilityVSAvoidinsert structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded insert is divided into two separable components: a housing that remains in the parent material and a nut element that can be removed and replaced. The housing includes an internal cavity that receives the nut element, allowing the nut to be detached and replaced without removing the entire insert assembly from the parent material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nut element is nested within the housing, which contains an internal cavity that receives the nut. This nested arrangement allows the smaller nut element to be inserted into and removed from the larger housing component, enabling selective replacement of the nut while retaining the housing in the parent material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11933341B2Threaded insert with a replaceable nut element

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 ROWLEY MARK DAVID

AI summary

A threaded insert with a replaceable nut element allows a user to replace only the nut element of the threaded insert rather than the entire threaded insert. The threaded insert includes an insertable housing, a replaceable nut, a retaining mechanism, and an attachment mechanism. The insertable housing allows the threaded insert to be engaged within a wall structure and is used to contain the replaceable nut. The replaceable nut allows the threaded insert to be engaged by a fastener such as a screw or bolt. The attachment mechanism allows the replaceable nut to be attached within and detached from the insertable housing. The retaining mechanism further secures the replaceable nut within the insertable housing and also prevents the replaceable nut from rotating within the insertable housing.