Retained Nut Assembly With Resilient Insert For Vehicle Panel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining body shell panels of mobile vehicles, such as caravans, rely on inconsistent material bonding and manual nut alignment, which can lead to accessibility issues and inconsistent structural rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A retained nut assembly featuring an internally threaded nut and a resilient insert that prevents rotation, allowing the nut to be securely positioned and aligned without manual handling, enabling one-person operation and consistent bolting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If direct screwing of panels is used, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and structural rigidity deteriorate due to inconsistent material bonding and manual alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is pre-positioned and retained within the insert at a predetermined location before assembly. The insert is inserted into the panel with the nut already in place, eliminating the need for manual alignment during assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures consistent alignment while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
2Productivity
If manual nut alignment is used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to the need for two-person operation and manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The insert itself provides the retention mechanism for the nut through its resilient rib structure. The nut is automatically retained and positioned by the insert without requiring manual holding or intervention. This self-retaining mechanism enables single-person operation and improves assembly speed while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If nut retention is achieved through mechanical clamping, then reliability of nut positioning is improved, but device complexity increases due to the resilient rib structure
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient rib changes its physical state from a flexible, deformable condition during insertion to a rigid, clamping condition during retention. This parameter change allows the same structure to facilitate easy insertion while providing reliable positioning. The material properties and structural configuration enable this dual functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
The solution allows for quick, consistent, and accessible bolting of vehicle panels without relying on manual nut alignment, reducing assembly time and ensuring structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The rib is preferably sufficiently deformable that the nut can be readily inserted into the channel, yet sufficiently resilient that the nut is retained in the predetermined position in the channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A retained nut assembly, comprising an internally threaded nut, and an insert configured to receive and retain the nut in a predetermined position within the insert and to prevent relative rotation between the retained nut and the insert. Also, a method of joining two components, the method comprising inserting the retained nut assembly in one of the components, passing a bolt through the other component and threading the bolt into the retained nut, and tightening the bolt to join the two components; and a joint so formed.