Retainer Ring Fastener for Temporary Heavy Component Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of large or heavy components in manufacturing is hindered by their size and weight, and additional tools or devices like 'third hands' increase complexity and cycle time.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a nut with a flange and an annular notch, combined with a retainer ring that includes retention features, allows for temporary securement of components during assembly, preventing inadvertent movement and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional tooling or third hand devices are used to assist operators during manufacturing, then the ability to assemble large or heavy components is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cycle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring is integrated with the fastener assembly, combining the functions of temporary component support and permanent fastening into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate third-hand devices while maintaining the ability to support large or heavy components during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener assembly serves multiple functions: it provides temporary support for components during assembly through the retainer ring, and subsequently provides permanent fastening through the fastener itself. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated temporary support tooling.
2Ease of operation
If additional tooling or third hand devices are used to assist operators during manufacturing, then the ability to assemble large or heavy components is improved, but manufacturing cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the retainer ring with the fastener assembly, the patent combines temporary support and permanent fastening operations into a single streamlined process, eliminating the need for separate tooling steps and reducing overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional fastener assembly performs both temporary support and permanent fastening functions, allowing operators to complete assembly operations more efficiently without switching between different tools or devices.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a retainer ring with retention features is used to temporarily secure components, then component positioning stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring is positioned within the fastener assembly structure, with retention features that nest into corresponding spaces on the component. This nested arrangement provides stable component positioning while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener assembly is segmented into distinct functional elements: the retainer ring for temporary positioning and the fastener for permanent securing. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
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 fastener provides a 'third hand' effect, facilitating the secure temporary positioning of components during assembly, reducing complexity and cycle time without additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more retention features are configured to deflect between a first position and a second position and return to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener including a nut having a nut body including a threaded through hole extending along a longitudinal axis and a flange extending away from the nut body and including an upper surface and a lower surface, and a retainer ring integrally formed with the nut and including a retention feature having a contact surface extending away from the nut body and an annular lip perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extending away from the nut body.