Reusable Captive Nut Structure for High-Force Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reusable nuts fail to securely attach and detach components due to high stress on connecting features, leading to failure and inability to withstand high extraction forces, and lack flexibility in assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece nut design with inner and outer bodies and deformable arms that securely attach to a component hole, allowing for easy insertion and detachment of studs, featuring independent locking and engagement tabs to distribute load and prevent failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece nut design is used, then the nut can be shipped separately from the mating component, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner body and outer body into a single integrated nut structure that is pre-assembled with the mating component. This merging eliminates the need for separate shipping and assembly of two pieces, thereby improving assembly speed while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through modular design options.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner body is nested within the outer body in a pre-assembled configuration, allowing the nut to be shipped as a compact unit. The nested structure enables easy insertion into the component hole while maintaining the benefits of separate piece construction for manufacturing and shipping purposes.
2Volume of moving object
If the inner body is always disposed within the outer body, then the nut structure is more compact, but insertion into the component hole becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arms that can dynamically change position between a first position (allowing easy insertion) and a second position (providing secure retention). During insertion, the arms are in the first position allowing the inner body to be disposed outside the outer body, facilitating easy entry into the component hole. After insertion, the arms move to the second position, capturing the inner body within the outer body for compact, secure operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is divided into functional segments (inner body, outer body, and arms) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the inner body to be positioned outside the outer body during insertion, then moved inside after insertion, providing both ease of operation and compact structure.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting features are designed for easy detachment, then the nut can be easily removed and reused, but the connection strength decreases and fails under high extraction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The arms provide dynamic connection that adapts to operational needs. During normal use, the arms maintain strong engagement with the inner body to withstand high extraction forces. During detachment, the arms can be manually actuated to release the engagement, providing easy removal while maintaining connection strength during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (engagement force, arm position) can be changed from a locked state (high strength) to an unlocked state (easy detachment). The arms are designed to maintain high engagement strength under normal conditions but can be easily actuated to change the engagement parameter, allowing strong connection during use and easy detachment when needed.
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 design ensures secure attachment and detachment of components, withstands high extraction forces, and enhances assembly flexibility by distributing load, improving serviceability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the arms deform radially outward such that a portion of the component surrounding the hole is captured between the annular flange on the outer body and the arms
Data Source
AI summary
A nut includes an inner body, an outer body, and a pair of arms. The arms connect the inner and outer bodies to one another while allowing the inner body to move relative to the outer body from a first position, in which a majority of the inner body is disposed outside of the outer body, to a second position, in which a majority of the inner body is disposed within the outer body. The inner body and the arms are insertable into a hole in a component when the inner body is in the first position and, when the inner body is moved from the first position to the second position after the arms are inserted through the hole, the arms deform radially outward such that a portion of the component surrounding the hole is captured between an annular flange on the outer body and the arms.