Segmented Nut Sleeve Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional segmented nuts face challenges in quick release due to binding, corrosion, and difficulty in applying axial forces, especially in corrosive environments, leading to safety concerns and the need for oxyacetylene cutting, which is often banned.
Innovation Solution
A segmented nut design featuring a sleeve that moves from a locked to a release position through rotation or axial movement, with polygonal cross-sections and rounded vertices for bearing surfaces, allowing for radial movement of nut sections without threaded rotation, and optionally including a biasing means like a conical washer or anti-rotation devices, facilitating easy assembly and release without requiring additional assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nuts are used with threaded rotation for tightening and loosening, then the nut can be securely fastened to the bolt, but the nut may bind, corrode, or seize on the thread making removal difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into multiple segments (typically three) that can be separated from each other. Each segment contains portions of the threaded bore, allowing the nut to be disassembled into individual segments for easy removal without cutting or damaging the bolt thread
Solution Approach 2:
The nut transitions from a static, unified structure to a dynamic, separable structure. The segments are held together in operational position by retaining means (such as a retaining ring or clips) but can be readily separated when release is required, providing adaptability between secure fastening and easy removal states
2Ease of operation
If segmented nuts with thin webs connecting pieces are used for quick removal, then the nut can be readily broken into pieces for removal, but it is difficult to achieve appropriate balance between strength required to maintain nut in position and ease of breaking webs
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into multiple segments (typically three) that can be separated from each other. Each segment contains portions of the threaded bore, allowing the nut to be disassembled into individual segments for easy removal without cutting or damaging the bolt thread
Solution Approach 2:
The nut transitions from a static, unified structure to a dynamic, separable structure. The segments are held together in operational position by retaining means (such as a retaining ring or clips) but can be readily separated when release is required, providing adaptability between secure fastening and easy removal states
3Strength
If segmented nuts with clamping screws are used to hold pieces together, then the nut segments can be forced together, but the clamping screw threads can corrode or seize within the collar and require additional dexterity to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is extracted from threaded screws and transferred to a separate retaining mechanism (such as a retaining ring or clips) that engages with the nut segments. This eliminates the threaded connection between the clamping element and the collar, removing the source of corrosion and seizing problems while maintaining the clamping function
Solution Approach 2:
A retaining ring or clips serve as an intermediary element between the nut segments and the collar. This intermediary provides the clamping function without requiring threaded engagement, allowing for easy removal by simply extracting the retaining element rather than unscrewing a threaded connection
4Reliability
If anti-rotation devices such as polymer inserts are used within nuts, then anti-rotation is achieved, but in environments where oxyacetylene cutting is required, the use of such inserts is banned
Solution Approach 1:
The nut segments are designed as disposable components that can be quickly removed and replaced. This eliminates the need for permanent anti-rotation devices like polymer inserts, as the entire nut can be rapidly swapped out if rotation prevention is needed, providing a simpler, more versatile solution that works in all environments including those where oxyacetylene cutting is banned
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7a~10
AI summary
A segmented nut is formed by three segments held together with a surmounting sleeve. Rotation of the sleeve in the order of 60° frees the segments, allowing for quick release of the nut.