Self-Tapping Nut Structure for Adjustable Stand-Off Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing objects to building structures at a distance are inconvenient due to the need for nuts on both sides of the object, with one nut often being inaccessible, and lack adjustable distance options.

Innovation Solution

A nut with a self-tapping thread that allows for adjustable fixing by rotating the bolt or nut, featuring a space between internal bindings for object rotation and an elastic washer for vibration reduction, along with a tool for easy bolt rotation and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two nuts are used to fix a plate to a building structure at a distance, then the fixing is secure, but one nut becomes inaccessible and operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidnut accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate nuts into a single integrated nut structure. The first nut portion engages with the bolt while the second nut portion engages with the building structure, eliminating the need for two separate nuts and making the entire assembly accessible from one side only.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single nut performs multiple functions: it secures the plate to the building structure, provides adjustment capability for distance, and maintains accessibility from one side only. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional two-nut system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed distance fixing method is used, then the installation is simple, but the adaptability to different distance requirements is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddistance adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nut incorporates a threaded bore that allows the bolt to be rotated, enabling dynamic adjustment of the distance between the plate and building structure. This transforms a static fixed-distance system into a dynamic adjustable system while maintaining simple installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a self-tapping thread provides linear pacing upon rotation, then the threading is straightforward, but the object cannot rotate freely within the nut

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreading simplicityVSAvoidobject rotation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The self-tapping thread is designed with non-uniform spacing between bindings, creating different local characteristics. The first portion provides linear pacing for straightforward threading, while the second portion has wider spacing that allows the object to rotate freely within the nut after installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables convenient and adjustable fixing of objects to building structures at various distances with improved accessibility and reduced vibration, allowing for easy adjustment and secure attachment.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic washer (46), disposed in the space (48), for limiting movement between the self-tapping thread (36) and the object (18) upon completing the threading therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration reduction: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3122957B1Nut and method for fixing an object to a building structure
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 UMZEN LTD
  • EP3122957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3122957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3122957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A nut (10), comprising: a female thread (34) for threading a bolt (14) thereinto; a head (52) surrounding the female thread (34), for holding the female thread (34), for allowing rotating the bolt (14) in relation to the female thread (34); and a self-tapping thread (36), for threading the nut (10) through an object (18), the self-tapping thread (36) characterized in not providing linear pacing in relation to the object (18) upon rotation therebetween upon completing the threading therebetween, wherein the self-tapping thread (36) may comprise the female thread (34) for threading the bolt (14) therethrough, thereby allowing connecting the nut (10) to the object (18) and then moving the bolt (14) in relation to the object (18), thereby allowing fixing the object (18) to a building structure (20) at an adjustable distance (40).