Single-Side Access Sheet Metal Nut for One-Hole Panel Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening nuts require multiple holes and specialized equipment to secure panels in vehicles when access to the bottom surface is restricted, and often fail to meet proof load requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sheet metal nut design featuring a base with a flat planar surface, a sleeve extending below the base, and flexible flanges that can deflect for installation through a single aperture, allowing secure fastening without access to the bottom surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening nuts are used to secure panels when access to the bottom surface is restricted, then multiple holes must be pierced into the panel and specialized assembly equipment is required, but this increases device complexity and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is designed to be installed from the top surface of the panel rather than requiring access to the bottom surface. The inverted installation approach allows the nut to be positioned and secured through a single top-access hole, eliminating the need for bottom surface access and multiple holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion that interfaces with the panel top surface, a sleeve portion that extends through the panel thickness, and flange portions that provide securing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function in the single-hole installation process.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening nuts require multiple holes to be pierced into the panel, then fastening capability is improved, but manufacturing precision and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single aperture in the panel serves multiple functions: it allows insertion of the nut base, passage of the sleeve through the panel thickness, and alignment for securing. This multi-functionality of a single hole eliminates the need for multiple separate holes while maintaining reliable fastening capability.
3Reliability
If specialized assembly equipment is used to reach the bottom surface of the panel, then fastening is achieved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nut design enables self-service installation from the top surface without requiring specialized equipment to access the bottom surface. The flange portions and sleeve configuration allow the nut to be secured through manual manipulation from the accessible top side, eliminating the need for complex assembly equipment.
4Reliability
If prior art fastening nuts are designed for bottom surface access, then fastening is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates when bottom surface access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The entire fastening mechanism is inverted to operate from the top surface. Instead of requiring bottom surface access for nut installation, the design allows complete installation and securing operations to be performed from the top surface through a single hole, fundamentally reversing the accessibility requirement.
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 secure fastening of components with only one hole, reducing installation complexity and eliminating the need for specialized equipment, while meeting proof load requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two front flanges and the at least one rear flange are capable of deflecting
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet metal nut includes a base having a flat planar surface. The sheet metal nut also has a sleeve that extends below the base and includes an inner surface. The sheet metal nut further includes at least two front flanges and at least one rear flange. The at least two front flanges are positioned on an edge of the base and extend to a position directly above the flat planar surface of the base. The at least one rear flange extends away from a rear surface of the base. The sheet metal nut is configured to securely fasten to a bottom side of a component through a single aperture when the bottom side of the component is restricted or inaccessible.