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 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 flanged nut includes a flange that remains on the top surface while the threaded portion engages with the fastener from above, inverting the traditional installation approach where the nut must be accessed from the opposite side of the panel
Solution Approach 2:
The flanged nut is segmented into distinct functional portions: a flange portion that interfaces with the panel top surface and a threaded portion that engages the fastener. This segmentation allows the nut to be installed through a single hole while distributing different functions across separate structural elements
2Reliability
If multiple holes are pierced into the panel to accommodate traditional nuts, then fastening is achieved, but this increases manufacturing complexity and loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The flanged nut combines the fastening function and the panel interface function into a single component that requires only one hole. The flange provides the panel surface interface while the threaded portion provides fastener engagement, merging what would traditionally require separate holes into a single integrated solution
3Ease of operation
If traditional nuts are used without bottom surface access, then assembly time increases, but this loses productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is pre-formed as an integral part of the nut structure, providing a ready-made interface for the panel top surface. This preliminary preparation of the flange structure eliminates the need for complex alignment and positioning operations during assembly, allowing for rapid installation through a single hole
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
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AI summary
A sheet metal nut (20) includes a base (22) having a flat planar surface (24). The sheet metal nut also has a sleeve (26) that extends below the base and includes an inner surface. The sheet metal nut further includes at least two front flanges (60) and at least one rear flange (62). 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.