Slot Nut for Slotted Channel Securement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for securing threaded rods to slotted channels often result in inaccessible nut configurations post-insertion, making it difficult to securely affix washers and nuts, especially when access to the end of the rod is restricted.

Innovation Solution

A slot nut designed to be secured to the threaded rod prior to insertion, featuring an oval shape with a first surface for rotation prevention and a second surface forming a shoulder to prevent withdrawal, allowing secure fixation without requiring access to the nut after insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a washer and nut configuration is used to secure threaded rod to slotted channel, then the threaded rod can be securely affixed to the channel, but access to the end of the rod must be available after insertion through the slot which is not always possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidaccessibility to rod end

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nut is pre-installed on the threaded rod before insertion into the channel slot. This preliminary action eliminates the need to access the rod end after insertion, as the nut is already in position to secure the rod to the channel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the conventional approach where the nut is installed on the rod after insertion through the slot, this invention inverts the sequence by installing the nut on the rod before insertion. The rod with pre-installed nut is then inserted through the slot, and the nut is positioned against the channel interior surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If a second washer and nut are affixed to the rod prior to or subsequent to insertion to tightly secure the rod to the channel, then tight secement is achieved, but this requires access to the rod end which may be impossible in many applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecement strengthVSAvoidaccessibility to rod end

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the slot nut has a first surface sized to be received in the width of the channel slot, then rotation of the slot nut is prevented, but the slot nut must be precisely sized to match the slot dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation preventionVSAvoidslot nut sizing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slot nut features an asymmetric geometry with a first surface that is narrower than the slot width and a second surface that is wider. This asymmetric design allows the nut to be inserted through the slot and then rotated into a stable position where the first surface contacts the slot walls, preventing rotation without requiring precise matching of overall nut dimensions to slot dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS7766594B2Slot nut for securement of channel

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 UNISTRUT INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A slot nut is provided for securing a threaded rod to a section of channel where the channel defines a slot and the slot nut is affixed to the threaded rod prior to receipt within the slot. A method of securing threaded rod to channel defining a slot using a slot nut is also disclosed wherein the slot nut is affixed to the threaded rod prior to the threaded rod being positioned within the channel slot.