Spin Nut for Strut Channel Blind Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening devices for securing pipes, conduit, and cables in construction are time-consuming, prone to incorrect assembly, and require two hands for installation, making them cumbersome and difficult to use, especially in inaccessible areas.
Innovation Solution
A spin nut with a symmetrical helix and wings that can be easily inserted and rotated onto a strut channel, allowing for one-handed operation and automatic self-alignment, eliminating the need for threading a long rod and reducing the number of required fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners with two nuts and threaded rods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into modular components: a spin nut with integrated wings, a strut channel, and a fastener. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing the overall number of parts needed compared to conventional two-nut systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spin nut incorporates a symmetrical helix that automatically engages with the strut channel walls during rotation, providing self-alignment and self-centering without requiring manual positioning or additional alignment tools. The wings provide self-gripping action on the fastener.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional nuts are used requiring two hands for threading, then proper threading is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spin nut combines multiple functions into a single component: the threading function, the alignment function, and the gripping function are merged into one integrated nut assembly with wings, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations and reducing hand requirements during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spin nut features asymmetrical wing positioning and a symmetrical helix configuration that provides directional guidance during insertion. The wings are positioned to engage the fastener in a specific orientation, ensuring proper threading direction while allowing one-handed operation.
3Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used in inaccessible areas, then attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment and positioning functions from the installation process itself, embedding them into the spin nut structure through the symmetrical helix and wing configuration. This eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures in inaccessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The spin nut performs self-alignment and self-centering through its symmetrical helix engagement with the strut channel walls during rotation, eliminating the need for external alignment tools. The integrated wings provide self-gripping action on the fastener, reducing the need for separate gripping tools in difficult-to-reach locations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment of nut position on installed pipes is required, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to two-hand requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The spin nut is designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the wings to be rotated and repositioned along the fastener after installation. The symmetrical helix allows for easy rotation and repositioning while maintaining secure engagement, enabling one-handed adjustment to accommodate different pipe positions and lengths.
Data Source
AI summary
A nut operable for blind attachment between two rims on opposite sides of a strut channel. According to one embodiment, the nut is a spin nut operable to insert the nut into the channel, rotate and lock the nut onto the two rims on the strut. The spin nut includes a base, a pair of wings formed on one end of the base and operable to attach to two rims. The symmetrical helix is formed on the wings on the other end of the base. A shoulder extends from the symmetrical helix. A hole, such as a threaded hole is formed in the shoulder extending into the base, forming a threaded nut, according to one embodiment. A bolt may be inserted into the threaded hole to attach to a bracket, strut, plate or any suitable structure.