Split-Nut Rivetless Nut Plate for Bore-Grip Panel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing nut plates require rivets, adhesives, and additional steps like reaming, counterboring, and countersinking, which complicate the assembly process and increase complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rivetless nut plate design that uses a panel bore, a washer, and a cage to securely attach to a panel without rivets, featuring a nut that splits into two sections for constrained motion, allowing expansion and frictional securing without the need for additional holes or adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional riveted nut plates are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly complexity increases due to rivets, adhesives, and additional steps like reaming, counterboring, and countersinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frangible section from the nut plate, eliminating the need for rivets and adhesives. This extraction of the problematic component simplifies the assembly process by removing multiple steps (reaming, counterboring, countersinking) and materials (rivets, adhesives) while maintaining secure attachment through the expanded cage structure
Solution Approach 2:
The nut plate is divided into functional sections: a cage portion that expands for securement, a frangible section that breaks away, and a nut portion that remains. This segmentation allows the frangible section to be eliminated while preserving the essential functions of expansion and securement in the remaining structure
2Reliability
If rivets and adhesives are used for attachment, then secure fastening is achieved, but additional holes and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The nut plate performs self-securement through its own expansion mechanism. The cage portion expands within the existing panel bore to create frictional holding, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements like rivets or adhesives. This self-service approach maintains reliable attachment while improving assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (rivets, adhesives) with an expansion-based frictional holding system. The cage expands radially within the bore, creating frictional forces that secure the nut plate without requiring additional fastening components or chemical adhesives
3Stability of the object's composition
If the nut is fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to imperfect panel alignments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nut portion is designed to be movable within the cage structure, allowing it to adjust its position dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the nut to accommodate imperfect panel alignments while the expanded cage maintains overall structural stability and securement
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
This design simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for rivets and associated steps, providing a secure and adjustable attachment that accommodates imperfect panel alignments.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the cage is expanded to grip the panel bore
Data Source
AI summary
A rivetless nut plate for attachment to a panel via a panel bore, having a nut, a washer, and a cage that retains the nut and the washer. The nut plate has a nonactivated state and an activated state. In the activated state a portion of the cage is expanded to grip the panel bore, and the nut has split into two independent sections allowing one section to move throughout a constrained range of motion.