Split Nut Jaw Locking for One-Handed Threaded Rod Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split nuts require laborious threading and are difficult to attach and detach from threaded rods using one hand, posing safety and damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A split nut design featuring an outer body with a tapered axial channel, axially movable jaws, a separator to guide radial movement, and a locking mechanism that allows one-handed attachment and detachment by locking the jaws into threaded engagement with the rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional nut is used on a threaded rod, then the nut can be securely attached, but the attachment process is laborious and requires threading from the end of the rod
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into two separate bodies: an outer body and an inner body. The inner body is split into at least two jaws that can move independently within the outer body. This segmentation allows the nut to be opened and closed around the threaded rod without requiring threading from the end, enabling one-handed operation and significantly reducing attachment time.
2Ease of operation
If a split nut design is used to enable one-handed operation, then attachment and detachment become easier, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inner body containing the split jaws is nested within the outer body. The tapered axial channel in the outer body guides the axial movement of the inner body and its jaws. This nested configuration allows the complex functionality of one-handed operation to be achieved while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A separator is introduced as an intermediary component between the jaws and the tapered axial channel. The separator guides the jaws against the inner surface of the channel, ensuring proper radial movement as the jaws move axially. This intermediary element simplifies the interaction between the moving parts and ensures reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If the jaws are made axially movable to enable one-handed operation, then attachment is easier, but the jaws may move to incorrect positions causing improper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism is implemented to provide positional feedback and control for the jaws. The lock can lock the jaws in specific axial positions, ensuring they are correctly positioned for threaded engagement with the rod. This feedback mechanism prevents the jaws from moving to incorrect positions and ensures proper engagement every time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to lock the jaws in the correct axial position before threaded engagement occurs. By preliminarily positioning the jaws at the correct location, the system ensures that when the nut is attached to the threaded rod, the engagement is proper and precise, eliminating positioning errors.
4Manufacturing precision
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the jaws in position, then engagement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing axial movement mechanism of the inner body. The lock works with the tapered axial channel and separator system already present, combining the locking function with the movement guidance function. This integration adds positioning accuracy without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 safe and efficient one-handed attachment and detachment of the split nut from threaded rods without damage, facilitating easy installation and repair operations.
Implementation Method 1
The outer body has an inner surface defining a tapered axial channel. The separator is arranged between the jaws to guide the jaws against the inner surface of the tapered axial channel. This causes the jaws to move radially outward as they move axially outward from the outer body.
Implementation Method 2
The lock may have a spring arranged to bias the locking pin into the slot in the inner body when the jaws are in the axial position at which the jaws are sufficiently close to force the inner body into threaded engagement with the threaded rod.
Implementation Method 3
The inner body has an axial internal thread. The lock is arranged to lock the jaws in an axial position at which the jaws are sufficiently close to force the inner body into threaded engagement with the threaded rod.
Data Source
AI summary
A split nut with an outer body and an inner body formed of two jaws for gripping a threaded rod. The outer body has an inner surface defining tapered axial channel and includes a separator between the jaws to guide the jaws against an inner surface of the tapered axial channel. The inner surface can be circular in cross section and the outer body can also have an outer surface be circular in cross section. A lock is arranged to lock the jaws in an axial position at which the jaws are sufficiently close to force the jaws into threaded engagement with the threaded rod. The lock can also lock the jaws in an additional axial position at which the threaded rod can be moved freely axially between the jaws. The lock can comprise a locking pin movable within the outer body into respective slots corresponding to each locking position.