U-Shaped Spring Clip for Torsion-Proof Threaded Nut Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring clips for receiving polygonal threaded nuts are difficult to assemble and require specific tools, limiting their adaptability to different tensioning head types and making it hard to introduce the nut into the already formed spring clip.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped spring clip with bent free ends forming a tip, allowing for easy assembly and introduction into a tensioning head opening, and featuring inclined latching portions and kinks to facilitate nut guidance and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the threaded nut is arranged in the spring clip during formation, then the spring clip can securely hold the nut, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is designed as a separate component with a specific receptacle geometry that can be manufactured independently of the threaded nut. This segmentation allows the spring clip to be formed first, then the nut is subsequently introduced into the pre-formed receptacle, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining secure holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip's receptacle is designed with self-guiding features including inclined surfaces and dimensional constraints that automatically guide the threaded nut into the correct position during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional alignment tools or complex assembly procedures while ensuring reliable nut retention
2Manufacturing precision
If the spring clip is designed for a specific tensioning head type, then it can provide precise latching, but it cannot be adapted to different tensioning head types without additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is designed with a universal receptacle configuration that can accommodate threaded nuts for different tensioning head types. The receptacle's dimensional tolerances and geometric features are designed to provide precise latching across multiple applications, enabling a single spring clip design to serve multiple functions and adapt to various tensioning head types without requiring additional tools or modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip design incorporates adjustable parameters such as receptacle dimensions, wall thickness, and material properties that can be modified to optimize performance for different tensioning head types. This parametric design approach allows the same basic spring clip structure to be adapted to different applications while maintaining precise latching capability through controlled parameter variations
3Ease of operation
If the free ends of the limbs are bent sharply, then the spring clip can be easily inserted into the opening, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The free ends of the spring clip limbs are designed with optimized curvature radii that balance insertion ease with structural integrity. The curved geometry allows the spring clip to flex during insertion into the opening while distributing stresses along the curved path, preventing stress concentration that would occur with sharp bends. This curvature optimization enables easy insertion while maintaining the strength and durability of the spring clip structure
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
The spring clip design simplifies the assembly of the threaded nut arrangement, allows for easy attachment to various tensioning heads, and ensures the threaded nut cannot rotate, absorbing high torques while being easily producible without requiring the nut during spring clip formation.
Implementation Method 1
the free ends which are bent substantially to form a tip ensure that the limbs of the spring clips bend toward one another by way of a light exertion of force during the insertion of the spring clip into the opening... the limbs spring back into their starting state again
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a spring clip for receiving a polygonal threaded nut in a torsion-proof manner, a corresponding threaded nut assembly, and a spring clamp having such a spring clip. The spring clip is substantially U-shaped and has a base and two limbs. Each limb has at least one step and a free end, one detent section being formed between the step and the free end of each limb. The free ends of the limbs are thereby bent away from each other.