Spring Clip Nut Retainer for Tool-Free Torsion-Proof Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded clamps for threaded nuts are difficult to assemble and require additional tools for adapting to different clamping head thicknesses, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped spring clip with inclined legs and outwardly bent free ends that facilitate easy insertion and secure mounting on clamping heads, allowing insertion of threaded nuts after clip formation, and featuring a funnel-shaped passage and locking grooves for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the threaded nut is positioned within the spring-loaded clamp during its formation, then the clamp provides rotation-proof mounting, but subsequent insertion of the nut becomes impossible or requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp is divided into functional segments: the base with locking grooves for rotation-proof mounting, the legs with steps for nut positioning, and the free ends bent at angles greater than 100° for tool-free insertion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming the clamp around a pre-positioned nut, the invention inverts the process by creating the clamp structure first with open ends, then inserting the nut through the opening. The bent free ends (>100°) are designed to be pushed inward during insertion, allowing the nut to pass through before springing back to secure the nut in place
2Reliability
If the locking grooves are fixed in design, then the clamp provides stable locking, but adaptation to different clamping head thicknesses requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates dynamic elements that allow adaptation to different clamping head thicknesses. The legs with steps and the bent free ends can flex and adjust their position, enabling the locking grooves to engage effectively with clamping heads of varying thicknesses without requiring additional tools or modifying the basic locking structure
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in the clamp's effective locking position through the stepped legs and bent free ends. By varying the engagement point along the leg length and utilizing the flexibility of the bent ends, the clamp can adapt to different thickness parameters of clamping heads while maintaining stable locking
3Ease of operation
If the free ends are bent sharply to reduce width, then the clamp fits through openings easily, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The free ends are bent at controlled angles greater than 100° rather than sharp 90° bends, creating a smoother curvature that reduces stress concentration points. This curved geometry allows the clamp to fit through openings with reduced width while maintaining structural strength by distributing mechanical loads more evenly along the bent sections
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 fast and tool-free assembly of threaded nut assemblies, secure attachment to various clamping heads, and resistance to rotational forces, enhancing production efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the legs of the spring clip bend towards each other when slight force is applied when inserting the spring clip into the opening... the legs spring back to their original position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring clip (1) for receiving a polygonal threaded nut (2) in a torsion-proof manner, a corresponding threaded nut assembly, and a spring clamp having such a spring clip. The spring clip (1) is substantially U-shaped and has a base (3) and two limbs (4a, b). Each limb (4a, b) has at least one step (5a, b) and a free end (6a, b), one detent section (7a, b) being formed between the step (5a, b) and the free end (6a, b) of each limb (4a, b). The free ends (6a, b) of the limbs (4a, b) are thereby bent away from each other.