Spring Nut Clip Prevents Counterclockwise Rotation in Channel Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spring nut system for securing objects to channel beams faces difficulties in maintaining the spring nut's position during removal, leading to potential rotation and falling out of the nut, making it challenging to remove threaded fasteners effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a spring nut with a coil spring and a spring nut clip that secures to the spring nut, preventing counterclockwise rotation by engaging the channel beam's flanges, ensuring the spring nut remains stationary during fastener removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spring nut has rounded corners to enable 90° rotation into installed position, then the spring nut can be easily installed and rotated into position, but the spring nut can rotate counterclockwise during fastener removal and may fall out of the channel beam
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the spring nut structure into distinct functional segments: rounded corners (first and second corners) that facilitate clockwise rotation during installation, and non-rounded corners (third and fourth corners) that prevent counterclockwise rotation during removal. This segmentation allows each corner to serve a specific directional function, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring nut employs asymmetric corner design where only specific corners are rounded while others remain non-rounded. This asymmetry creates directional control: rounded corners allow clockwise rotation for installation, while non-rounded corners engage with the channel beam flanges to prevent counterclockwise rotation during fastener removal, thus maintaining position stability.
2Ease of operation
If the spring nut is designed to rotate freely for installation, then installation is simplified, but the spring nut cannot remain stationary during fastener removal
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric corner design inherently provides rotation control without additional complex mechanisms. The rounded corners enable free clockwise rotation during installation, while the non-rounded corners automatically engage with the channel beam flanges to prevent counterclockwise rotation, simplifying the overall device while achieving the desired functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring nut's corner geometry itself provides the rotation control function. The non-rounded corners automatically engage with the channel beam flanges when the spring nut is in the installed position, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or complex rotation control devices.
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 system effectively secures objects to channel beams by preventing the spring nut from rotating counterclockwise, facilitating easy removal of threaded fasteners and maintaining the spring nut's position within the channel beam.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring is secured to the bottom face of the spring nut
Implementation Method 2
The top portion of the spring nut clip is configured to engage the inwardly facing flanges of the channel beam to inhibit counterclockwise rotation of the spring nut
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener system is disclosed for use in securing an object to a channel beam such as UNISTRUT-type channel beam. The fastener system includes a spring nut installed in the channel beam and a spring nut clip removably secured to the spring nut. The spring nut clip inhibits rotation of the spring nut, particularly when a fastener is being removed from the spring nut.