Spring Nut Release Mechanism for Non-Rotational Threaded Rod Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring nuts lack efficient mechanisms for non-rotational attachment and quick release of threaded objects, often requiring rotation and providing insufficient retention strength and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A spring nut design featuring resilient arms and a wedge element, allowing non-rotational insertion and retention of threaded objects, with the wedge element enabling easy release without rotation, and a structure-engaging portion for enhanced stability and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional nut is used to attach a threaded object to a structure, then the attachment can be made securely, but the attachment process requires rotation of the threaded object and cannot be quickly detached
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into a body and multiple resilient arms that can independently deflect and engage with the threaded object. This segmentation allows the arms to flex outward during insertion and then spring inward to retain the threaded object, enabling quick attachment without rotation while maintaining structural integrity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arms are designed to be dynamically flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to deflect outward when the threaded object is inserted and then automatically spring inward to engage and retain it. This dynamic behavior enables automatic retention without requiring rotational movement, solving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural complexity.
2Strength
If a spring nut with resilient arms is used to retain the threaded object, then quick release is enabled, but the retention strength may be insufficient under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resilient arms are combined to work together in unison, with each arm contributing to the overall retention strength. The arms are positioned to engage different portions of the threaded object, distributing the load across multiple contact points. This merging of multiple retention elements provides both the strength needed for heavy loads and the ease of quick release through the resilient nature of the arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arms are constructed from elastic materials that combine high strength properties with flexibility. This composite approach allows the arms to maintain sufficient rigidity to support heavy loads while retaining enough elasticity to deflect outward for easy release when force is applied to the release mechanism, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the threaded object is inserted without rotation, then the attachment process is simplified and speeded up, but the engagement mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms are designed to automatically engage the threaded object through their own elastic recovery force after being deflected outward during insertion. The arms self-adjust and self-lock into position without requiring external rotational movement or additional engagement mechanisms, enabling high attachment speed while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple through self-service operation.
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 design provides improved retention strength, ease of installation, and quick release capabilities, supporting loads up to 75 lbs with various diameter threaded rods without requiring rotation, enhancing user safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient arm and a second resilient arm that extend from the base and are configured to deflect outward when the threaded object is inserted and spring inward to retain the threaded object
Implementation Method 2
a wedge element that is coupled to the first resilient arm and is configured to apply a force to the first and second resilient arms to urge the first and second resilient arms apart
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A spring nut (100) for attaching a threaded object (30) to a structure can include first and second arms (132, 144) extending from a base (110), and a wedge element (172). The wedge element (172) can be configured to selectively operatively urge the first and second arms (132, 144) apart to release the threaded object (30) from between the first and second arms (132, 144).