Caged Stepped Nut Joint for One-Sided Plate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for plate-like components require access from both sides for assembly, which is impractical in confined spaces, such as when assembling metal profiles or gantries, where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a bolt and a specially designed nut with a screwing channel and a cage that allows the nut to be securely held during assembly from one side, featuring a foot portion and a head portion with a stepped design, enabling easy operation without a wrench, and a cage that stabilizes the nut to facilitate one-sided assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional nut is used requiring two-sided access for assembly, then the connection is secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is nested within the cage structure, with the cage receiving and stabilizing the nut during assembly. The cage acts as a container that holds the nut in a fixed position, allowing the bolt to be screwed in from one side only, eliminating the need for two-sided access while maintaining connection security
2Ease of operation
If the nut is held without a wrench, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of preventing unintentional displacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cage provides preliminary stabilization of the nut before the bolt is fully tightened. The cage structure prevents the nut from rotating or moving unintentionally during the assembly process, eliminating the need for a wrench to counter-hold the nut while ensuring it remains stable throughout assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The cage acts as an intermediary between the nut and the assembly process. It provides a stable reference structure that holds the nut in place, mediating the interaction between the bolt and nut during assembly from one side, and preventing unintentional displacement without requiring additional tools
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system for connecting at least two plate-like elements, the connection system having a bolt, a nut that corresponds to the bolt and has a screwing channel which extends along a screwing axis and into which the bolt can be screwed, and a cage for receiving the nut, wherein the nut has a foot portion and a head portion adjoining the foot portion along the screwing axis, the foot portion projecting, at least in portions, beyond the head portion in a direction perpendicular to the screwing axis.