Swageable Nut Retainer Assembly for One-Side Blind Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening methods require access to both sides of an assembly, which is not feasible in tightly packed or closed-off spaces, leading to increased labor, time, and tooling costs, particularly in industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction.
Innovation Solution
A nut retainer assembly with a swageable base that can be securely attached to a structure by deforming a swageable section within a through hole, allowing for blind fastening without rear access, using a nut retainer and swageable base assembly with threaded coupling portions for robust and durable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fastening methods are used, then fastening can be achieved with simple tools and procedures, but access to both sides of the assembly is required which is not feasible in tightly packed or closed-off spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a fastener element inserted through the substrate, a nut retainer assembly with a swageable base that remains on the accessible side, and a nut that threads onto the fastener. This segmentation allows the nut retainer base to be installed from one side only, enabling blind fastening operations in confined spaces while maintaining simple fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut retainer assembly is nested within the substrate hole, with the swageable base portion embedded in the substrate and the nut retainer portion extending outward. The fastener element passes through the nut retainer, creating a nested configuration where multiple components occupy the same spatial envelope. This nesting enables the fastening system to function in confined spaces by consolidating components into a compact arrangement accessible from one side.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blind fastening without rear access is implemented, then fastening in confined spaces becomes feasible, but the complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swageable base of the nut retainer assembly is designed to be deformed by a swaging tool to create a friction fit within the substrate hole, securing the assembly in place without requiring access to the other side. The fastener element itself serves as the anchoring mechanism, with its threads providing both the fastening function and the means to secure the nut retainer to the substrate. This self-service design reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate anchoring components.
3Device complexity
If traditional fastening methods requiring rear access are used, then the fastening system remains simple and cost-effective, but labor, time, and tooling costs increase due to increased accessibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The nut retainer assembly is pre-assembled with the swageable base portion designed to be installed first through the substrate hole. The base is swaged to secure the assembly in place before the fastener element and nut are installed. This preliminary action of securing the nut retainer base from the accessible side eliminates the need for subsequent operations requiring rear access, improving assembly efficiency by enabling complete fastening from one side while maintaining system simplicity.
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 secure fastening in confined spaces with improved strength, durability, reliability, and simplicity, reducing assembly complexity and costs by eliminating the need for rear access.
Implementation Method 1
a swageable section for swageably coupling within the first through hole of the first substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A nut retainer assembly for a blind fastener system, includes: a nut retainer aligned along a longitudinal axis, the nut retainer comprising: i) an interior cavity for securely holding a fastener nut therein; ii) an opening for receiving a fastener therethrough; and iii) a threaded retainer coupling portion; and a swageable base or swageable base assembly, the swageable base or swageable base assembly being aligned along the longitudinal axis, the swageable base or swageable base assembly comprising: i) a swageable section; ii) a radial flange extending outwardly from the swageable section; and iii) a threaded base coupling portion for engaging with the threaded retainer coupling portion.