Tapered Flange Nut Anti-Rotation Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe hanger systems face challenges in securely fastening pipes and liners under side-load and bottom-load conditions, particularly in preventing rotation and deformation, especially when using stainless steel components, and require improved methods for installation in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A tapered flange nut with a locking insert is designed to prevent undesired rotation of bolts, featuring a radially tapered outer surface and a flange portion that centers within non-circular openings, combined with a non-threaded conical entry, allowing for secure engagement and easy installation, even in overhead situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional circular flange nut is used, then the nut can be easily manufactured, but the nut cannot prevent rotation of the bolt and lacks stability in non-circular openings
Solution Approach 1:
The flange nut employs a non-circular outer surface (square, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes) instead of the conventional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry enables the nut to engage with non-circular openings in the pipe hanger, preventing rotation and providing stable positioning while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes
Solution Approach 2:
The nut incorporates a tapered outer surface with radial taper from the central opening outward to the flange portion. This curved/tapered geometry allows the nut to self-center within the non-circular opening during installation, ensuring proper alignment and stable engagement without requiring complex precision machining
2Stability of the object's composition
If a standard hexagonal nut is used, then the nut provides good torque application, but the nut cannot center itself in non-circular openings and may cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered outer surface geometry allows the nut to automatically center itself within the non-circular opening as it is being installed. The radial taper guides the nut into proper alignment, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and reducing installation difficulty while ensuring stable centering
Solution Approach 2:
The nut's outer surface parameters (taper angle, flange dimensions) are specifically designed to match the geometry of the non-circular opening. This parameter optimization enables self-centering behavior and stable engagement without requiring excessive installation force or complex alignment procedures
3Reliability
If a locking insert is added to prevent rotation, then the anti-rotation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into two functional segments: the non-circular flange portion that prevents rotation through geometric engagement with the opening, and the threaded central opening that secures the bolt. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring a complex integrated solution
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation function and the bolt securing function are combined into a single nut component. The non-circular flange provides anti-rotation while the threaded opening secures the bolt, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a tapered flange nut which has a tapered end portion which interoperates with the shape of a non-circular opening in a pipe hanger saddle or equivalent structure.