Two-Part Mounting Nut for Fast Sanitary Fitting Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nuts for securing sanitary fittings to worktops require additional stabilizing components, precise production, and are laborious and time-consuming to install, especially on thin countertops.

Innovation Solution

A nut system comprising two parts that are freely rotatable relative to each other, allowing for a self-closing mechanism that simplifies assembly by transitioning from an open to a closed position, reducing the need for additional components and enabling quick installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional nut is used to secure a sanitary fitting to a worktop, then the fitting can be secured, but the installation process becomes laborious and time-consuming, especially on thin countertops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nut is divided into two separate parts: a first nut part with threaded lugs and a second nut part that acts as a cover. This segmentation allows the threaded lugs to be positioned radially outward during installation, enabling the nut to be slipped over the fitting stem without threading, and then the second part is rotated to close the lugs radially inward to engage with the stem's external thread, dramatically speeding up installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded lugs are designed to be movable between two positions: radially outward for easy installation and radially inward for secure fastening. The second nut part rotates about the axial axis to control this movement, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its configuration based on the installation phase, making the process both quick and secure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional stabilizing components are added to the nut system, then mounting stability is improved, but the number of components increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing function is merged into the existing two-part nut structure itself. The first nut part with its threaded lugs and the second nut part cover work together not only for fastening but also provide inherent stability during mounting. No separate stabilizing components are needed as the nut's own structure provides the necessary stability when properly assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If high precision is required during nut production to position mounting tabs correctly, then fastening reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidproduction precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring precise pre-positioning of threaded lugs during manufacturing, the design allows the lugs to be dynamically positioned to the correct radial location during assembly through the rotation of the second nut part. This eliminates the need for high manufacturing precision in lug positioning, as the correct position is achieved through the simple rotational movement of the cover part rather than through precision manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If the nut structure is simplified to reduce production costs, then manufacturing becomes more cost-effective, but the ability to secure the fitting reliably may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidfastening reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into two simple parts (first nut part with lugs and second nut part cover) keeps manufacturing straightforward and cost-effective, while the interaction between these parts provides reliable fastening. The threaded lugs engage with the external thread of the fitting stem when closed, ensuring secure mounting without requiring complex structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second nut part serves dual functions: it covers the first nut part and simultaneously acts as the mechanism to close the threaded lugs radially inward by rotating about the axial axis. This self-service design eliminates the need for additional closing mechanisms or complex assembly steps, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable fastening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4575245A1Nut for fixing a component to a support
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 BLANCO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4575245A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4575245A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4575245A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a nut for securing a component to a support, in particular a sanitary fitting to a worktop, comprising a first nut part and a second nut part, wherein the first nut part has at least two threaded lugs which have a thread on their radial inner side, wherein the two nut parts are arranged displaceably relative to one another along an axial axis in such a way that in a first position - open position - the threaded lugs of the first nut part can be arranged to project radially outwards, and that in a second position - closed position - the threaded lugs of the first nut part can be arranged by means of the second nut part, in particular projecting radially inwards, for engagement in a corresponding external thread of the component, wherein the first and second nut parts are designed to be freely rotatable relative to one another about the axial axis.