Self-indexing nut plate

摘要

An aircraft comprises a plurality of spanner bars. Each spanner bar has a pattern of mounting holes separated by lands. A plurality of nut plates engage the spanner bars. Each nut plate includes a body having a mounting surface against one of the spanner bars; and first and second posts extending from the mounting surface and through respective holes in the corresponding spanner bar. Each post has an undercut portion that abuts against one of the lands. Each nut plate further includes a locking member occupying a space between one of the posts and the lands to prevent the nut plate from disengaging the corresponding spanner bar.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a support member having a surface with an alternating pattern of a first land, a first hole, a second land, a second hole, a third land, and a third hole; at least one nut plate engaging the support member, the nut plate including:
a body;a mounting surface affixed to the body;a first mounting post extending from the mounting surface and having a first undercut portion, the first mounting post extending into the first hole with the first undercut portion filled with the first land;a second mounting post extending from the mounting surface and having a second undercut portion, the second mounting post extending into the third hole with the second undercut portion filled with the third land; anda generally L-shaped spring lever comprising a first end cantilevered from the body, a second, free end, a retractable locking member extending generally downwardly from the free end of the spring lever, and a release grip ledge adjacent to and extending generally transversely with respect to thelocking member,wherein the spring lever is movable through the gap between a locked position and an unlocked position; andwherein the locking member occupies at least a portion of the third hole to prevent the nut plate from disengaging the support member when the spring lever is in the locked position.