TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates, in general, to the field of static engineering. Particularly, but, not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to maintenance of structures that support and secure machineries or machine parts. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a fastener assembly for fixing a mill stand of a finish roll mill on a support structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, heavy structures such as machineries or machine parts are subjected to continuous stress such as tensile stress, vibrational stress and the like. In order to minizine such stresses on the machineries or machine parts, they are required to be secured onto the ground to absorb or transfer such stresses acting on the machineries or machine parts. In particular, to the machineries or machine parts such as, finish roll mills, a predefined gap may be provisioned and calibrated between each roller in a mill stand of the finish roll mill. This predefined gap may be altered based on the requirement. Thus, by rigidly fixing the mill stand of the finish roll mills, vibrations may be transmitted to the ground and calibration of each of the rollers may be unaffected due to stresses action on the finish roll mill or parts of finish roll mill.

Generally, the process of securing the mill stand to the ground or work bed may be a tedious task, as various factors such as, but not limited to, surface flatness of the ground, rigidity and consistency of minerals in the ground, composition of humidity in the ground, and the like may influence and play the role. These aspects may have a particular effect on absorption of vibrations generated by the mill stand. In addition to these factors, one may not be in a position to periodically disassemble the mill stand from securement to perform maintenance activities. Meanwhile, with advent of technology, efforts have been made to secure the mill stand to the ground, by employing various techniques. One such technique is by employing fastener assemblies of various categories, to secure the mill stand to the ground. Conventionally, the mill stand may be positioned on an elevated platform, through which the mill stand may be secured to the ground. Further, provisions may be defined in the mill stand to accommodate the fastener assembly. The platform may be defined with a hole, to which a fastener such as, T-bolt or a nut welded to a bolt, may be introduced. Upon introducing the fastener, the hole may be compacted by concrete, mortar or other masonry materials. The fastener may then be suitably torqued to secure the mill stand.

Nonetheless, during the operation of the mill stand, the fastener assembly may subjected to various stresses. This may lead to the fastener assembly to fail prematurely. In such cases, the mill stand may be required to be displaced (or dislodged) and the platform may be required to be demolished for replacing the fastener assembly. This demolition of the platform may allow removal of broken parts of the fastener assembly. Meanwhile, this increases the maintenance downtime for the finish roll mill and productivity of the plant may be reduced. Moreover, replacement and setting up of the mill stand would again be time consuming and an expensive process.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the method as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a fastener assembly for fixing a mill stand of a finish roll mill to a support structure is disclosed. The assembly includes a fastener body, which is defined with a threaded portion on either ends and a shank portion between the threaded portions. The fastener body is insertable into a through hole defined in the support structure. An anchor nut is removably engageable with one of the threaded portions of the fastener body, to rigidly fix the fastener body with the support structure. Further, a torque nut is threadably engageable with other threaded portion of the fastener body, which is projecting from the mill stand for fixing the mill stand of the finish roll mill to the support structure.

In an embodiment, the torque nut secures the mill stand on a first surface of the support structure, on rigidly fixing the fastener body with the support structure.

In an embodiment, the anchor nut is receivable by a cavity defined in a second surface of the support structure.

In an embodiment, the cavity co-operates with the through hole in the support structure, to align the anchor nut with the threaded portions of the fastener body.

In an embodiment, the anchor nut is defined with an anti-torque profile, to prevent rotation of the anchor nut within the cavity, during threading of the fastener body.

In an embodiment, the anchor nut is defined with at least one groove, configured to restrict rotation of the anchor nut in the cavity.

In an embodiment, the threaded engagement between the anchor nut and one end of the fastener body is configured to distribute stress throughout the anchor nut.

In an embodiment, a portion of the second surface of the support structure is adapted to be removed to selectively disengage the anchor nut from the support structure.

In an embodiment, the support structure is a foundation slab.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a method for fixing a mill stand of a finish roll mill on a support structure is disclosed. The method comprises steps of inserting a fastener body into a through hole defined in the support structure. The fastener body is defined with a threaded portion on either ends and a shank portion between the threaded portions. Further, an anchor nut is engaged with one of the threaded portions of the fastener body, to rigidly fix the fastener body with the support structure. A torque nut is engaged with other threaded portion of the fastener body which is projecting from the mill stand, for fixing the mill stand of the finish roll mill to the support structure.

In an embodiment, the method comprises step of positioning the anchor nut in a cavity defined in a second surface of the support structure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a finish roll mill in a continuous casting unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a portion of a mill stand of the finish roll mill, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a fastener body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4A is a sectional and top view of an anchor nut for the fastener body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4B is a top view of the anchor nut of Figure 4a.

Figure 5 is a front view of a torque nut for the fastener body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a support structure of the mill stand employed with the fastener assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and systems do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method and a system that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a fastener assembly for fixing a mill stand of a finish roll mill to a support structure. Conventionally, the mill stands are fixed to the support structure using various means including fasteners. However, the conventional methods require demolition of the support structure to replace the fastener in case of a failure of the fastener during working. This may result in loss of production time, and the costs the manufacture for repair. To overcome limitations of the conventional assemblies, the present disclosure discloses a fastener assembly which can be easily dismantled from the support structure in case of a failure.
Accordingly, the fastener assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure includes a fastener body, which is defined with a threaded portion on either ends of the fastener body. A shank portion is defined between the threaded portions on either ends of the fastener body. The fastener body is insertable into a through hole defined in the support structure. An anchor nut is removably engageable with one of the threaded portions of the fastener body, to rigidly fix the fastener body with the support structure. Further, a torque nut is threadably engageable with other threaded portion of the fastener body, which is projecting from the mill stand for fixing the mill stand of the finish roll mill to the support structure, thereby assisting replacement and maintenance of the fastener assembly in minimal downtime of the finish roll mill.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures of the fastener assembly for the mill stand of the finish roll mill. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure, since the assembly may be used on other types of machineries such as, but not limited to, lathe machine, drilling machine, hobbing machine, and the like, where such need arises. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a schematic representation of a finish roll mill (200) in a continuous casting unit (300). The continuous casting unit (300) is employed to produce a cast product by a continuous supply of a liquid metal, also referred to as a molten metal, into a mold. The molten metal may be solidified into a semi-finished billet, bloom, or slab in a provision defined in the mold and may then be subjected to subsequent rolling in roughing and the finish roll mill (200).

Further, the cast product, on being conveyed (or continuously driven) from the mold to the finish roll mill (200), may be subjected to a series of rolling processes, where the dimension of the cast product is reformed along a longitudinal direction [that is, along the direction of travel] of the cast product. The finish roll mill (200) is configured to employ a plurality of rollers (250) which are held in a defined pair by a mill stand (100). The finish roll mill (200) includes a series of mill stands, where each mill stand (100) may be adapted to secure one end of the plurality of rollers (250). The plurality of rollers (250) that are held by the mill stand (100) may be separated by a defined distance, in accordance with rate at which the dimension of the cast product is to be altered.
The mill stand (100) may be defined with one or more slots (125) to receive and secure one end of each of the plurality of rollers (250), as best seen in Figure 2. The mill stand (100) may be positioned on a support structure (150) including, but not limited to, a foundation slab, a conveyer rail track, and the like, to suitably elevate the mill stand (100) from a ground level. In an exemplary embodiment, the mill stand (100) is defined with a base portion (13), which laterally extends to seat on the support structure (150). On configuring the base portion (13) to seat on the support structure (150), the mill stand (100) may be uprightly positioned on the support structure (150). Further, the base portion (13) of the mill stand (100) and the support structure (150) may include a sleeve element (11) therebetween. The sleeve element (11) may be including, but not limited to, a shoe plate, for calibrating flatness of the support structure (150) or that of the base portion (13) of the mill stand (100), in order to maintain the plurality of rollers (250) parallel to the ground level.

In an embodiment, elevation of the mill stand (100) from the ground level may also assist in mitigation of vibrations transmitted to the mill stand (100), in addition to securing the mill stand (100), for operation of the finish roll mill (200). Further, the support structure (150) may be structured on the ground level which may be accessible by an operator from either a first surface (7) and a second surface (9), as best seen in Figure 6. The first surface (7) may be accessible by the operator at the ground level, whereby the operator may inspect and perform maintenance to the support structure (150). The second surface (9) may be accessible by the operator through a maintenance passage [not shown in figures], such as, but not limited to, tunnel, duct, and the like. The operator may be required to access the second surface (9) of the support structure (150) when a defect in the support structure (150) that may not be visible from the ground level persists.

Referring back to Figure 2, the mill stand (100) may be secured to the support structure (150) by means of a fastener assembly (50). The fastener assembly (50) is configured to be either manually operated by the operator or may be actuated by a machine. The fastener assembly (50) is vertically insertable into the support structure (150) via the base portion (13) of the mill stand (100). The fastener assembly (50) is configured to secure the mill stand (100) on the support structure (150) and prevent relative movement of the mill stand (100) therefrom, due to effects such as, but not limited to, vibration of the mill stand (100) during rolling processes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener assembly (50) includes a fastener body (1), which is defined with a threaded portion (2) on either ends and a shank portion (3) between the threaded portions (2), as best seen in Figure 3. The threaded portions (2) may include profiles such as, but not limited to, square threads, V-threads, ACME threads, and the like, which may be defined on either ends of the fastener body (1), for about 10% to 40% of the length of the fastener body (1). Further, the shank portion (3) is configured to be defined at the center of the fastener body (1). The shank portion (3) of the fastener body (1) is insertable into a through hole (4) defined in the support structure (150), as seen in Figure 6.

As the fastener body (1) is inserted into a thorough hole (4) defined in the support structure (150), an anchor nut (5), as seen in Figure 4, is removably engageable with one of the threaded portions (2) of the fastener body (1). The anchor nut (5) may be configured to rigidly fix the fastener body (1) to the support structure (150) at the second surface (9). The anchor nut (5) is defined with an anti-torque profile, to prevent rotation of the anchor nut (5), during threading of the fastener body (1). The anti-torque profile includes at least one profile such as, but not limited to, square profile, rectangular profile, hexagonal profile, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the anchor nut (5) is defined with at least one groove (10), where the at least one groove (10) is configured to restrict rotation of the anchor nut (5) in similar sense to the anti-torque profile of the anchor nut (5). In an embodiment, the threaded engagement between the anchor nut (5) and threaded portion (2) at one end of the fastener body (1) is configured to distribute stress throughout the anchor nut (5), whereby stress concentration at interface of the fastener body (1) and the anchor nut (5) may be prevented. Due to this, failure of the anchor nut (5) or the fastener body (1) may be avoided during application of torque to rigidly fix the fastener assembly (50), and in-turn the mill stand (100).

The fastener assembly (50) also includes a torque nut (6), as best seen in Figure 5. The torque nut (6) is threadably engageable with other threaded portion (2) of the fastener body (1). In particular, the torque nut (6) is engaged with the threaded portion (2) of the fastener body (1) which is away from the threaded portion (2) that is configured to engage with the anchor nut (5). Further, the torque nut (6) is configured to be stressed for rigidly fixing to the fastener body (1) and in-turn with the support structure (150). In an embodiment, a washer (12) may be employed prior to engagement of the torque nut (6) and the fastener body (1), whereby the washer (12) may be configured to distribute load on stressing the torque nut (6). This way, the stress concentration between the torque nut (6) and the fastener body (1) may be minimized.

Turning now to Figure 6, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that illustrates a sectional view of portion (P) marked in Figure 2. The support structure (150) and the sleeve element (11) with the through hole (3) that is defined therein to accommodate the fastener body (1), on vertical insertion. Upon insertion of the fastener body (1) into the sleeve element (11) and the support structure (150), one end of the fastener body (1) is configured to be proximal to the second surface (9) of the support structure (150), while other end of the fastener body (1) is configured to project out from the sleeve element (11) and away from the first surface (7) of the support structure (150). In an embodiment, at the second surface (9) of the support structure (150), a cavity (8) is defined to accommodate (that is, receive) the anchor nut (5). It may be noted that, the cavity (8) may co-operate (that is, aligns) with the through hole, in order to position the fastener body (1) and the anchor nut (5) in-line with one another for engagement. The anchor nut (5) is then positioned in the cavity (8) and is configured to engage an inner surface of the cavity (8) on pre-torqueing the fastener body (1). It may be noted that, diameter of the through hole (3) may be maintained with a smaller dimension when compared to the dimension of the anchor nut (5) such that, during pre-torqueing the anchor nut (5) may not be intrude into the through hole (3). Further, the cavity (8) may be packed with suitable matrix such as, but not limited to, concrete, mortar, and the like, where the matrix is configured to engage with the at least one groove (10) defined in the anchor nut (5). It may be noted that, during assembly of the anchor nut (5) with the fastener body (1), suitable support arrangements such as, but not limited to, scaffolding, support scaffolding, and the like, may be provided at the second surface (9) of the support structure (150). In this way, the anchor nut (5) is restricted from rotational movement during pre-stressing of the fastener body (1). Additionally, the end of the fastener body (1) which is projecting from the sleeve element (11) is configured to be engaged by the torque nut (6). The torque nut (6) stresses the fastener body (1) and in-turn stresses the anchor nut (5), whereby rigidly fixing the base portion (13) of the mill stand (100) to the support structure (150).

During a maintenance cycle, the operator may unscrew the torque nut (6) and then vertically pull out (that is, lift upwardly to remove) the shank portion (3) from the support structure (150). Part of the shank portion (3) which may still be within the support structure (150) may be engaged introducing a clasp mechanism (that is, by gripping means), where the clasp mechanism may be insertable through the through hole (4) defined in the support structure (150). The through hole (4) may be subjected to boring operation for increasing the diameter, in order to allow insertion of the clasp mechanism [not shown in Figures]. The clasp mechanism on insertion into the through hole (4) may engage with the shank portion (3) therein. The shank portion (3) may be adaptably operated by the clasp mechanism to disengage the threaded portion (2) of the fastener body (1) from the anchor nut (5). Upon removal of the remaining shank portion (3) from the support structure (150), fresh and/or refurbished fastener body (1) may be introduced into the through hole (4) for engagement with the anchor nut (5), which may then be followed by torqueing by the torque nut (6).

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for fixing a mill stand (100) of a finish roll mill (200) on a support structure (150) includes steps of, inserting the fastener body (1) into the through hole (4) defined in the support structure (150). The fastener body (1) is inserted such that, one end of the threaded portion (2) defined therein is positioned proximal to the second surface (9) of the support structure (150), while other end of the threaded portion (2) is projected away from the first surface (7) of the support structure (150) and is proximal to the mill stand (100). The end of the fastener body (1) that is inserted into the support structure (150) is engaged by the anchor nut (5), which is accommodated in the cavity (8) defined in the support structure (150). Further, the torque nut (6) is engaged with other threaded portion (2) of the fastener body (1) which is projecting from the mill stand (100), for fixing the mill stand (100) of the finish roll mill (200) to the support structure (150).

In some embodiment, the fastener body (1) may be made of materials including, but not limited to, iron, steel, aluminum, brass, and the like. Further, the anchor nut (5) and the torque nut (6) may be made of similar or dissimilar materials from that of the fastener body (1), based on requirement.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:
Particulars Numeral
Fastener body
1
Threaded portion
2
Shank portion
3
Through hole
4
Anchor nut
5
Torque nut
6
First surface
7
Cavity
8
Second surface
9
Groove
10
Sleeve element
11
Washer
12
Base portion
13
Fastener assembly
50
Mill stand
100
Slots
125
Support structure
150
Rollers
250
Finish roll mill
200
Continuous casting unit
300

We Claim:

1. A fastener assembly (50) for fixing a mill stand (100) of a finish roll mill (200) to a support structure (150), the assembly (50) comprising:
a fastener body (1) defined with a threaded portion (2) on either ends and a shank portion (3) between the threaded portions (2), wherein the fastener body (1) is insertable into a through hole (4) defined in the support structure (150);
an anchor nut (5) removably engageable with one of the threaded portions (2) of the fastener body (1), to rigidly fix the fastener body (1) with the support structure (150);
a torque nut (6) threadably engageable with other threaded portion (2) of the fastener body (1) which is projecting from the mill stand (100) for fixing the mill stand (100) of the finish roll mill (200) to the support structure (150).

2. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torque nut (6) secures the mill stand (100) on a first surface (7) of the support structure (150), on rigidly fixing the fastener body (1) with the support structure (150).

3. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchor nut (5) is receivable by a cavity (8) defined in a second surface (9) of the support structure (150).

4. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity (8) co-operates with the through hole (4) in the support structure (150), to align the anchor nut (5) with the threaded portions (2) of the fastener body (1).

5. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchor nut (5) is defined with an anti-torque profile, to prevent rotation of the anchor nut (5) within the cavity (8), during threading of the fastener body (1).

6. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the anchor nut (5) is defined with at least one groove (10), configured to restrict rotation of the anchor nut (5) in the cavity (8).

7. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threaded engagement between the anchor nut (5) and one end of the fastener body (1) is configured to distribute stress throughout the anchor nut (5).

8. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the second surface (9) of the support structure (150) is adapted to be removed to selectively disengage the anchor nut (5) from the support structure (150).

9. The assembly (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (150) is a foundation slab.

10. A method for fixing a mill stand (100) of a finish roll mill (200) on a support structure (150), the method comprising:
inserting a fastener body (1) into a through hole (4) defined in the support structure (150), wherein the fastener body (1) is defined with a threaded portion (2) on either ends and a shank portion (3) between the threaded portions (2);
engaging an anchor nut (5) with one of the threaded portions (2) of the fastener body (1), to rigidly fix the fastener body (1) with the support structure (150); and
engaging a torque nut (6) with other threaded portion (2) of the fastener body (1) which is projecting from the mill stand (100), for fixing the mill stand (100) of the finish roll mill (200) to the support structure (150).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprises positioning the anchor nut (5) in a cavity (8) defined in a second surface (9) of the support structure (150).