Threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on eccentric wedge-shaped gasket and method of use thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer and its usage method in the field of fastener anti-loosening technology. The structure includes a bolt, at least two sets of stacked plates, a wedge washer, and a nut. One side of the wedge washer has a first ratchet that meshes with the nut to form a circumferential anti-loosening structure. The other side of the wedge washer has radial straight teeth that mesh with the plates to form a friction zone. A wedge-shaped protrusion is provided on the inner side of the wedge washer along the circumferential direction. This invention achieves efficient conversion of axial tightening force to radial locking force through a triple synergistic mechanism of circumferential ratchet locking, radial eccentric locking, and end-face friction anti-loosening, combined with the precise geometric parameter design of the wedge protrusion. This generates 2-3 times the additional friction torque, ensuring a residual preload ≥85% under dynamic load, significantly improving the anti-loosening reliability of multi-set stacked plate connections, and fundamentally solving the problem of threaded pair vibration loosening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fastener anti-loosening technology, and in particular to a threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer and its application method. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as machinery, construction, and new energy, threaded connections of multiple stacked sheet metal are widely used. These connections often need to withstand dynamic loads such as vibration and impact. Under such loads, the threaded pairs are prone to lateral relative slippage, which can lead to loosening of the connection. Once loosening occurs, it will not only affect the assembly accuracy and operational stability of the equipment, but may also cause structural failure, equipment malfunction, and other safety hazards in severe cases. Therefore, stringent anti-loosening requirements are imposed on the threaded connections of multiple stacked sheet metal.

[0003] To address the problem of loose threaded connections, various anti-loosening solutions have emerged in existing technologies. Among them, spring washers generate preload through elastic deformation to prevent loosening; cotter pins need to be matched with slotted nuts to mechanically limit loosening; anaerobic adhesives rely on chemical bonding to fix the threaded pair; in addition, there are anti-loosening technologies that use the principle of eccentric fit, which generate radial tightening force through special structural fit to improve the anti-loosening effect.

[0004] These technologies have been applied in some scenarios, but certain problems still exist. On the one hand, traditional anti-loosening solutions struggle to balance anti-loosening performance with ease of use: spring washers have limited anti-loosening effects and are prone to failure under long-term dynamic loads; cotter pin installation is complex, requiring compatible slotted nuts and exhibiting poor versatility; anaerobic adhesives have long curing times and cannot be repeatedly disassembled and reassembled after curing, resulting in high maintenance costs. On the other hand, specialized eccentric anti-loosening technologies with excellent anti-loosening performance suffer from high costs and insufficient compatibility. They require customized special connectors and cannot be used with standard fasteners, leading to a significant increase in application costs. Furthermore, the installation steps for such technologies are cumbersome, requiring step-by-step operations and resulting in low assembly efficiency, especially in scenarios involving the connection of multiple stacked plates, further exacerbating construction complexity. In addition, their special structure is prone to permanent deformation after repeated disassembly and reassembly, leading to a decrease in anti-loosening performance and making it difficult to meet the requirements for repeated use. Therefore, we urgently need a thread pair anti-loosening structure based on eccentric wedge washers and its application method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket and its application method. By adapting and assembling the eccentric wedge gasket with the threaded pair, and utilizing the self-locking clamping characteristics of the eccentric wedge surface, the thread fit clearance is eliminated and a continuous axial preload is formed. This effectively resists the thread loosening problem caused by vibration and impact, significantly improves the fastening reliability of the threaded connection, and extends the service life of the threaded pair connection structure.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved as follows: It includes a bolt, at least two sets of stacked plates, a wedge-shaped washer, and a nut; one side of the wedge-shaped washer is provided with a first ratchet tooth that meshes with the nut to form a circumferential anti-loosening structure; the other side of the wedge-shaped washer is provided with radial straight teeth that mesh with the plates to form a friction zone between them; the inner side of the wedge-shaped washer has a wedge-shaped protrusion along the circumferential direction, and the inner arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion is provided with an internal thread for guiding the bolt; the nut is provided with a second ratchet tooth that matches the first ratchet tooth, and when the first ratchet tooth and the second ratchet tooth mesh, a circumferential locking zone is formed.

[0007] Optionally, the radial thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion gradually increases along the circumferential direction.

[0008] Optionally, the wedge-shaped protrusion is located radially inside the first ratchet. When in the axial locking zone, the upper end of the wedge-shaped protrusion is located between the stud and the nut, and the inner arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion engages with the external thread on the bolt.

[0009] Optionally, the end face of the nut is provided with an inner chamfer that matches the wedge-shaped protrusion, so as to form a sliding fit with the outer arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion.

[0010] Optionally, the angle between the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion and the axis of the wedge-shaped gasket is in the range of 5°-45°.

[0011] Optionally, the minimum axial thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion in the wedge-shaped washer is 3%-6% of the nominal diameter of the bolt.

[0012] Optionally, the total axial thickness of the wedge-shaped gasket ranges from 1.5mm to 3.5mm.

[0013] A method for using a threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer includes the following steps:

[0014] S1: Stack the two sets of plates and align them. Pass the bolt through the two sets of plates in sequence. Then, put the wedge-shaped washer on the end of the plate near the nut side where the bolt extends, and make the radial straight teeth contact the surface of the plate set.

[0015] S2: Screw the nut onto the bolt until the second ratchet tooth engages with the first ratchet tooth;

[0016] S3: A tool is used to continuously apply a tightening torque to the nut. As the nut is gradually tightened, the wedge-shaped protrusion is squeezed between the nut and the stud of the bolt, so that the bolt, the wedge-shaped washer and the nut form an eccentric locking arrangement. The eccentric arrangement is defined by the included angle of the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion and the minimum axial thickness.

[0017] S3.1: The thickness from the bottom of the uppermost tooth of the first ratchet to its outer surface is e3, the offset of the geometric center of the wedge-shaped washer relative to the bolt axis is e2, the offset of the nut axis relative to the bolt axis is e1, the angle of the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion is α, and the parameters satisfy the geometric relationship: e3cosα=e1+e2.

[0018] Optionally, in S3, the first ratchet and the second ratchet remain engaged throughout the entire process of applying the tightening torque.

[0019] Optionally, in S3, tightening stops after the applied tightening torque reaches a preset threshold, and the two sets of plates form a fixed area through the clamping force of the bolts and the anti-loosening effect of the wedge-shaped washer.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] 1. This threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on eccentric wedge gasket and its application method utilize a triple synergistic mechanism of circumferential ratchet locking, radial eccentric locking, and end-face friction anti-loosening. Combined with the precise geometric parameter design of the wedge protrusion, it achieves efficient conversion of axial tightening force into radial locking force, generating 2-3 times the additional friction torque. This ensures that the residual preload under dynamic load is ≥85%, significantly improving the anti-loosening reliability of multi-group stacked plate connections and fundamentally solving the problem of threaded pair vibration loosening.

[0022] 2. This threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on eccentric wedge gaskets and its application method integrate the eccentric anti-loosening function into an independent wedge gasket. Without changing the standard structure of bolts and nuts, it can be directly adapted to standard fasteners of any specification and multiple stacked plates of different materials such as metals and composite materials. No special customized parts are required. This breaks the dependence of existing high-performance anti-loosening technologies on special parts, reduces application and replacement costs, and, through the gasket axial total thickness design of 1.5mm-3.5mm, adapts to space-constrained scenarios, improving the technical versatility and scenario adaptability.

[0023] 3. This threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer and its application method, through a single continuous tightening operation and an assembly design compatible with conventional tools, combined with the full engagement of the ratchet and the stable fit of the wedge-shaped eccentric structure, simplifies the assembly process, reducing installation time by more than 50% compared to existing dedicated eccentric nut technology. It is suitable for industrial mass production and can maintain a good anti-loosening effect after 5-10 repeated disassembly and assembly without damaging the standard thread strength of the bolt and nut, reducing maintenance costs and component wear, and balancing assembly efficiency and maintainability. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket and its application method.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket and its application method.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a bolt structure for an anti-loosening structure of a threaded pair based on an eccentric wedge washer and its application method.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a nut structure for an anti-loosening structure of a threaded pair based on an eccentric wedge washer and its usage method.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a first-view schematic diagram of a threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket and its application method.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a second-view schematic diagram of a threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket and its application method.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating how an anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer for threaded pairs and its application method prevents loosening by showing the different axes of the bolt and nut under tightened conditions.

[0032] The following are marked in the diagram: 1. Bolt; 2. Plate; 3. Wedge washer; 4. Nut; 5. First ratchet; 6. Radial straight teeth; 7. Wedge protrusion; 8. Internal thread; 9. Second ratchet. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1-6The threaded anti-loosening structure based on eccentric wedge washer 3 and its usage method are shown, including bolt 1, at least two sets of stacked plates 2, wedge washer 3 and nut 4;

[0035] One side of the wedge-shaped washer 3 is provided with a first ratchet 5 that meshes with the nut 4 to form a circumferential anti-loosening structure with the nut 4. The other side of the wedge-shaped washer 3 is provided with radial straight teeth 6 that mesh with the plate 2 to form a friction zone between the washer and the plate 2.

[0036] Here, the first ratchet 5 is an end-face ratchet, which is designed to be opposite to the second ratchet 9 of the nut 4. The radial straight teeth 6 can form a physical engagement with the surface of the plate 2. Through the double-sided heterogeneous structure, the circumferential locking with the nut 4 and the frictional anti-loosening with the plate 2 are achieved respectively, thus constructing a double anti-rotation barrier, which greatly improves the anti-loosening reliability under dynamic load and avoids the problem of easy failure of a single anti-loosening structure.

[0037] Furthermore, the meshing design of the radial straight teeth 6 can effectively increase the friction coefficient between the gasket and the plate 2. The first ratchet 5 can stably transmit the tightening torque, prevent relative rotation between the gasket and the nut 4 and the plate 2, actively resist the loosening trend of the threaded pair, solve the limitation of the passive anti-loosening of the traditional anti-loosening structure, and adapt to the complex stress scenarios of multiple stacked plates 2.

[0038] Furthermore, this double-sided toothed design eliminates the need for customized processing of plate 2 or nut 4, allowing direct adaptation to standard plate 2 and fasteners. It maintains high compatibility while enhancing the anti-loosening effect, breaking the dependence of existing high-performance anti-loosening technologies on special components and reducing application costs.

[0039] The inner side of the wedge-shaped washer 3 is provided with a wedge-shaped protrusion 7 along the circumferential direction. The inner arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 is provided with an internal thread 8 for guiding the bolt 1. The radial thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 gradually increases along the circumferential direction. The wedge-shaped protrusion 7 is located on the radial inner side of the first ratchet 5. When it is in the axial locking zone, the upper end of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 is located between the stud and the nut 4, and the inner arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 meshes with the external thread on the bolt 1.

[0040] Here, the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 is a semi-circular structure, and the internal thread 8 can be selectively set as an incomplete thread. Its core function is to guide the bolt 1 and the washer to fit precisely in the early stage of assembly. The radial thickness gradient design provides a structural basis for subsequent eccentric locking, ensuring smooth assembly and avoiding installation difficulties caused by structural interference. At the same time, it creates conditions for radial interference self-locking.

[0041] Furthermore, the arrangement of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 on the radial inner side of the first ratchet 5 makes the action areas of the axial locking force and the circumferential locking force independent and coordinated. When it is in the axial locking area, its upper end is embedded between the stud and the nut 4, and the inner arc surface meshes with the external thread of the bolt 1, forming an integrated force-bearing structure of the threaded pair and the washer, which enhances the connection stability and prevents the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 from falling off or shifting under force.

[0042] Furthermore, this structural design transfers the eccentric wedge anti-loosening principle from the dedicated nut 4 to an independent washer, without changing the standard structure of bolt 1 and nut 4, enabling plug-and-play compatibility with any standard fastener. This solves the core problems of poor compatibility and high cost of existing eccentric anti-loosening technologies. At the same time, the threaded engagement enhances the guiding effect and improves assembly accuracy.

[0043] The nut 4 is provided with a second ratchet 9 that matches the first ratchet 5. When the first ratchet 5 and the second ratchet 9 mesh, a circumferential locking zone is formed.

[0044] Here, the second ratchet 9 is set in opposite directions and precisely matched with the first ratchet 5. After engagement, it can completely restrict the relative rotation between the nut 4 and the wedge washer 3, forming a reliable circumferential locking zone, blocking the lateral sliding tendency of the threaded pair caused by vibration, and suppressing the initial cause of loosening from the root.

[0045] Furthermore, the ratchet meshing design can stably transmit torque during tightening, ensuring that the wedge-shaped washer 3 is subjected to force synchronously with the nut 4, avoiding the failure of anti-loosening due to relative slippage between the two, ensuring the consistency of mechanical transmission of the anti-loosening structure, and improving the stability and repeatability of anti-loosening performance.

[0046] Furthermore, this circumferential locking structure eliminates the need for step-by-step tightening operations, achieving engagement and locking with a single tightening. This simplifies the assembly process and reduces installation time by more than 50% compared to existing dedicated eccentric nut technology. At the same time, the ratchet structure is less prone to permanent deformation due to repeated disassembly and assembly, ensuring that it can maintain a good anti-loosening effect even after 5-10 reuses.

[0047] The end face of the nut 4 has an inner chamfer 10 that matches the wedge-shaped protrusion 7, which is used to form a sliding fit with the outer arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7.

[0048] Here, the angle and size of the inner chamfer 10 are precisely matched with the outer arc surface of the wedge protrusion 7, ensuring that the two form a smooth sliding contact during the tightening process, avoiding structural damage caused by rigid collision, reducing friction and wear during assembly, extending the service life of the component, and ensuring the smoothness of force transmission.

[0049] Furthermore, the sliding guide effect of the inner chamfer 10 allows the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 to be uniformly squeezed outward in the radial direction when compressed axially, avoiding irregular bending deformation of the bolt 1 due to uneven force, ensuring that the radial offset between the axis of the nut 4 and the axis of the bolt 1 is controllable, forming a stable radial interference fit, and improving the reliability of anti-loosening.

[0050] Furthermore, this sliding fit design requires no special installation tools and can be assembled using standard torque wrenches and other conventional tools, improving ease of operation, reducing skill requirements for construction personnel, and adapting to industrialized mass production scenarios, thus enhancing the applicability of the technology.

[0051] See attached document Figure 7 As shown, the angle between the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 and the axis of the wedge-shaped gasket 3 ranges from 5° to 45°.

[0052] Here, the included angle range is determined based on the eccentric locking principle and assembly feasibility. The 5°-45° design can ensure that the wedge protrusion 7 generates sufficient radial extrusion force, while avoiding assembly difficulties due to an excessively large included angle or insufficient anti-loosening force due to an excessively small included angle. It balances anti-loosening performance and assembly convenience, and is suitable for application scenarios with different vibration intensities.

[0053] Furthermore, the wedge-shaped structure within this included angle range allows the axial tightening force to be efficiently converted into radial locking force, through geometric vector relationships. It achieves controllable offset between the axes of bolt 1 and nut 4, maximizes the utilization of mechanical transmission efficiency, generates 2-3 times the additional frictional torque, ensures residual preload ≥85%, and has anti-loosening performance comparable to HardLock technology.

[0054] Furthermore, this angle design does not require changes to the core structure of the threaded pair and is fully compatible with standard bolts 1 and nuts 4. It breaks the dependence of existing high-performance anti-loosening technologies on special components, reduces manufacturing costs and application thresholds, and provides flexible adaptation space for different load requirements. For example, a 30°-45° angle can be selected for high vibration scenarios.

[0055] The minimum axial thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 in the wedge-shaped washer 3 is 3%-6% of the nominal diameter of the bolt 1.

[0056] Here, the thickness design is determined based on the nominal diameter of bolt 1. The 3%-6% ratio ensures that the wedge protrusion 7 has sufficient structural strength and elastic deformation capacity, while avoiding excessive thickness leading to stress concentration in the thread pair or insufficient thickness leading to insufficient anti-loosening effect. Stable radial interference self-locking is achieved without compromising the thread strength of bolt 1.

[0057] Furthermore, the thickness ratio and the wedge-shaped bevel angle work together to ensure that the axial compression of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 and the radial extrusion force are precisely matched during the tightening process, forming a uniform radial eccentric contact, avoiding damage to the components caused by excessive local stress, and ensuring that the stable fit accuracy can still be maintained after multiple disassemblies and reassemblies.

[0058] Furthermore, this design eliminates the need for special processing of bolt 1, is compatible with bolt 1 products of any standard specification, enhances the versatility and compatibility of the technology, reduces user replacement costs, and, compared to dedicated eccentric nut 4 technology, has a simpler structure, lower manufacturing costs, and is easier to scale up for production.

[0059] The total axial thickness of the wedge gasket 3 ranges from 1.5mm to 3.5mm.

[0060] Here, the axial total thickness design of 1.5mm-3.5mm is suitable for the connection requirements of multiple stacked plates 2. It can ensure that the gasket has sufficient structural strength to withstand the axial tightening force, and avoid excessive thickness from affecting the assembly space or interfering with other components. It is also suitable for installation scenarios with limited space, while meeting the clamping requirements after multiple stacked plates 2.

[0061] Furthermore, this thickness range is reasonably matched with the minimum axial thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7, ensuring that the gasket is subjected to balanced force, avoiding uneven deformation caused by local thickness differences, improving the stability and service life of the anti-loosening structure, and facilitating processing and manufacturing while reducing the scrap rate in the production process.

[0062] Furthermore, this thickness design gives the wedge gasket 3 good versatility, allowing it to be adapted to stacked plates 2 of different thicknesses without the need to customize gaskets according to the thickness of the plates 2, reducing inventory costs and application complexity, while maintaining assembly compatibility with standard fasteners and enhancing the promotional value of the technology.

[0063] A method for using a threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket 3 includes the following steps:

[0064] S1: Stack and align the two sets of plates 2, pass the bolt 1 through the two sets of plates 2 in sequence, and then put the wedge-shaped washer 3 on the end of the plate 2 that protrudes from the bolt 1 and is close to the nut 4, and make the radial straight teeth 6 contact the surface of the set of plates 2.

[0065] Here, the stacking and alignment of the two sets of plates 2 ensures that the bolt 1 is subjected to uniform force, avoiding stress concentration in the threaded pair caused by the offset of the plates 2. The wedge-shaped washer 3 is clearly positioned with its radial straight teeth 6 facing the plates 2, ensuring that the friction anti-loosening structure plays an effective role, simplifying the assembly and positioning steps, improving assembly efficiency, and laying the foundation for subsequent anti-loosening effects.

[0066] Furthermore, the contact design between the radial straight teeth 6 and the surface of the plate 2 can form an initial anti-slip fixation through physical interlocking, preventing the gasket from shifting or slipping before tightening, improving the stability of the assembly process, eliminating the need for additional tools to assist in positioning, and at the same time enhancing the coefficient of friction between the gasket and the plate 2, providing initial protection for circumferential locking and radial self-locking.

[0067] Furthermore, this step does not require special processing of the sheet material 2, such as creating positioning grooves. It only requires conventional stacking and bolt insertion, maintaining the structural integrity of the sheet material 2, reducing processing costs, and adapting to different materials of the sheet material 2, such as metal and composite materials, thus expanding the application range of the technology.

[0068] S2: Screw the nut 4 onto the bolt 1 until the second ratchet 9 and the first ratchet 5 are engaged.

[0069] Here, the engagement process of nut 4 relies on the guiding effect of the standard thread to ensure smooth assembly. The judgment criteria for ratchet engagement are clear, and the ratchet contacts and forms a circumferential limit to avoid over-engagement or under-engagement, improve the accuracy of pre-tightening operation, and provide a stable initial state for subsequent tightening steps.

[0070] Furthermore, after the ratchet engages, the nut 4 and the wedge-shaped washer 3 form a circumferential fixation, ensuring that the two are subjected to force synchronously during the subsequent tightening process, avoiding torque loss caused by relative slippage, ensuring the effectiveness of force transmission, and ensuring that the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 can accurately bear the axial compressive force and convert it into radial extrusion force.

[0071] Furthermore, this step does not require step-by-step tightening or special positioning; it can be completed with a single screw-on operation, simplifying the assembly process. Compared to the existing dedicated eccentric nut 4 technology, which requires tightening the eccentric nut 4 first and then the concentric nut 4, this method is simpler, more efficient, and reduces the probability of human error.

[0072] S3: A tool is used to continuously apply a tightening torque to the nut 4. As the nut 4 is gradually tightened, the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 is squeezed between the nut 4 and the stud of the bolt 1, so that the bolt 1, the wedge-shaped washer 3 and the nut 4 form an eccentric locking arrangement. The eccentric arrangement is defined by the included angle of the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 and the minimum axial thickness.

[0073] Here, the continuous application of tightening torque ensures the continuous transmission of axial force. The sliding contact between the inner chamfer and the outer arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 achieves smooth force transmission and avoids rigid impact. The axial compression and radial extrusion of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 work together to precisely form the axial eccentric arrangement of the bolt 1, the wedge-shaped washer 3 and the nut 4. This eccentric arrangement is defined by the included angle α of the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 and the minimum axial thickness e3. Through the synergistic effect of mechanical locking and eccentric locking, a stable threaded pair mating structure is constructed.

[0074] Furthermore, the eccentric fit relationship of the three is precisely controlled by the included angle α of the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 and the minimum axial thickness e3. The fit is stable without structural deformation, and the original fit accuracy can still be maintained after multiple disassembly and assembly, ensuring the stability and repeatability of the anti-loosening performance, while maintaining the original strength of the threaded pair.

[0075] Furthermore, this step requires no special tools and can be completed using a regular torque wrench. The continuous tightening method significantly improves efficiency compared to step-by-step operations, reduces assembly costs and technical barriers, and is suitable for industrial mass production scenarios. The eccentricity parameter is precisely controlled by the machining process, and the anti-loosening effect is not affected by the operator's skill level, thus improving the consistency of product quality.

[0076] In S3, the first ratchet 5 and the second ratchet 9 remain engaged throughout the entire process of applying the tightening torque.

[0077] Here, the ratchet's full engagement design ensures continuous and effective circumferential locking, preventing the ratchet from disengaging due to vibration or force fluctuations during tightening, ensuring the continuity and reliability of the anti-loosening structure, and preventing the threaded pair from loosening in stages during tightening.

[0078] Furthermore, the continuous engagement ensures stable torque transmission, guaranteeing a sustained increase in the radial compressive force of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7. The eccentric fit of the three components remains stable, achieving a steady accumulation of anti-loosening force and avoiding insufficient anti-loosening effect due to interruption of torque transmission, while also reducing wear between components.

[0079] Furthermore, compared to existing anti-loosening solutions that require step-by-step locking, this design eliminates the need for additional locking operations, simplifying the assembly process and improving ease of operation. At the same time, the continuous engagement of the ratchet effectively inhibits the loosening tendency of the threaded pair, maintaining anti-loosening performance even under dynamic loads and ensuring that residual preload is not lost.

[0080] In S3, tightening stops once the applied tightening torque reaches the preset threshold. The two sets of plates 2 form a fixed area through the clamping force of the bolts 1 and the anti-loosening effect of the wedge-shaped washers 3.

[0081] Here, the preset threshold is set based on the thickness, material, and application load requirements of plate 2 to ensure that the clamping force of bolt 1 is sufficient to make the two sets of plates 2 fit tightly together, while avoiding damage to components caused by excessive torque, thereby achieving precise control of clamping force and balancing connection reliability and component lifespan.

[0082] Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the clamping force of bolt 1 and the anti-loosening function of wedge washer 3 forms a dual guarantee. The clamping force ensures that plate 2 is in close contact and does not loosen, while the radial self-locking force inhibits the sliding of the thread pair, thus constructing a composite anti-loosening system of physical clamping and mechanical self-locking. The anti-loosening performance far exceeds that of traditional single anti-loosening schemes. After 2000 vibration tests, the residual preload can still be maintained at more than 85%.

[0083] Furthermore, the formation of this fixed area does not require chemical bonding or additional mechanical restraint; it is achieved solely through the synergistic effect of mechanical structures. It can be repeatedly disassembled and reused, has low maintenance costs, and maintains compatibility with standard threaded pairs, facilitating subsequent maintenance and component replacement. This solves the problem that existing anti-loosening technologies such as anaerobic adhesives cannot be reused.

[0084] Referring to the table below, the parameters of this embodiment compared with HardLock are as follows:

[0085]

[0086] Table 1

[0087] In this invention, at least two sets of plates 2 are stacked and aligned, and then standard bolts 1 are inserted sequentially. A wedge-shaped washer 3, integrating a double-sided toothed and eccentric wedge structure, is fitted onto the protruding end of the bolt 1. The radial straight teeth 6 on the lower surface of the wedge-shaped washer 3 engage with the surface of the plate 2 to form initial friction to prevent loosening. The first ratchet 5 on the upper surface engages with the second ratchet 9 of the nut 4 in opposite directions to form a circumferential locking zone. When the nut 4 is tightened, the inner chamfer 10 on its end face and the semi-circular wedge-shaped protrusion 7 on the inner side of the wedge-shaped washer 3, with an incomplete internal thread 8 on the inner arc surface to guide the sliding contact of the outer arc surface, cause the wedge-shaped protrusion 7, which has a gradually changing radial thickness, to be squeezed outwards radially. Combined with the design of the 5°-45° angle between the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 and the axis of the wedge-shaped washer 3 and the geometric vector relationship e3cosα=e1+e2, where e3 is the minimum axial thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion 7 and e1 is the axis of the nut 4 relative to the bolt 1 The offset of the axis, e2, is the offset of the axis of the wedge washer 3 relative to the axis of the bolt 1, so that the bolt 1, the wedge washer 3 and the nut 4 form an eccentric arrangement of the axis, and finally form a stable radial eccentric contact on the circumference of the threaded pair: bolt 1 and nut 4. At the same time, the first ratchet 5 and the second ratchet 9 remain engaged throughout the entire tightening process. Through the synergistic mechanism of the first ratchet 5 and the second ratchet 9, the wedge protrusion 7, the bolt 1, the nut 4 and the radial straight teeth 6 and the plate 2, reliable anti-loosening under dynamic load is achieved. It is fully compatible with standard bolt 1 and nut 4, requires no special parts, and can be assembled by tightening once. After multiple disassemblies and reassemblies, it can still maintain the anti-loosening effect by relying on the elastic recovery performance of the wedge protrusion 7.

[0088] The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A threaded pair anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket, characterized in that: Includes bolts (1), at least two sets of stacked plates (2), wedge washers (3) and nuts (4); The wedge-shaped washer (3) has a first ratchet (5) on one side that meshes with the nut (4) to form a circumferential anti-loosening structure with the nut (4), and the wedge-shaped washer (3) has radial straight teeth (6) on the other side that mesh with the plate (2) to form a friction zone with the plate (2). The wedge-shaped gasket (3) has a wedge-shaped protrusion (7) on its inner side along the circumferential direction, and the inner arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) is provided with an internal thread (8) for guiding the bolt (1). The nut (4) is provided with a second ratchet (9) that matches the first ratchet (5). When the first ratchet (5) and the second ratchet (9) mesh, a circumferential locking area is formed.

2. The threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radial thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) gradually increases along the circumferential direction.

3. The threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket according to claim 2, characterized in that: The wedge-shaped protrusion (7) is located on the radial inner side of the first ratchet (5). When it is in the axial locking zone, the upper end of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) is located between the stud and the nut (4), and the inner arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) meshes with the external thread on the bolt (1).

4. The threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end face of the nut (4) is provided with an inner chamfer (10) that matches the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) to form a sliding fit with the outer arc surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7).

5. A threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket according to claim 4, characterized in that: The angle between the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) and the axis of the wedge-shaped gasket (3) is in the range of 5°-45°.

6. The threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket according to claim 5, characterized in that: The minimum axial thickness of the wedge protrusion (7) in the wedge gasket (3) is 3%-6% of the nominal diameter of the bolt (1).

7. A threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge gasket according to claim 6, characterized in that: The total axial thickness of the wedge-shaped gasket (3) ranges from 1.5mm to 3.5mm.

8. A method of using a threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Stack and align the two sets of plates (2), pass the bolt (1) through the two sets of plates (2) in sequence, and then put the wedge-shaped washer (3) on the end of the bolt (1) that extends near the nut side of the plate (2), and make the radial straight teeth (6) contact the surface of the set of plates (2); S2: Screw the nut (4) onto the bolt (1) until the second ratchet (9) and the first ratchet (5) are engaged; S3: A tool is used to continuously apply a tightening torque to the nut (4). As the nut (4) is gradually tightened, the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) is squeezed between the nut (4) and the stud of the bolt (1), so that the bolt (1), the wedge-shaped washer (3) and the nut (4) form an eccentric locking arrangement. The eccentric arrangement is defined by the included angle of the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) and the minimum axial thickness. S3.1: The thickness from the bottom of the uppermost tooth of the first ratchet (5) to the outer side is e3, the offset of the geometric center of the wedge-shaped washer (3) relative to the axis of the bolt (1) is e2, the offset of the axis of the nut (4) relative to the axis of the bolt (1) is e1, the angle of the upper inclined surface of the wedge-shaped protrusion (7) is α, and each parameter satisfies the geometric relationship: e3cosα=e1+e2.

9. The method of using the threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer according to claim 8, characterized in that: In S3, the first ratchet (5) and the second ratchet (9) remain engaged throughout the entire process of applying the tightening torque.

10. The method of using the threaded anti-loosening structure based on an eccentric wedge washer according to claim 9, characterized in that: In S3, tightening stops after the applied tightening torque reaches a preset threshold, and the two sets of plates (2) form a fixed area through the clamping force of the bolts (1) and the anti-loosening effect of the wedge-shaped washer (3).

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