Anti-vibration fastener
By designing fasteners with features such as slender shanks, threaded portions, and grooves, and utilizing non-standard threads and protruding structures, the problem of nuts and bolts loosening under severe vibration was solved, achieving reliable connections in high-vibration environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HOWMET AEROSPACE INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Conventional nuts and bolts are prone to loosening under severe vibration loads, and their threads are prone to stress concentration, resulting in insufficient fatigue strength to withstand high peak loads.
A fastener is designed including an elongated shank, a threaded portion, and a grooved portion. The threaded portion has multiple protrusions that engage the internal threads of the component by tension. The non-standard thread design and grooved feature provide clearance and locking features to prevent loosening.
It effectively resists vibration and loosening, providing a reliable connection, especially in high-vibration environments, reducing the possibility of fastener loosening and improving connection stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN122497811A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 612,160, filed December 19, 2023, entitled “VIBRATION RESISTANT FASTENER,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates in general to fasteners. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a vibration-resistant fastening system. Background Technology
[0004] Conventional nuts and bolts are convenient to use, but both are prone to loosening under severe vibration loads. In addition, the threads of bolts can cause stress concentration, and they do not have the necessary fatigue strength to withstand high peak loads. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In summary, this disclosure relates to fasteners, fastening systems, and combinations thereof having one or more of a threaded portion, a grooved portion, at least one protrusion, or a combination thereof. The at least one protrusion may be configured to engage at least one corresponding internal thread of the internal threads of a component, for example, in response to a tensile force applied to a second end. Such fasteners, fastening systems, or combinations thereof may be useful, for example, in environments including severe vibration loads. For instance, environments utilizing large machinery may induce vibration, potentially leading to loosening.
[0006] In some embodiments, a fastener includes an elongated shank. In some embodiments, the elongated shank includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. In some embodiments, the first end includes a first threaded portion. In some embodiments, the second end includes a recessed portion. In some embodiments, the first threaded portion includes at least one protrusion. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion is configured to engage at least one corresponding internal thread of the internal threads of a component in response to a tensile force applied to the second end.
[0007] In some implementations, the first threaded portion is rolled.
[0008] In some implementations, the first threaded portion includes a non-standard thread to provide clearance between the thread of the first threaded portion and the internal thread of the component.
[0009] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion is provided on at least one tooth side of the thread of the first threaded portion.
[0010] In some implementations, the internal thread of the component is non-standard to provide clearance between the thread of the first threaded portion and the internal thread of the component.
[0011] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions located on a single tooth side of the thread in the first threaded portion.
[0012] In some implementations, the groove portion includes at least one of a helical profile or an annular profile.
[0013] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions located on a plurality of tooth flanks of the thread in the first threaded portion.
[0014] In some implementations, multiple protrusions are configured to be embedded in the internal threads of the component.
[0015] In some implementations, at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are not longitudinally aligned with each other.
[0016] In some embodiments, a fastener system includes an elongated shank comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the first end includes a first threaded portion. In some embodiments, the second end includes a recessed portion. In some embodiments, the first threaded portion includes at least one protrusion. In some embodiments, a collar is configured to mount above the second end and engage with a threaded component to provide clamping force to a workpiece. In some embodiments, at least one protrusion is configured to engage at least one corresponding internal thread of the internal threads of the threaded component in response to a tensile force applied to the second end.
[0017] In some implementations, the grooved portion includes annular threads or helical threads.
[0018] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion is provided on at least one tooth side of the thread of the first threaded portion.
[0019] In some implementations, an installation tool is configured to engage the second end.
[0020] In some implementations, the first threaded portion includes a non-standard thread to provide clearance between the thread of the first threaded portion and the internal thread of the component.
[0021] In some implementations, the internal thread of the component is non-standard to provide clearance between the thread of the first threaded portion and the internal thread.
[0022] In some implementations, at least one protrusion is configured to be embedded in an internal thread.
[0023] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion comprises multiple protrusions. In some embodiments, the multiple protrusions are not longitudinally aligned with each other.
[0024] In some embodiments, a method includes obtaining a fastener and engaging a second end of an elongated shank. In some embodiments, the method includes pulling the fastener with an installation tool. In some embodiments, the method includes engaging at least one protrusion with at least one corresponding internal thread of the internal threads of the component.
[0025] In some implementations, the method includes deactivating the installation tool to release it from the second end of the elongated handle when the fastener has been installed and multiple workpieces are clamped together.
[0026] In some implementations, the method includes threading a first end of the fastener to the component before pulling the fastener with an installation tool.
[0027] In some embodiments, a gap exists between the internal thread of the component and the thread of the first threaded portion before at least one protrusion is engaged with at least one corresponding internal thread of the component's internal threads. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Referring to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure and illustrate embodiments of the systems and methods described herein.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of fasteners based on some implementation schemes.
[0030] Figure 2 It is in a pre-installation state according to some implementation plans. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fasteners.
[0031] Figure 3 It is in the installation state according to some implementation plans. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fasteners.
[0032] Figure 4 It is based on some implementation plans. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the threaded portion of a fastener.
[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of fasteners based on some implementation schemes.
[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for installing fasteners according to some implementation schemes.
[0035] The same reference numerals are used throughout the text to indicate the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation
[0036] Conventional nuts and bolts are convenient to use, but both are prone to loosening under severe vibration loads. Furthermore, bolt threads can cause stress concentration and lack the necessary fatigue strength to withstand high peak loads. Embodiments of this disclosure relate to fasteners and fastener systems that resist vibration-induced loosening.
[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of fastener 100 according to some implementation schemes. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a fastener 100 in a pre-installed state according to some implementation schemes. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fastener 100 in an installed state according to some embodiments. For the sake of simplicity in this disclosure, unless otherwise specifically indicated, reference will be made to the common reference. Figures 1 to 3 .
[0038] In some embodiments, fastener 100 is a locking bolt. In some embodiments, fastener 100 is a pin member. In some embodiments, fastener 100 includes a head (not shown). In some embodiments, fastener 100 is a threaded rod. In some embodiments, fastener 100 may be used, for example, in applications utilizing large machinery. Such environments typically include machinery that may cause vibration. Fastener 100 can reduce the likelihood of the fastener (or a portion thereof) loosening due to vibration, which could lead to the release of the workpiece held by fastener 100. Fastener 100 provides a more reliable connection than existing fasteners, especially in high-vibration environments. In some embodiments, fastener 100 may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys thereof, etc.
[0039] Fastener 100 includes an elongated shank 102. The elongated shank 102 is configured to extend through an opening 104 in the application or workpiece 106, and is configured to be secured to the application or workpiece via fastener 100 and component 108. In some embodiments, the application or workpiece 106 may include a plurality of workpieces configured to be secured together. In some embodiments, the application may be a mounting point, etc.
[0040] The elongated shank 102 includes a first end portion 110, which includes a threaded portion 112. The threaded portion 112 includes external threads 114. In some embodiments, the threaded portion 112 includes a plurality of protrusions 116 extending from at least some of the threads 114 in the threaded portion 112. In some embodiments, the threaded portion 112 may be configured as a receiving thread 118 of an engaging member 108. In some embodiments, member 108 may be, for example, a nut. In some embodiments, member 108 is a collar. In some embodiments, member 108 is a locking collar. In some embodiments, member 108 is a machine or other equipment part with a threaded hole. In some embodiments, fastener 100 may be used to fasten two workpieces together. In some embodiments, fastener 100 may be used to fasten a machine or other equipment part to a surface, such as, but not limited to, a workbench.
[0041] In some embodiments, component 108 may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or their alloys. In some embodiments, fastener 100 and component 108 may be made of the same material. In some embodiments, fastener 100 may be made of a material harder than component 108. In some embodiments, fastener 100 may be made of a material harder than the receiving thread 118 of component 108.
[0042] Other suitable materials for fastener 100 and component 108 are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,465,240 and 11,519,452, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0043] In some embodiments, the threaded portion 112 may include a non-standard thread 114. That is, the thread density or pitch may not conform to standard thread sizes, such as, but not limited to, those defined by the Uniform Thread Standard (UTS). In some embodiments, the thread 118 of component 108 may be standard. In some embodiments, the thread 118 of component 108 may be non-standard. In some embodiments, a gap exists between the plurality of protrusions 116 and the thread 118 to prevent contact between the protrusions 116 and the thread 118 when the fastener 100 is threaded onto component 108. In such embodiments, the threaded portion 112 may be threaded onto the thread 118 of component 108, while the plurality of protrusions 116 do not engage or embed in the surface of the thread 118.
[0044] In some embodiments, the threaded portion 112 may include a standard thread 114. That is, the thread density or pitch may conform to standard thread sizes, such as, but not limited to, those defined by UTS. In such embodiments, the thread 118 of component 108 may be non-standard. In some embodiments, a gap exists between the plurality of protrusions 116 and the thread 118 to prevent contact between the protrusions 116 and the thread 118 when the fastener 100 is threaded onto component 108. In such embodiments, the threaded portion 112 may be threaded onto the thread 118 of component 108, while the plurality of protrusions 116 do not engage or embed in the surface of the thread 118.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shank 102 includes a smooth cylindrical shank portion 120. The smooth cylindrical shank portion 120 is adjacent to the first end 110. In some embodiments, the opening 104 of the component 108 is configured to receive the smooth cylindrical shank portion 120. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the outer diameter of the smooth cylindrical shank portion 120 are set to provide a tight tolerance fit or interference fit with the opening 104, such as... Figure 2 As shown.
[0046] The elongated shank 102 includes a second end portion 122. The second end portion 122 is adjacent to a smooth cylindrical shank portion 120. The second end portion 122 is opposite to a first end portion 110. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second end portion 122 includes a recessed feature 124. It should be understood that the relative lengths of the first end portion 110 and the threaded portion 112, the smooth cylindrical shank portion 120, and the second end portion 122 and the recessed feature 124 may vary depending on the application of the fastener 100.
[0047] In some embodiments, the recessed feature 124 may include at least one recess. In some embodiments, the recessed feature 124 includes one recess. In some embodiments, the recessed feature 124 may include multiple recesses. In some embodiments, the recessed feature 124 has a helical profile. In some embodiments, the recessed feature 124 has an annular profile. In some embodiments, the recessed feature 124 may provide a locking feature. In some embodiments, the recess of the recessed feature 124 is a locking recess. In some embodiments, the recess of the recessed feature 124 is an annular locking recess. In some embodiments, the recessed feature 124 is configured to receive a collar 126. The collar 126 is configured to maintain tension on the fastener 100 from the applied side, thereby engaging with the component 108 to provide clamping force to the workpiece 106. The collar 126 is configured to deform during the installation process, forcing material of the collar 126 into the recess of the recessed feature 124.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 122 also includes a pin tail or pull portion 128. The pull portion 128 is adjacent to the recessed feature 124. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the pull portion 128 is smaller than the outer diameter of the recessed feature 124. In some embodiments, the pull portion 128 includes at least one recess. In some embodiments, the pull portion 128 includes multiple recesses. Recess. In some embodiments, the installation tool is configured to mate with at least one recess of the pull portion 128. Once engaged, the installation tool is configured to provide a pulling force on the fastener 100 and pull the fastener 100 such that the plurality of protrusions 116 contact the threads 118 of the component 108 (e.g., from...). Figure 2 Transition from the uninstalled state to Figure 3 (Installation state). In some embodiments, the tension is maintained by the collar 126. In some embodiments, the tension causes the plurality of protrusions 116 to engage the corresponding surfaces of the thread flanks of the thread 118 of the member 108 and is configured to prevent the member 108 from loosening from the fastener 100 due to vibration. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 may be embedded in the thread flanks of the thread 118 of the member 108. Figure 3 The fastener 100, in its installed state, includes a plurality of protrusions 116 in the thread 118 of the embedded part 108.
[0049] refer to Figure 2 In the pre-installed state, the thread 114 of the fastener 100 is threadedly connected to the thread 118 of the component 108. In the pre-installed state, a plurality of protrusions 116 rest on the tooth flank surface 130 of the thread 118. However, in the pre-installed state, the plurality of protrusions 116 are not embedded in the tooth flank surface 130. To transition to the installed state, a tensile force is applied to the fastener 100, causing the plurality of protrusions 116 to move toward the component 108 and embed into the tooth flank surface 130.
[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the threaded portion 112 of a fastener 100 according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 116 are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 116 are longitudinally aligned with each other relative to their arrangement on the thread 114 of the fastener 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 are not aligned with each other. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 may be included at more than one location along the thread 114. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 are manufactured by rolling. It should be understood that other manufacturing methods are also possible within the scope of this disclosure.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 include similar faceted structures. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 may have different geometries. In some embodiments, the number of faces on the plurality of protrusions 116 may vary beyond the illustrated four. The plurality of protrusions 116 terminate at an end 132. The end 132 may, for example, be embedded in the thread 118 of the component 108. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 116 may have different sizes and shapes, provided that the thread 114 of the fastener 100 can be threadedly connected to the thread 118 of the component 108, and that the plurality of protrusions 116 can engage with the component 108 to prevent loosening of the connection between the fastener 100 and the component 108. As illustrated, the plurality of protrusions 116 are disposed on the tooth flank surface 134 facing the second end 122 of the fastener 100. In some embodiments, this arrangement enables the plurality of protrusions 116 to engage the thread 118 of the component 108 in response to tensile force.
[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of fastener 150 according to some implementation schemes. Fastener 150 typically includes fastener 100 ( Figures 1 to 3 The same or similar features of the fastener 150 are not included. Unlike fastener 100, fastener 150 does not include the pull portion 128. For the sake of simplicity, the same or similar features of fastener 150 to those of fastener 100 will not be described in further detail.
[0053] In some embodiments, the fastener 150 is still installed by applying a tensile force. In some embodiments, the second end 122 of the fastener 150 may include an inner bore 152. In some embodiments, the installation tool may include an inner drive rod with threads (not shown) configured to thread into a corresponding thread of the inner bore 152. Once the installation tool engages the threads of the inner bore 152, it can be used to apply a tensile force to the fastener 100, thereby engaging the plurality of protrusions 116 into the threads 118 of the component 108.
[0054] Figure 6 It is a method for installing fasteners according to some implementation schemes (e.g., Figure 1 Fasteners 100 or Figure 4 The flowchart of method 200 for fastener 150.
[0055] At block 202, method 200 includes obtaining a fastener. According to some embodiments, the fastener may include fastener 100. According to some embodiments, the fastener may include fastener 150.
[0056] At box 204, method 200 includes threading a fastener into the internal threads of a component. In some embodiments, the component is a nut, and the thread is located inside the nut. In some embodiments, the component may be a hole in a machine or other equipment having internal threads. In some embodiments, after threading the fastener into the internal threads of the component, the fastener is positioned as described above... Figure 2 The pre-installation state shown and described.
[0057] At frame 206, method 200 includes engaging the end of an elongated shank of the fastener as obtained. In some embodiments, frame 206 includes the shank portion that engages the fastener. In some embodiments, frame 206 includes an inner bore that engages the fastener.
[0058] At box 208, method 200 includes pulling the fastener with an installation tool. That is, the installation tool is used to apply a tensile force to the fastener as obtained.
[0059] At box 210, method 200 includes engaging a plurality of protrusions on the fastener with corresponding threads on the component. In some embodiments, engaging the plurality of protrusions on the fastener with corresponding threads on the component transitions the fastener from a pre-installed state to an installed state, as described above. Figure 3 As shown and described.
[0060] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and not to be limiting. Unless otherwise clearly indicated, the terms “a” and “described” also include plural forms. The term “comprising”, when used in this specification, specifies the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.
[0061] It should be understood that changes may be made in details, particularly in the construction materials used and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This specification and the described embodiments are merely examples, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A fastener, comprising: An elongated handle, the elongated handle comprising: First end; The first end portion includes a first threaded portion; and The second end is opposite to the first end; The second end portion includes a groove portion; The first threaded portion includes at least one protrusion; The at least one protrusion is configured to engage at least one corresponding internal thread of the component in response to a tensile force applied to the second end.
2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first threaded portion is rolled.
3. The fastener as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first threaded portion comprises Non-standard threads are used to provide clearance between the threads of the first threaded portion and the internal threads of the component.
4. The fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one protrusion is provided. On at least one tooth side of the thread in the first threaded portion.
5. The fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the internal thread of the component... It is non-standard, designed to provide clearance between the thread of the first threaded portion and the internal thread of the component.
6. The fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions located on a single tooth side of the thread of the first threaded portion.
7. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the groove portion comprises at least one of a helical profile or an annular profile.
8. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions located on a plurality of tooth sides of the first threaded portion.
9. The fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to be embedded in the internal thread of the component.
10. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are not longitudinally aligned with each other.
11. A fastener system, comprising: An elongated handle, the elongated handle comprising: First end; The first end portion includes a first threaded portion; and The second end is opposite to the first end; The second end portion includes a groove portion; The first threaded portion includes at least one protrusion; and A collar, configured to be fitted above the second end and to engage with a threaded component to provide clamping force to the workpiece; The at least one of the protrusions is configured to engage at least one corresponding internal thread of the threaded component in response to a tensile force applied to the second end.
12. The fastener system of claim 11, wherein the groove portion includes an annular portion. Threaded or spiral thread.
13. The fastener system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one protrusion is disposed on at least one tooth side of the thread of the first threaded portion.
14. The fastener system of any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising an installation tool configured to engage the second end.
15. The fastener system of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first threaded portion includes a non-standard thread to provide clearance between the thread of the first threaded portion and the internal thread of the component.
16. The fastener system of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the internal thread of the component is non-standard to provide clearance between the thread of the first threaded portion and the internal thread.
17. The fastener system of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to be embedded in the internal thread.
18. The fastener system of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are not longitudinally aligned with each other.
19. A method for installing fasteners, comprising: Obtain the fastener as described in claim 1; Engage the second end of the elongated handle; Use the installation tool to pull the fastener; as well as The at least one protrusion engages with at least one corresponding internal thread of the internal threads of the component.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, when the fastener has been installed and a plurality of workpieces are clamped together, deactivating the installation tool to release it from the second end of the elongated handle.
21. The method of any one of claims 19 or 20, further comprising threading the first end of the fastener to the component before pulling the fastener with the installation tool.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein a gap exists between the internal thread of the component and the thread of the first threaded portion before the at least one protrusion is engaged with the at least one corresponding internal thread in the internal thread of the component.