Anti-backlash Nut Assembly with Spring-Loaded Tabs

The nut is divided into two separate threaded nuts that can rotate independently on the power screw. Each nut has its own thread engagement, allowing them to be positioned at different axial locations. This segmentation enables the application of differential forces through the spring mechanism while maintaining independent rotational freedom, reducing the drag torque compared to a single rigid nut structure.

The spring force is made adjustable and dynamic rather than fixed. The spring can be compressed to different degrees, allowing the operator to optimize the preload force between the two nuts. This dynamic adjustment capability enables finding an optimal balance between backlash elimination and drag torque minimization, as the spring force can be tuned to the specific application requirements.

The holding mechanism is extracted from external components and integrated into the nut structure itself. The tabs extending radially outward from each nut engage with corresponding slots in the collar, creating an internal self-locking mechanism. This eliminates the need for external holding devices and allows the spring force to be optimized for minimal drag torque while the geometric locking features prevent backlash under load.

The nut assembly is designed to be self-assembling and self-locking without requiring external tools or mechanisms. The tabs and slots geometry automatically engages when the nuts are threaded onto the power screw, creating a self-locking arrangement that maintains preload under load. The spring simply needs to be installed between the nuts, and the entire assembly automatically maintains backlash-free operation through its own structural features.

Multiple functions are merged into the collar component. The collar simultaneously serves as the spring holder, the tab engagement structure for self-locking, and the positioning element for the two nuts. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate external holding mechanisms, the overall assembly complexity is reduced while maintaining reliable preload maintenance.

The collar is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it holds the compression spring, engages with the tabs on both nuts to prevent rotation, and maintains the axial positioning of the nuts. This universal design eliminates the need for separate external holding mechanisms, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring reliable preload maintenance under various operating conditions.