Asymmetric Thread Nut-Bolt Assembly for Vibration Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nut and bolt systems fail to effectively abate unintended relative rotational movement between coupled nuts and bolts while securing joined parts in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.
Innovation Solution
The anti-vibration nut/bolt system features a bolt with male threads forming specific angles and a nut with female threads of different angles, along with a pressure assembly that includes six-sided annular surfaces and curved resilient tabs to prevent unwanted rotation through frictional contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nut and bolt systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but unintended relative rotational movement occurs between coupled nuts and bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the bolt threads with a first angle (e.g., 30 degrees) and the nut threads with a second angle (e.g., 20 degrees), creating an asymmetric thread interface. This asymmetric configuration generates lateral contact forces that prevent relative rotational movement between the bolt and nut, thereby eliminating vibration without requiring additional anti-vibration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thread angle parameters of both the bolt and nut. Specifically, the bolt threads are formed at a first angle relative to the bolt axis, and the nut threads are formed at a second angle relative to the nut axis, where the angles are deliberately different. This parameter change transforms the traditional symmetric thread interface into an asymmetric one that inherently resists rotational movement.
2Reliability
If anti-vibration mechanisms are added to prevent rotational movement, then vibration is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bolt and nut self-serving by incorporating the anti-vibration function directly into their thread geometries. The asymmetric thread angles cause the threads to naturally resist relative rotational movement through lateral contact forces, eliminating the need for separate anti-vibration devices such as lock washers, nyloc nuts, or thread lockers, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively secures parts together by reducing unintended rotational movement, ensuring safety, convenience, and economical manufacturing, thereby addressing the limitations of prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
curved resilient tabs to prevent unwanted rotation through frictional contact
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt has an axis and a bolt plane perpendicular to the axis. The bolt has male bolt threads. Each male bolt thread has a bolt root and a bolt crest. Each male bolt thread forms axially interior and exterior male surfaces extending radially exteriorly away from the axis and forms a first angle with respect to the bolt plane. A nut has an axis and a nut plane perpendicular to the axis. The nut has female nut threads. Each female nut thread has a nut root and a nut crest. Each female nut thread forms axially interior and exterior female surfaces extending radially interiorly toward the axis and forms a second angle with respect to the nut plane. The first angle and the second angle are not equal.