Axial Clearance Fastener Locking with Washer-Ring Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting devices for mechanical parts with axial clearance are prone to malfunction due to meticulous and complex nut unscrewing and blocking operations, which can lead to corrosion and wear issues, causing changes in axial clearance and potential loss of the nut.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with an anti-rotation system using a washer with protuberances and notches on the rod, and a ring with a screw to secure the nut in rotation, enhancing corrosion resistance and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nut is blocked on the rod by means of deformable lock washers engaged on splines, then the axial clearance can be maintained, but the assembly becomes fragile against corrosion and wear causing loss of the nut
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vulnerable spline engagement mechanism and replaces it with a more robust anti-rotation system. The nut is provided with an anti-rotation system comprising a first element engaged on the rod and a second element engaged on the nut, connected by fastening means. This extraction removes the dependency on splines that are susceptible to corrosion and wear, thereby maintaining axial clearance reliability while eliminating the fragility against environmental degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary anti-rotation system consisting of a first element, a second element, and fastening means. This intermediary mechanism serves as a mediator between the nut and the rod, providing a more reliable connection than direct spline engagement. The first element is engaged on the rod, the second element is engaged on the nut, and they are connected by fastening means, creating a robust chain of connection that resists corrosion and wear while maintaining the axial clearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nut is unscrewed by a certain angle to create axial clearance, then the mechanical parts can articulate, but the operation becomes meticulous and complex leading to potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the anti-rotation system with the first element engaged on the rod and the second element engaged on the nut, connected by fastening means. This preliminary setup establishes the axial clearance and articulation capability before the device is put into service, eliminating the need for meticulous and complex blocking operations during assembly or maintenance. The anti-rotation system is already in place to maintain the created clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation system provides self-service by automatically maintaining the axial clearance through its engineered engagement. The first element on the rod and the second element on the nut, connected by fastening means, create a self-sustaining mechanism that preserves the articulation capability without requiring ongoing complex operations. The system serves itself to maintain the clearance once established.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lock washers are used to block the nut on the rod, then rotation can be prevented, but the small dimensions make the assembly fragile against corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the corrosion-vulnerable lock washer and spline engagement system and replaces it with a more robust anti-rotation system. The nut is provided with an anti-rotation system comprising a first element engaged on the rod and a second element engaged on the nut, connected by fastening means. This extraction eliminates the small-dimensional components that are highly susceptible to corrosion, while maintaining the stability of nut positioning through the more robust engineered connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device for connecting two mechanical parts includes a rod having a section between a stop and a threaded portion. The rod is inserted into the parts, and a nut is screwed onto the threaded portion in order to hold the parts between the stop and the nut. An anti-rotation system blocks rotation of the nut and includes a washer interacting with the rod to be constrained to rotate with it. The washer has two protuberances, each engaged in a notch of shape complementary to the rod. The anti-rotation system has a ring with an inner periphery of with a shape complementary to that of an outer periphery of the nut in order to be secured to the nut. The ring is secured to the washer by a screw.