Bi-Hexagonal Locking Nut for Torque Retention in Low-Height Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking nuts in aeronautical fasteners face challenges in maintaining sufficient locking torque after multiple assembly and disassembly cycles without increasing the nut's height or reducing the tightening torque, as conventional solutions compromise on either height or torque efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A locking nut design featuring an elliptical locking collar with a bi-hexagonal drive surface, comprising upper and lower regions with distinct flat configurations, and through-holes that allow for efficient torque transmission and wire locking, maintaining torque while minimizing height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical locking collar is provided to maintain locking torque after several cycles, then locking reliability is improved, but the nut height increases and tightening torque becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drive surface is segmented into two distinct regions: an upper region with a smaller perimeter that receives the locking collar, and a lower region with a larger perimeter that provides the primary tightening interface. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dimensional variation in the drive surface perimeter along the nut height, creating an bi-hexagonal configuration where the lower region has a larger perimeter than the upper region. This dimensional change enables sufficient tightening torque at the lower region while accommodating the locking collar at the upper region without excessive height increase.
2Reliability
If the height of the hexagonal drive surface is reduced to accommodate a locking collar, then locking capability is improved, but tightening torque becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the drive surface are given different local qualities: the lower region has a larger perimeter optimized for transmitting tightening torque, while the upper region has a smaller perimeter optimized for receiving the locking collar. This local differentiation allows each region to excel at its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive surface is divided into two functional segments along the height of the nut, with each segment having distinct dimensional characteristics. The lower segment provides torque transmission capacity while the upper segment accommodates the locking mechanism, resolving the conflict between locking capability and tightening torque.
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
The design provides optimized tightening torque and efficient locking capabilities through a larger contact surface area, enabling multiple assembly/disassembly cycles without height compromise, and allows for wire locking without sacrificing torque.
Implementation Method 1
The collar is more flexible than the body of the nut and deforms elastically a few times
Implementation Method 2
The drive surface comprises an upper region and a lower region, adjacent along the main axis, the lower region being situated between the upper region and the bearing surface; a perimeter of the lower region around the main axis being greater than a perimeter of the upper region
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking nut (10), comprising: a body (20) and a bore passing through said body along a main axis, the body comprising: a bearing face (30); a drive surface (32); and at least one through-hole (38), substantially perpendicular to the main axis from the radial drive surface.The body further comprises a locking collar (36) of elliptical shape; and the drive surface comprises an upper region (50) and a lower region (52), adjacent along the main axis, the lower region being situated between the upper region and the bearing surface; a perimeter of the lower region around the main axis being greater than a perimeter of the upper region; the at least one through-hole (38) extending from the upper region (50).