Breakaway Screw Structure for Easier Hinge Channel Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for adaptations that facilitate the manipulation of small, handheld fastening devices, such as screws, in the mechanical and construction industries, as existing solutions do not adequately address the ease of use and handling of these devices, particularly in hinge applications.
Innovation Solution
A screw design featuring a screw head with a driver slot and an elongated stem comprising a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion separated by a breakaway, allowing the non-threaded portion to be easily inserted into a hinge's hollow channel, making it easier to align and screw the threaded portion into the hinge's threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional screw with continuous threading is used, then the screw structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the screw is difficult to manipulate and align in hinge applications
Solution Approach 1:
The screw stem is segmented into a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion separated by a breakaway section. This segmentation allows the non-threaded portion to be inserted into the hinge channel first, followed by the threaded portion, making alignment and insertion significantly easier while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The non-threaded portion acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the insertion process. It serves as a leading section that guides the screw into the hinge channel, making alignment easier before the threaded portion engages with the hinge threads
2Ease of operation
If a screw with a non-threaded portion is added to facilitate insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the screw manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screw is divided into distinct segments (non-threaded portion, breakaway section, threaded portion) that can be manufactured using standard processes. The breakaway section is designed as a narrow waist that naturally forms during threading, requiring no additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway portion is designed as a sacrificial element that is intentionally weakened and meant to break during the insertion process. This disposable section enables the beneficial two-stage insertion while adding minimal manufacturing complexity, as it can be created through standard threading processes
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a hand-held screw (10) adapted to be easily manipulated by a user during insertion into an intended screw hole (100). The screw comprises an elongated stem (11) having a threaded and non-threaded portion (20, 30). A breakaway (25) releasably couples the non-threaded portion (30) to the distal end (C) of the threaded portion (20). The non-threaded portion has a diameter (W3) smaller than a diameter (W2) of the threaded portion to facilitate its insertion into a screw hole (100). The length (L2-L1) of the non-threaded portion (30) is greater than the length (L1) of the threaded portion (20) thereby facilitating grasping and manipulation thereof by a user on entry of the threaded first portion into a screw hole (100). The breakaway (25) is removable on complete insertion of the screw into the screw hole (100) by braking or cleaving.