Buckling Washer Locking Structure to Prevent Screw Slanting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washers fail to securely fix objects in position, leading to improper assembly as screws often become slanted.

Innovation Solution

A locking structure comprising a stud sleeve, a buckling washer with a carrying portion and hook portions, and a screw, which allows for the washer to move relative to the object along a fine adjustment plane, limiting movement and preventing screw slanting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional washer is used to fix an object, then the assembly process is simple, but the object cannot be securely fixed in position and screws become slanted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washer is divided into multiple functional segments: a carrying portion for supporting the object, and multiple hook portions extending outward to engage with the object's peripheral surface. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, improving fixing reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook portions extend outward from the carrying portion in a radial direction, adding a dimensional element that enables engagement with the object's peripheral surface. This dimensional change transforms the washer from a simple flat disc to a three-dimensional structure that can securely fix the object in position and prevent screw slanting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the washer structure is made more complex to prevent screw slanting, then assembly reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidwasher structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook portions are strategically positioned at specific locations on the carrying portion to engage with corresponding features on the object's peripheral surface. This local quality approach ensures that precision is applied only where needed for assembly alignment, rather than requiring the entire washer structure to be complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The buckling washer is designed to be movable relative to the object along a fine adjustment plane perpendicular to the assembling direction, allowing dynamic adjustment during assembly to accommodate minor misalignments while maintaining precise final positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 locking structure effectively secures objects by limiting movement along multiple axes, ensuring proper assembly and preventing screw slanting.

Implementation Method 1

The buckling washer is movable relative to the object along a fine adjustment plane perpendicular to the assembling direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4321762B1Locking structure
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 PEGATRON
  • EP4321762B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321762B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4321762B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking structure (100) and a buckling washer (1) are provided. The locking structure (100) is provided for locking an object (200) having a thru-hole (201). The locking structure (100) includes a stud sleeve (2), a buckling washer (1), and a screw (3). The buckling washer (1) is disposed on the stud sleeve (2), and the buckling washer (1) includes a carrying portion (11) and a plurality of hook portions (12). The carrying portion (11) has a penetrating hole (111), and the hook portions (12) extend from the carrying portion (11) and are arranged outside of the penetrating hole (111). The carrying portion (11) of the buckling washer (1) is configured to carry the object (200), and the hook portions (12) are configured to retain the object (200). The screw (3) is configured to be screwed in the stud sleeve (2) by passing through the thru-hole (201) of the object (200) and the penetrating hole (111) of the buckling washer (1), such that the object (200) is locked by the hook portions (12).