Cam Locking Fastener Resolves Vibration Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners, such as thumb screws used in firearms, are prone to loosening due to vibration and external forces, requiring frequent hand tightening and tools for adjustment, and lack adaptability for users with disabilities or in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking and quick-release fastener system that uses a cam locking mechanism, allowing for tool-free operation, resistance to vibration, and customizable configurations, including fractional-turn and ratcheting designs, with components made from different materials for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional thumb screws are used to secure components, then the fastener can be easily removed without hand tools, but the fastener is prone to loosening due to vibration and external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two functional components: a thumb screw mechanism for easy manual installation/removal and a cam lever locking mechanism for vibration resistance. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever is pre-configured in a locked position that engages with the thumb screw, creating a preliminary locking action. When the thumb screw is inserted, the cam lever automatically engages to prevent loosening, providing preliminary protection against vibration before the user even completes the tightening process.
2Reliability
If cam levers and locking pins are added to prevent loosening, then vibration resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lever and locking pin functions are merged into a single integrated cam lever component. The cam lever's geometry inherently provides both the locking action and the prevention of loosening, eliminating the need for separate locking pins and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locks the thumb screw in place, prevents loosening from vibration, and provides a mechanical advantage for tightening. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard fasteners are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the fastener cannot be adjusted for users with disabilities or tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates adjustable elements such as the cam lever position and thumb screw length that can be modified to accommodate different user needs and space constraints. This dynamic adjustability allows the same basic manufacturing process to produce adaptable fasteners for various applications and user abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design allows for parameter changes such as cam lever angle, thumb screw diameter, and overall length to be adjusted based on specific application requirements. These parameter variations can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability for different users and environments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustments are needed for specific applications, then adaptability improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lever is pre-set to engage with the thumb screw at an optimal angle, and the fastener geometry is pre-configured to provide automatic alignment. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for multiple adjustments during operation, allowing users to simply insert and engage the fastener without complex configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design includes self-aligning features and automatic engagement mechanisms that eliminate the need for user adjustments. The cam lever automatically positions itself to provide maximum mechanical advantage, and the thumb screw self-aligns with the mounting hole, making the fastener as easy to operate as a simple thumb screw while maintaining adaptability through its locking mechanism.
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 fastener system securely holds components without loosening, allows for tool-free operation, and can be adjusted for user-specific needs and environments, providing audible and tactile feedback for secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
A self-locking and quick-release fastener system that uses a cam locking mechanism
Implementation Method 2
resistance to vibration, and customizable configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Fasteners are disclosed herein which resist loosening even when used in applications and environments where the fastener is exposed to vibration. In one form, a two piece fastener is used for connecting multiple workpieces. In another form, a simplified fastener is disclosed for quickly and easily connecting items. In yet another form, a plug type fastener is disclosed. Other fasteners and related methods are also disclosed herein.