Concentric Threaded Fastener for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional threaded fasteners face issues such as play or slop between threads, difficulty in determining depth, need for gaskets or sealants in pressurized applications, and challenges in high-speed assembly, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The concentric thread design, which features a continuous surface engagement without clearance space, allowing for self-centering, easy assembly, and enhanced sealing capabilities, utilizing geometric shapes that rotate and offset to create a strong, secure fastening system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded fasteners are used, then assembly is simple and cost-effective, but play or slop between threads causes loosening under vibration and thermal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from conventional straight cylindrical threads to conical threads with a tapered geometry. The conical shape allows the thread engagement area to expand progressively from the tip toward the head, creating a wedge effect that eliminates clearance space and prevents loosening under vibration and thermal changes while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Reliability
If conventional threaded fasteners are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but gaskets or sealants are required in pressurized applications to prevent leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function into the thread structure itself by creating continuous surface engagement through the conical geometry. The expanding thread engagement area eliminates clearance spaces where leaks could occur, integrating the sealing capability directly into the fastener design without requiring separate gaskets or sealants, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing reliability.
3Productivity
If conventional threaded fasteners are used, then assembly tools are simple, but high-speed assembly requires expensive automated screw guns or variable speed drills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the conical thread geometry to naturally guide the fastening process. The tapered shape creates a self-centering effect and progressive engagement that allows for controlled assembly at various speeds without requiring complex automated tools or variable speed controls, thereby increasing productivity while keeping assembly tools simple.
4Measurement precision
If conventional threaded fasteners are used, then thread engagement is achieved with standard tools, but it is difficult to determine depth and over-tightening can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a predetermined thread length and engagement depth into the conical fastener design. The tapered geometry provides visual and tactile feedback during assembly, allowing operators to determine when full engagement is achieved without requiring additional measurement tools or complex controls, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A concentric threaded fastener comprising a body with a starting shape, an ending shape, and at least one continuous surface formed by layers between the starting shape and the ending shape, where the layers are concentric so that each successive layer from the starting shape to the ending shape has local clearance between the layer and a larger adjacent layer and so that each layer forms a plug when it is aligned in an unrotated position, and where each layer is successively rotated about at least one axis to form the continuous surface. A concentric threaded system comprising a concentric threaded fastener and a receiving component comprising an opening with mating continuous surface dimensioned to accept the continuous surface of the concentric threaded fastener so that the mating continuous surface and the continuous surface of the concentric threaded fastener make complete surface contact when the concentric threaded fastener is at a terminal position within the receiving component.