Conical Sleeve Fastening for Retension-Free Screw Connections

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compressing the nut against the bolt head using a conical compression element before the connection is put into service. This pre-compression creates initial residual stresses that counteract loosening forces during operation, eliminating the need for subsequent re-tensioning operations.

The patent changes the physical state and stress parameters of the connection components through controlled compression. The conical compression element applies radial pressure to the nut, transforming the stress distribution and creating a locked state that prevents loosening under dynamic loads.

The patent extracts the complex hydraulic tensioning system from the final connection structure. While hydraulic actuation may be used during assembly, the core solution relies on the passive mechanical structure of the conical compression element and nut design that maintains connection strength without requiring continuous active systems.

Instead of using tension to create the connection, the patent inverts the approach by using compression. The conical compression element applies compressive forces to the nut, creating a locked connection through radial pressure rather than axial tension, thereby eliminating the need for complex tensioning mechanisms.

The conical compression element is installed and pre-compressed during the initial assembly phase, creating a locked connection that prevents future loosening. This preliminary action during assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming re-tensioning operations during maintenance intervals.

The compression element and nut design creates a self-locking connection that automatically maintains its integrity under dynamic loads without requiring external intervention. The structure itself provides the service of preventing loosening, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance operations.