Deflectable Lock Fastener for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener mechanisms and adhesive materials are not suitable for high temperature environments or structures subject to vibration, as they fail to provide reliable long-term securement.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a bolt member with a threaded segment, a washer member, and a lock member with deformable spring fingers and teeth, which engage with a nut member to provide secure locking and easy installation/removal, capable of withstanding vibration and high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms or adhesive materials are used, then the fastening solution is simple to implement, but the reliability of securement fails under high temperature or vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional segments: a fastener with threaded body, a lock washer with engagement teeth, and a lock nut with pawl members. Each component performs a specific function - the lock washer provides vibration resistance through radial teeth engagement, while the lock nut provides directional locking through cantilevered pawls. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability under high temperature and vibration conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that adapt to operational conditions. The cantilevered pawl members in the lock nut are designed to flex and engage with the radial engagement teeth on the lock washer, creating a ratcheted engagement that allows tightening in one direction while preventing loosening in the opposite direction. This dynamic engagement provides reliable securement under vibration and thermal expansion conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fastener mechanisms are used, then the installation process is straightforward, but the fastener elements loosen over time under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating during the standard tightening process. As the fastener is tightened, the lock washer's radial engagement teeth automatically engage with the cantilevered pawl members on the lock nut, creating a self-locking action that prevents loosening without requiring additional installation steps or specialized tools. The mechanism self-regulates to maintain stability under vibration while keeping installation straightforward.
3Reliability
If adhesive materials like epoxy are used to stake fastener elements, then the fastening is secure, but the process requires additional materials and application steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical bonding methods (adhesive materials like epoxy) with a purely mechanical locking system. The lock washer with radial engagement teeth and the lock nut with cantilevered pawl members create a mechanical interlock that provides reliable fastening security without requiring adhesive application, curing time, or additional material handling steps. This mechanical substitution maintains fastening security while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.
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 system ensures secure fastening with low torque requirements, resistance to vibration, and ease of installation/removal, suitable for various applications including aerospace, medical, and industrial uses.
Implementation Method 1
the lock member includes a deformable annular body with at least one spring finger that extends radially outward from the deformable annular body and has a free end that can be deflected radially inward a sufficient distance to allow rotation of the lock member about the fastener axis
Implementation Method 2
the washer member includes an array of engagement teeth that extend radially inward from the circumferential wall; the lock member includes at least one tooth that is circumferentially spaced from the spring finger and is configured to engage the array of engagement teeth
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A fastener with a locking mechanism includes an elongated bolt member with threaded segment defining a banking feature and generally planar surfaces, a nut member, a washer member, and a lock member. The nut member has a threaded bore for cooperating with the threaded segment of the bolt member and a peripheral edge with a flat side defining an axial slot. The washer member has a central bore with a banking portion that complements the banking feature of the bolt member such that, when the threaded segment is inserted in the central bore, the washer member moves axially and is rotatably fixed relative to the bolt member. The washer member has an axially projecting circumferential wall with radially inward facing engagement teeth for intermeshing with teeth of the lock member.