Deflectable Locking Fastener Assembly for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener mechanisms and adhesive materials are not suitable for high-temperature environments or extreme vibration, and require costly and time-consuming manufacturing processes to prevent loosening over time.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly featuring a threaded member with a lock mechanism comprising a first lock member with axially-extending ratchet teeth and a second lock member with spring fingers that can switch between lock and unlock positions, allowing for quick and cost-effective assembly using stamping processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms or adhesive materials are used to prevent loosening, then fastener elements can be secured against loosening, but they are not suitable for high-temperature environments or extreme vibration and require custom manufacturing processes that increase time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a fastener element, a lock member with ratchet teeth, and a deflectable member with engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes and assembled together, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing while maintaining reliability in high-temperature and high-vibration environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable member is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to deflect during assembly and operation. This dynamic property enables the engagement features to snap into place between ratchet teeth, providing secure locking without requiring precision custom manufacturing. The flexibility accommodates manufacturing tolerances and maintains reliability under extreme conditions.
2Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms or adhesive materials are used to prevent loosening, then fastener elements can be secured against loosening, but the time and cost required to manufacture fastener assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking mechanism into separate standard components that can be manufactured independently using conventional processes, the assembly time is reduced. The lock member and deflectable member can be produced through standard stamping or forming operations, then quickly assembled with the fastener element, significantly improving manufacturing productivity compared to custom-integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable member with engagement features is designed to self-align and self-lock into the ratchet teeth through elastic deflection during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized assembly equipment, allowing rapid assembly and improving overall manufacturing productivity while ensuring reliable anti-loosening performance.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with ratchet teeth and spring fingers is used, then vibration resistance and secure tightness are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member and deflectable member are combined into a single integrated component in some embodiments, reducing the total part count and simplifying the overall device structure. The ratchet teeth and engagement features are formed as integral parts of the same component, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations while maintaining vibration resistance and secure tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable member serves multiple functions: it provides the engagement features that lock with the ratchet teeth, acts as a spring to maintain contact force under vibration, and can be designed to accommodate various fastener types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the device structure while achieving reliable vibration resistance.
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 solution provides a vibration-resistant and cost-effective fastener assembly that maintains secure tightness without requiring custom manufacturing processes, suitable for various applications including high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
a second lock member with spring fingers that can switch between lock and unlock positions
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A fastener assembly includes a threaded member including a threaded body portion and a head portion. The fastener assembly also includes a first lock member including a plurality of axially-extending ratchet teeth and defining an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is sized to receive the threaded body portion. The fastener assembly further includes a second lock member including a base portion configured to couple to the threaded member for rotation therewith and at least one spring finger extending axially from the base portion. The at least one spring finger has a proximal end joined to the base portion and a free end opposite the proximal end. The second lock member has a lock position in which the free end of the at least one spring finger is configured to engage the plurality of axially-extending ratchet teeth and an unlock position in which the free end of the at least one spring finger is spaced from the plurality of axially-extending ratchet teeth.