Deflectable Ratchet Lock Fastener for Heat and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener mechanisms and materials are not suitable for high-temperature environments or extreme vibration, and their manufacturing processes are time-consuming and costly, requiring custom molds and specialized processes.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a threaded member and a lock member featuring radially extending ratchet teeth and a base portion with a tab, allowing for a locked and unlocked configuration, and an anti-rotation feature to prevent rotation, which can be manufactured using a stamping process for reduced production time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms and materials are used, then fastener elements can be manufactured, but they are not suitable for high temperature environments or extreme vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed with deflectable tabs that can dynamically adjust their position. The tabs can deflect radially outward to engage with ratchet teeth during vibration or thermal expansion, maintaining reliable locking without requiring specialized materials for extreme environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes its engagement parameters dynamically. The deflectable tabs allow the engagement depth and force to vary in response to environmental conditions like temperature and vibration, maintaining reliability without requiring environment-specific fastener designs.
2Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms with custom molds and specialized processes are used, then fastener assemblies can be manufactured, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed as a single piece integrating the base portion, tabs, and ratchet teeth into one component. This merging eliminates the need for custom molds and specialized assembly processes, reducing manufacturing time and cost while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece lock member design creates a universal component that can be manufactured using standard processes. The same basic structure serves multiple functions: providing locking engagement, accommodating vibration, and simplifying manufacturing, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional fastener accessories like lock washers, cotter pins, and lock wires are used, then fastener elements can be prevented from loosening, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking functionality previously requiring separate accessories (lock washers, cotter pins, lock wires) is merged into the single lock member. The deflectable tabs with ratchet teeth provide anti-loosening capability that integrates the functions of multiple conventional components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member serves multiple functions that previously required separate components: it provides locking engagement, prevents loosening under vibration, and simplifies assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining the anti-loosening capability of conventional accessories.
4Reliability
If adhesive materials like epoxy are applied to fastener threads to stake fastener elements, then fastener elements can be prevented from loosening, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical deflectable tab engagement with ratchet teeth replaces the chemical adhesive bonding process. The mechanical interlocking provides equivalent staking functionality without requiring adhesive application, curing time, or specialized bonding processes, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member's deflectable tabs automatically engage with the ratchet teeth through mechanical action during assembly, providing self-staking functionality. This eliminates the need for external adhesive application processes, making the fastener element staking self-service and significantly simplifying manufacturing.
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, quick-to-install fastener assembly that maintains secure tightness in challenging conditions while reducing manufacturing time and cost through a simpler production process.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable lock member can be used with the fastener mechanism. The lock member can assume a locked configuration in which the lock member engages the fastener mechanism and an unlocked configuration in which the lock member disengages the fastener mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a first lock member including a plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth... configured to engage the plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly includes a first lock member including a plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth and a second lock member including a base portion and at least one tab extending axially from the base portion. The at least one tab has a proximal end joined to the base portion and a free end opposite the proximal end. The second lock member further includes a plurality of radially extending teeth on an inner side of the free end of the at least one tab. The second lock member is positionable between a locked configuration in which the plurality of radially extending teeth are configured to engage the plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth and an unlocked configuration in which the plurality of radially extending teeth are spaced from the plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth. The base portion and the at least one tab are a single piece.