Deflectable Washer Locking Mechanism 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 of threaded fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly comprising a threaded member with anti-rotation features, a lock nut with radially extending teeth, and a lock washer with a central aperture and outer portions that engage the anti-rotation features and teeth, providing rotational fixation and secure locking, even under vibration and high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms (lock washers, cotter pins, adhesive materials) are used, then the fastener assembly is simple in structure, but the reliability is insufficient in high-temperature environments or under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated lock washer component. The lock washer includes both an anti-rotation structure that engages with the threaded member's anti-rotation feature and outer portions with locking teeth that engage with the lock nut's teeth, merging rotational fixation and vibration resistance into one element
Solution Approach 2:
The lock washer is positioned between the lock nut and the workpiece, with the anti-rotation structure nested within the threaded member's anti-rotation feature and the locking teeth nested within the lock nut's tooth structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that enhances reliability without excessive complexity
2Duration of action of stationary object
If adhesive materials are used to secure fasteners, then the fastener assembly structure remains simple, but the duration of action is insufficient under vibration and high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive materials (chemical bonding) with a mechanical locking system consisting of the lock washer's anti-rotation structure engaging with the threaded member and the locking teeth engaging with the lock nut, providing durable mechanical securement that withstands vibration and high temperature without degrading over time
3Reliability
If conventional lock washers are used, then the ease of operation is good for installation, but the reliability is insufficient to prevent loosening under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The lock washer's outer portions are deflectable and automatically engage with the lock nut's teeth during normal tightening, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional operations. The anti-rotation structure similarly self-engages with the threaded member's anti-rotation feature, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly includes a threaded member, a lock nut, and a lock washer. The threaded member has a pair of opposing flat sections formed in the threaded portion of the threaded member. The lock nut is configured to threadably engage the threaded member and includes a flange having a plurality of axially extending teeth. The lock washer includes a flat central portion with an aperture. The aperture has a pair of opposing flat inner surfaces configured to engage the opposing flat sections of the threaded member to rotationally fix the lock washer. The lock washer also includes at least one outer portion extending upward from the flat central portion at a predetermined angle. The outer portion includes a plurality of locking apertures configured to receive the plurality of axially extending teeth of the lock nut.