Deformed Internal Thread Locking Element for Unintentional Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded connections lack a reliable mechanism to prevent unintentional loosening, as previous solutions either provide a non-permanent braking effect or fail to maintain the braking torque after repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A locking internal thread element made of metal, where at least one thread tooth turn is deformed in the axial feed direction to create a parallel displacement, ensuring a consistent braking torque by maintaining the thread pitch and reducing play in the connection, even after repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thread teeth are deformed in previous solutions to generate braking torque, then a braking effect is achieved, but the braking effect is not permanent or is eliminated after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The thread teeth are deformed in advance during manufacturing to create a permanent geometric modification. This preliminary deformation creates a thread jump that generates braking torque on every engagement, ensuring the braking effect persists across repeated use without requiring active intervention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Only specific thread teeth (the last one or several before the end of the thread) are deformed, while other thread teeth remain undeformed. This localized deformation creates a distinct braking zone that provides consistent braking torque without affecting the overall thread engagement and allows the braking effect to be maintained permanently.
2Reliability
If thread teeth are deformed to create braking torque, then unintentional loosening is prevented, but the thread pitch and connection play are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation is applied locally to only the last one or several thread teeth, preserving the standard pitch and geometry of all other thread teeth. This ensures that the majority of the thread engagement maintains precise dimensional tolerances while the localized deformation provides the braking effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deforming all thread teeth, only a partial portion (the last one or several teeth) is deformed. This partial action is sufficient to generate the required braking torque while minimizing the impact on overall thread pitch accuracy and connection play.
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 durable braking effect that prevents unintentional loosening by ensuring the thread connection remains secure, with the deformation allowing for repeated use without loss of torque, and maintains the thread's standard pitch and profile.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thread tooth turn is deformed in the axial feed direction to create a parallel displacement
Implementation Method 2
generate a braking torque by deforming thread teeth of the external thread element when screwing the external and internal thread elements together
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to an internally threaded metal locking element (1) for producing a threaded connection with an externally threaded element (21) by rotating the internally threaded locking element (1) in a screw-on rotation direction (D) relative to the externally threaded element (21) and thereby moving the internally threaded locking element (1) in an axial advancing direction (V) relative to the externally threaded element (21) and/or by rotating the externally threaded element (21) relative to the internally threaded locking element (1) and thereby moving the externally threaded element (21) in the opposite direction to the axial advancing direction (V) of the internally threaded locking element (1) relative to the threaded locking element (1), with a preferably monolithic metal body (5) with an internal thread (4) with at least one locking thread winding (9, 10) defined by two thread tooth windings, the cross-sectional profile of the locking thread winding(s) being deformed compared to the cross-sectional profile of at least one other thread winding (7), preferably compared to a plurality of other thread windings (7), preferably compared to the predominant number of thread windings (7), in order to increase the frictional connection of a threaded connection (20) comprising the internally threaded locking element (1).