Differential Thread Connector for Adjustable Axial Tension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded fasteners for assembling furniture and wood-based products face issues with optimal tension, stability, and self-loosening, leading to instability and material damage under load.
Innovation Solution
A system using differential thread connectors with varying pitches between male and female threads allows for adjustable axial tension in bolts or pins, providing a rigid and stable fixation by creating relative axial movement between the pin and the connector, preventing unintentional movement through a dead anchor or end fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded fasteners (screws and bolts) are used to assemble furniture and wood-based products, then the assembly process is simple and widely applicable, but the fixing becomes loosened under certain circumstances leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with differential threads that enable dynamic adjustment of axial tension. By rotating the connector, the relative axial movement between the pin and connector can be controlled, allowing the tension to be adjusted and maintained optimally, preventing self-loosening while maintaining assembly stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses threads with different pitches (parameter) to create differential movement. The first thread has a first pitch and the second thread has a second pitch different from the first, allowing the connector to convert rotational movement into controlled axial tension adjustment, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If threaded fasteners are tightened to provide strong fixation, then the assembly stability improves, but material damage may occur under load
Solution Approach 1:
The differential thread mechanism allows for dynamic control of clamping force. The connector can be rotated to adjust the axial tension to an optimal level that provides sufficient fixation stability without exceeding the material's load-bearing capacity, thereby preventing material damage
Solution Approach 2:
By using threads with different pitches, the system enables precise control over the axial movement and resulting tension. This parameter differentiation allows the fastener to achieve strong fixation while distributing loads more evenly, reducing the risk of material damage
3Productivity
If conventional fasteners are used for repeated assembly and disassembly, then the process is efficient, but self-loosening occurs leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The differential thread connector provides dynamic tension control that maintains optimal clamping force during repeated assembly and disassembly cycles. The mechanism allows the user to adjust and lock the tension, preventing self-loosening while maintaining assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the user to self-adjust and self-lock the axial tension by simple rotation. The differential threads automatically create the tensioning effect, and the dead anchor or end fixture maintains the locked position, ensuring reliability without requiring additional locking mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8
AI summary
This publication relates to a Method for adjoining a first element (10) and a second element (10) by means of threaded connections using threaded male and female parts, comprising parts intended (11,11') to be embedded into the elements (10,10'), where at least one of the elements (10,10') to be jointed is provided with a hole. In order to establish the joint the following steps are included: - arranging an insert (11) with a hole with female threads in a hole in the first element (10) to jointed; - arranging a sleeve (11') with a hole with female threads in a hole in the second element (10'); - screwing an adjusting device (13) with male threads into the sleeve (11'), the adjusting device (13) also being provided with a hole with female threads; - using a rod (12) with male threads corresponding to the female threads of the insert (11) and the female threads of the adjusting device (13); - giving the female threads of the adjusting device (13) and hence the male threads of the rod (12) a different pitch than the male threads on the adjusting device (13) and hence the female threads of the sleeve (11'); and - establishing a threaded connection by means of the rod (12) screwed through the hole with female treads of the adjusting device and into the insert (11);;; whereupon an adjustable connection between the first element (10) and the second element (10') is established by screwing the rod (13) and/or the adjustment the rod (12) and/or the adjusting device (13) in a direction introducing tension in the rod (12).