Dual-Interface Screw With Reverse-Threaded Extraction Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Screws often disengage from drivers during insertion or require excessive torque for extraction, leading to misalignment and difficulty in maintaining engagement, particularly in applications requiring high torque.

Innovation Solution

A dual interface screw element with a first engagement interface for insertion and a second reverse-threaded interface for extraction, allowing for separate torque application in both directions using complementary tools, ensuring secure engagement and alignment during insertion and extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single engagement interface is used for both insertion and extraction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the torque required for extraction may exceed the torque which can be delivered through the interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement interface structureVSAvoidextraction torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The screw element is segmented into two distinct engagement interfaces: a first engagement interface for insertion and a second engagement interface for extraction. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the extraction interface to handle higher extraction torques without requiring increased complexity in a single interface design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a strong forward axial force is applied to maintain reliable engagement during insertion, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the desired rearward extraction force is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidextraction operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the engagement mechanism by providing a second engagement interface with reverse threading specifically for extraction. This allows the extraction operation to engage in the opposite direction, enabling rearward extraction force to be applied effectively without compromising the forward axial engagement reliability during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a magnetic bit is used to prevent screw disengagement, then the engagement stability is improved, but misalignment between driver and screw still occurs and non-magnetic materials are not solved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew engagement stabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the engagement interfaces and providing a dedicated first engagement interface for insertion with features such as alignment pins or tapered surfaces, the invention achieves precise alignment between driver and screw without relying on magnetic attraction, thereby solving both the stability and precision problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4681664A1Dual interface screw element and system
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 UNGER YEHONATHAN
  • EP4681664A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4681664A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4681664A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A dual interface screw element includes a screw body (10) with an external thread (12) and two distinct engagement interfaces (13, 15), one for inserting the screw and another for removing it. The removal engagement interface (15) includes a reverse thread (16) located in an axial recess (36) such that a complementary reverse-threaded tool (24) applying torque to extract the screw body is tightened against the second engagement interface. The screw is part of a system including an extraction tool (24) and an insertion tool (18). Applications include medical applications such as dental implants and bone screws, domestic applications such as headless wall mounting anchors, and a wide range of other industrial and aerospace applications.