Dual-Mode Threaded Fastener for Rapid Bolt Insertion Without Cross-Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional threaded fasteners, such as nut and bolt systems, require significant time and effort for installation and removal, and can be prone to cross-threading, especially in tight spaces or when assembly time is critical.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system featuring an outer shell and inner sleeve that allows for both linear and rotational modes of operation, utilizing primary and secondary pawls to engage and disengage with threaded objects quickly and securely, reducing the need for manual threading and preventing cross-threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional nut and bolt system is used, then secure engagement is achieved, but installation and removal time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into an outer shell and an inner sleeve that can move independently relative to each other. The inner sleeve contains pawls that engage with the bolt threads, while the outer shell provides the interface for linear insertion. This segmentation allows the fastener to be installed linearly without manual threading, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure engagement through the pawl-bolt thread interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring rotational motion to engage the fastener (traditional nut-and-bolt approach), this invention inverts the approach by using linear insertion motion to install the fastener. The pawls on the inner sleeve automatically engage with the bolt threads during linear insertion, eliminating the need for manual threading and dramatically reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If manual threading is required, then proper engagement is ensured, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve with its pawls automatically engages with the bolt threads during linear insertion without requiring manual threading operations. The pawls self-align and self-engage with the threads as the fastener is pushed onto the bolt, eliminating the need for operators to manually thread the fastener and significantly reducing operation complexity while ensuring proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual rotational threading operation with an automatic linear insertion mechanism. The pawl-based engagement system automatically translates linear motion into threaded engagement, substituting the complex manual dexterity required for threading with a simple push-in motion that is easier to perform.
3Productivity
If rapid insertion is implemented, then installation speed improves, but risk of cross-threading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual rotational threading with an automated pawl-based engagement system that guides the fastener onto the bolt during linear insertion. The pawls physically guide and constrain the inner sleeve to follow the correct thread path, preventing cross-threading even during rapid insertion, thus maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawls act as an intermediary mechanism between the linear insertion motion and the threaded engagement. They mediate the interaction by automatically translating linear motion into proper thread engagement while preventing deviation from the correct thread path, thereby preventing cross-threading during rapid installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded fastener with linear and rotational modes of operation is disclosed. The fastener generally includes an outer shell and inner sleeve. The outer shell (150) is configured to rotate with respect to the inner sleeve (110), thus allowing the user to select between the linear and rotational modes of operation. In the linear mode, a bolt can be inserted into the fastener with a rapid linear motion in which the fastener effectively slides over the helical threads of the bolt and up against the workpiece. The user can then turn the outer shell to engage the rotational mode of operation in which the fastener is seated onto the threads of the bolt, comparable to a standard nut. The inner sleeve comprises a plurality of primary pawls (114) with helical threads (120) and one or more secondary pawls (170) with ratchet threads. Ratchet threads enable the bolt to slide into the fastener with the linear motion, but also inhibit the bolt from sliding out of the fastener. Thus, the ratchet threads do not interfere with the insertion of the bolt, but still prevent the bolt from inadvertently sliding out of the fastener before the user has locked the fastener into the rotational mode.