Dual-Thread Locking Nut Structure for Vibration Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lock nuts fail to securely attach to threaded members due to material stripping and weakening, especially under vibrations, as they often require different thread pitches, leading to mechanical complexity and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A dual-threaded nut locking system with opposing thread directions but the same pitch, allowing for minimal material removal and retention of at least 50% of the original thread material, enabling secure engagement of both nuts on a hybrid threaded area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different thread pitches are used on different portions of the threaded member, then the locking mechanism can be achieved, but as much as 55% of thread material is stripped away, weakening the contact area and causing the nut to loosen under vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidthread material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pitch parameter from different values to the same value for both thread portions, while maintaining different thread directions. This parameter change eliminates material stripping issues while preserving the locking function through opposite thread directions rather than different pitches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using different pitches to achieve the locking effect, the patent inverts the approach by using the same pitch with opposite thread directions. This inversion maintains the differential effect needed for locking while avoiding the harmful material removal associated with different pitches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If conventional locking methods such as adhesives or multiple nuts are used, then the nut can be secured against walking, but the solution becomes mechanically complex or fails over time due to brittleness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the threaded member into two distinct portions with opposite thread directions, allowing each portion to engage with a separate nut. This segmentation creates a simple mechanical locking system where the nuts work together to prevent loosening without requiring complex mechanisms or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-threaded member design allows the same basic nut and threaded member components to serve multiple functions: the first portion engages the primary nut for fastening, while the second portion engages the locking nut to prevent loosening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized locking components or complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11473611B2Nut locking system with different threads sharing same pitch

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 STEWART KEITH

AI summary

A locking nut system includes a threaded member with a first threaded area having a first thread direction and a second threaded area having a second thread direction opposite the first thread direction in which a plurality of crests extend across the first and second threaded areas with a constant pitch between the crests such that minimal material is removed, structural integrity is maintained, and a first nut secures the threaded member to a workpiece and a second opposing nut renders the first nut stationary.