Threaded Fastener Cap With Projections For Rotation Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick-acting threaded fasteners require cumbersome alignment and insertion of small pins to prevent relative rotation, increasing assembly time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A threaded fastener design featuring a cap with projections that inhibit relative rotation between threaded segments and the outer body, secured by a snap ring, allowing for quicker assembly and easier manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small pins are inserted through the outer body to prevent relative rotation between threaded segments and the body, then the threaded segments are securely held in position, but the alignment and insertion process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cap integrates multiple functions: it secures the threaded segments against axial movement, prevents relative rotation through its projections, and provides a streamlined assembly structure. By combining these functions into a single component rather than using separate pins, the invention eliminates the time-consuming alignment and insertion process while maintaining securement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rotation prevention function from the traditional pin system and transfers it to the cap's projections. The cap's projections engage with both the threaded segments and the outer body, providing rotation prevention without requiring separate pins that need precise alignment and insertion
2Reliability
If small pins are used to prevent relative rotation, then the threaded segments are constrained effectively, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap consolidates multiple constraint functions into a single manufacturable component. It simultaneously provides axial positioning, rotation prevention through projections, and structural support, eliminating the need for multiple separate pins and reducing manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves multiple functions: securing threaded segments axially, preventing relative rotation, and providing a unified structural element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the manufacturing process compared to using separate pins for each function
3Reliability
If traditional pin insertion method is used, then rotation prevention is achieved, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rotation prevention function with the cap structure. The cap's projections are integrally formed with the cap body, creating a unified component that prevents rotation without requiring separate pins. This reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rotation prevention capability from the pin system and embeds it directly into the cap's geometry. The projections on the cap provide the necessary constraint against relative rotation, eliminating the need for separate rotational constraint components
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded fastener includes an outer body defining a cavity and a central axis extending through the cavity, and a plurality of threaded segments positioned substantially within the cavity. The plurality of threaded segments is movable relative to the outer body generally toward and away from the central axis. The threaded fastener also includes a cap positioned at least partially within the cavity to secure the plurality of threaded segments within the cavity. The cap includes a plurality of projections engaging the plurality of threaded segments and the outer body to inhibit relative rotation between the plurality of threaded segments and the outer body. The plurality of projections is formed as a single piece with the cap. The threaded fastener further includes a snap ring removably coupled to the outer body to secure the cap within the cavity.