Fastener Thread Deformation Tool for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in assembling densely packed parts with varying tolerances is that standard-size fasteners often fail to engage locking features effectively due to tolerance build-up, leading to issues with vibration and loading, which current solutions like lock-washers and adhesives address by adding expense, weight, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a first and second arm, where the second arm's projection engages and deforms the threads of a fastener within the first arm's opening, increasing running torque and allowing for adjustable deformation to secure components with varying tolerances without the need for adhesives or lock-washers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock-washers and locking inserts are used to address tolerance build-up, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the assembly weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thread geometry parameters of the fastener by deforming selected threads to create a non-standard thread profile. This parameter change allows the fastener to accommodate tolerance variations in the assembled parts without requiring additional locking components, thereby maintaining fastening reliability while reducing assembly weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for separate lock-washers and locking inserts by integrating the locking function directly into the fastener itself through thread deformation. This extraction of the locking function from separate components reduces the total number of parts and assembly weight while maintaining fastening reliability
2Reliability
If lock-washers and locking inserts are used to address tolerance build-up, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function and the locking function into a single integrated fastener component. By deforming threads on the fastener itself, the invention combines what would traditionally require separate lock-washers and locking inserts into one unified element, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fastening reliability
3Reliability
If adhesives are used to address tolerance build-up, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives with a mechanical solution involving deformed threads on the fastener. The deformed threads create a mechanical interference fit and friction-based locking that accommodates tolerance variations without requiring adhesive application processes, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fastening reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool effectively secures components by increasing running torque, minimizing the impact of vibrations and loads, while reducing assembly complexity and cost by allowing for on-site modification of fasteners to fit varying tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the second arm's projection engages and deforms the threads of a fastener within the first arm's opening, increasing running torque
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments pertain to a tool that includes a first arm and a second arm that is rotatably connected to the first arm. The first arm includes an opening and the second arm includes a projection that engages threads on a fastener which is installed within the opening in the first arm. During operation of the tool, a fastener is inserted into the opening in the first arm. Pressure is applied to bring the first and second arms together such that the projection engages the threads of the fastener and then deforms the threads. The first arm may include a plurality of threaded openings such that each opening is adapted to receive a different diameter fastener. In addition, the second arm may include a plurality of projections such that each projection is a different size and is aligned relative to one of the openings in the first arm.