Fastening Element with Integrated Thrust Washer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for central axle screw connections in commercial vehicles often require complex assembly processes and can be prone to incorrect positioning of thrust washers, leading to security risks due to misalignment and torque variations.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element design featuring a nut with a radially circumferential bevel nose edge and a thrust washer with a flange section and cylinder section of differing diameters, where the nose edge and snap edge are matched to capture the thrust washer, allowing for secure positioning and simplified assembly, and incorporating elastic expansion for easy insertion and secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thrust washer is secured against twisting by means of a form fit, then the self-retaining function is ensured during load changes, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thrust washer and nut into a single integrated component, where the thrust washer is formed as an integral part of the nut structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and complex securing mechanisms, while the radially inwardly projecting nose edge provides automatic positioning and anti-twisting functionality during fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose edge of the thrust washer automatically positions itself radially inwardly during the fastening process, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex assembly procedures. The component self-secures through its geometric design, ensuring the form fit and anti-twisting function are achieved automatically during installation.
2Reliability
If the thrust washer is held by special holding tabs, then the thrust washer cannot be lost, but the production time increases due to bending operations
Solution Approach 1:
The holding tabs are integrated directly into the nut structure as a single-piece formation, eliminating separate bending operations. The tabs are formed during the same manufacturing process as the nut body, reducing production steps and time while ensuring the thrust washer remains securely retained through the interlocking geometry of the tabs and washer features.
3Ease of manufacture
If the thrust washer is not correctly positioned, then assembly is simpler, but security risks increase due to misalignment and torque variations
Solution Approach 1:
The radially inwardly projecting nose edge of the thrust washer automatically positions the component correctly during assembly through its geometric design. The nose edge engages with the corresponding feature in the nut, ensuring proper alignment and positioning without requiring external alignment tools or complex assembly procedures, thereby maintaining both simplicity and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric geometry of the nose edge, which projects radially inwardly at a specific position, provides unique positioning that prevents misalignment. This asymmetric feature ensures the thrust washer can only be installed in the correct orientation, eliminating security risks associated with incorrect positioning while maintaining assembly simplicity.
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 design ensures the thrust washer is correctly positioned and securely held, preventing twisting and misalignment, thereby enhancing safety and simplifying the assembly process by allowing for easy insertion and maintaining secure fastening under load changes.
Implementation Method 1
allows elastic expansion for easy insertion and secure retention
Implementation Method 2
the flange section, the cylinder section, the snap edge and the nose edge are matched to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastening element with a nut and a thrust washer is provided. The nut includes an interior portion with an internal thread and an abutment surface at one end. A snap edge radially encloses the abutment surface and has a nose edge projecting radially inward, with a chamber being formed between the abutment surface, the snap edge and the nose edge. The thrust washer has an interior recess, a flanged portion and a cylindrical portion, with an outside diameter of the flanged portion being greater than an outside diameter of the cylindrical portion. The flanged portion, the cylindrical portion, the snap edge and the nose edge are coordinated with one another, with the nose edge projecting into the interior of the nut such that the nose edge and the snap edge at least partially enclose the flanged portion of the thrust washer.