Flexible Screw Retainer and Split Washer for Repeated Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw-retaining devices wear out quickly when screws are repeatedly screwed and unscrewed, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential loss of screws during maintenance or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A screw-retaining device comprising a connecting element with a first end part, a second end part, and an intermediate part, along with a washer part that includes spaced-apart washer portions connected by a gap, allowing the screw to be securely retained without excessive wear, using a flexible retaining aperture that expands to accommodate the screw's diameter and absorbs compressive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid retaining aperture is used to engage screw threads, then the screw can be securely retained, but the device wears out quickly when the screw is repeatedly screwed and unscrewed
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining aperture is formed from a flexible loop that can elastically deform. When the screw is inserted, the loop flexes to accommodate the screw diameter and then returns to its original shape, creating a secure retaining force. This flexibility allows the aperture to repeatedly deform without permanent damage, solving the wear problem while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining aperture's physical state changes dynamically - it transitions from a relaxed state to a deformed state when the screw is inserted, and back to the relaxed state when the screw is removed. This parameter change (shape and size) allows the aperture to accommodate the screw without permanent deformation, enabling repeated use cycles.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the retaining aperture is made flexible to reduce wear, then endurance is improved, but the retention security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining aperture transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that adapts its shape based on the presence of the screw. The loop's elasticity allows it to dynamically adjust between a relaxed state (when no screw is present) and a constricted state (when the screw is inserted), providing both endurance and secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining aperture is formed as a loop with a specific curvature that provides both flexibility and structural integrity. The curved shape allows the loop to flex and deform elastically when the screw is inserted, while the continuous circular form maintains strength and prevents permanent deformation, ensuring both endurance and retention security.
3Reliability
If a customized screw is used for the retaining arrangement, then the screw can be securely retained, but it is hard to find and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is designed to work with standard screws rather than customized ones. The flexible loop aperture can accommodate various screw diameters within a reasonable range, allowing the use of common, readily available screws. This universality makes it easy to find and replace screws while maintaining secure retention.
4Device complexity
If the washer portions are placed close together, then the device structure is simpler, but the screw cannot pass through properly
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is divided into two separate portions with a gap between them, rather than being a continuous solid structure. This segmentation allows the screw to pass through the gap while the washer portions provide support and distribution of load. The simple design of two separate portions maintains structural simplicity while enabling proper screw passage.
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 device provides improved endurance and reduced wear, ensuring the screw remains securely attached even after multiple use cycles, preventing loss and maintaining effective retention.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining aperture has an elongated form in a relaxed state and is arranged to have said elongated form temporarily altered from the relaxed state to an expanded state such that an expanded retaining aperture is formed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a screw-retaining device (1) comprising a connecting element (2) which in turn comprises a first end part (3), a second end part (4) and an intermediate part (5) that connects the end parts (3, 4). The first end part (3) comprises an at least mainly circumferentially running part (6) that at least partly encompasses a retaining aperture (7) that is arranged to engage the threads (9) of a screw (100), and the second end part (4) is attached to an object (8). The screw-retaining device (1) further comprises a washer part (20) with a first and second washer portion (21, 22), having a corresponding first and second washer aperture (23, 24). The washer portions (20, 22) are connected and spaced apart by a gap (26), and the washer apertures (23, 24) admit passage of a screw stem (19). The first end part (3) is arranged to be positioned in the gap (26) before a screw (100) that is intended to be retained is mounted to the screw-retaining device (1) via the retaining aperture (7) and the washer apertures (23, 24). The present disclosure also relates to a screw-retaining kit.