Fluid-Dispensing Washer for Precise Fastener Additive Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying additives during fastening operations, such as screws or nails, result in waste and inefficient application, as they require opening entire containers and can damage surrounding surfaces due to the difficulty in precise application and the reactivity of additives with the atmosphere.

Innovation Solution

A deformable washer with an integrated fluid channel that automatically dispenses the additive upon force application, preventing exposure to the atmosphere and allowing for precise application of the required quantity directly to the fastener, reducing waste and supporting various additives with different viscosities and hermetic sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional dipping or rubbing methods are used to apply additive to fasteners, then the application process is simple, but precise application is impossible and additive is wasted through drips and over-application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of additive applicationVSAvoidcomplexity of dispensing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washer automatically dispenses the precise amount of additive needed through its integrated channel system when installed on the fastener, eliminating the need for manual application and preventing waste through self-regulated dispensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The additive dispensing channel is nested within the washer body, creating an integrated system where the washer serves both as a fastening component and a precise dispensing device, combining multiple functions in a single element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If entire containers of additive are opened for single fastener installations, then the additive is immediately available, but the additive degrades through reaction with the atmosphere and waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of additive accessVSAvoidadditive waste and degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The required amount of additive is pre-loaded into the washer's internal channel during manufacturing, sealed to prevent atmospheric exposure, and only dispensed when needed during installation, eliminating both waste and degradation issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washer is designed as a single-use dispensing device where the additive is contained in a sealed channel that is breached during installation, allowing the additive to be used immediately and the washer to be discarded, eliminating storage and degradation concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If silicone additive is applied to screws in maritime industry, then the screws are protected, but the silicone is difficult to contain and can damage or stain surrounding surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of fastenerVSAvoiddamage or stain to surrounding surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The additive is delivered precisely to the local area where it is needed (at the fastener interface) through the washer's channel system, preventing it from contacting and damaging surrounding surfaces while still providing necessary protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of substance

If a deformable washer with integrated fluid channel is used, then precise application and waste prevention are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive waste reductionVSAvoidcomplexity of washer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The additive storage channel and dispensing function are merged into the washer body itself, creating an integrated system that reduces waste while maintaining relative simplicity through consolidation of functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution minimizes additive waste by ensuring only the needed quantity is applied, preventing degradation and damage, while allowing for efficient use of high-value additives and supporting recyclable materials, facilitating precise and efficient application without user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable washer with an integrated fluid channel that automatically dispenses the additive upon force application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

supporting various additives with different viscosities and hermetic sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11035401B2Method for applying fluid to fasteners

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 GUIDISH JEROME J

AI summary

A washer with integrated fluid distribution which includes a body with an outer ring having an aperture located centrally within the ring, a channel enclosed within the outer ring and a release channel exit in fluid communication with the aperture and an interior surface of the channel. The channel is filled with a dispensing fluid and the release channel is reversibly closed. The release channel exit is located within an inner wall of the aperture. The body comprises a compressible material. The release channel exit is opened when pressure is applied to the washer body and the dispensing fluid exits the channel via the opened release channel exit.