Functional-Layer Fastener for Low-Friction Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners in assemblies experience unwanted force, leading to friction, vibration, and noise, and fail to effectively fix components while protecting sensitive surfaces and simplifying assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a base with opposing major surfaces, one overlaid with a low friction functional layer and the other without, or with a different layer, to reduce friction and vibration, and include secondary apertures and bridge portions for enhanced fixation and assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fastener is used to fix components in an assembly, then fixation strength is improved, but friction and vibration increase due to unwanted forces against component sides
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a functional layer with different friction characteristics on different surfaces. Specifically, the first major surface has a functional layer providing low friction to reduce vibration and noise against the housing, while the second major surface has different friction characteristics for optimal fixation against the shaft. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the fastener to simultaneously achieve strong fixation and reduced harmful friction/vibration.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a functional layer is applied to both surfaces of the fastener, then friction is reduced, but fixation strength decreases due to insufficient grip on the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a functional layer with different friction characteristics on different surfaces. Specifically, the first major surface has a functional layer providing low friction to reduce vibration and noise against the housing, while the second major surface has different friction characteristics for optimal fixation against the shaft. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the fastener to simultaneously achieve strong fixation and reduced harmful friction/vibration.
3Reliability
If assembly components are secured tightly to prevent movement, then reliability is improved, but sensitive surfaces may be damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The functional layer acts as an intermediary between the fastener and the housing surface. This intermediate layer protects the sensitive housing surface from direct contact and potential damage by the fastener, while still providing sufficient friction for secure fixation. The functional layer absorbs the harmful interaction forces, preventing surface damage while maintaining assembly reliability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple components and layers are added to reduce friction and protect surfaces, then friction and vibration decrease, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional layer is integrated directly into the fastener structure, merging the friction-reduction function with the fixation component. Instead of adding a separate protective layer or component, the fastener itself is manufactured with the functional layer applied to its surfaces, combining multiple functions (fixation, friction reduction, vibration reduction, surface protection) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity.
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 fastener reduces friction and vibration, improves assembly efficiency, and extends assembly lifetime by providing a low-friction interface and secure fixation while protecting sensitive surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a functional layer overlying the first major surface of the base... to reduce friction and vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener including: a fastener body including a base defining an aperture down a central axis, and first and second opposing major surfaces, and at least one secondary base defining a secondary aperture; and a functional layer overlying the first major surface of the base, where the second opposing major surface is free of the functional layer or is overlaid with a second functional layer different than the first functional layer.