Composite Stud Hole Insert for Horseshoe Thread Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing horseshoe stud protection systems face issues such as thread deformation under heavy loads, dirt accumulation, and difficulty in removing and replacing studs due to deformation of threads and dirt ingress.

Innovation Solution

A stud hole protection system featuring a stud hole core with a softer thread connection element made of materials like rubber or plastic, which is externally placed to distance the stud hole core from the horseshoe threads, combined with gripping means and a screw driver slot for easy installation and removal, preventing direct contact and maintaining shape under load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a foam plug or plastic protective plug is used to protect the threaded hole, then the threads are protected from dirt ingress, but the threads are deformed under heavy load because the soft material cannot withstand the force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt ingress into threaded holeVSAvoidthread strength under load

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stud hole protection combines a soft outer layer (thermoplastic elastomer or rubber) with a hard inner core (metal or hard plastic). The soft outer layer prevents dirt ingress and protects the threads, while the hard inner core provides the necessary strength to withstand heavy loads without deforming the threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The stud hole protection is divided into two distinct functional parts: an outer protective layer that contacts the threads and prevents dirt ingress, and an inner core that bears the mechanical load. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the outer layer for protection and the inner core for strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a hard metal stud hole protection is used, then the threads can withstand heavy loads, but the threads are difficult to keep intact and deform when studs are not fitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread strength under loadVSAvoidthread integrity when stud is removed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stud hole protection combines a soft outer layer (thermoplastic elastomer or rubber) with a hard inner core (metal or hard plastic). The soft outer layer prevents dirt ingress and protects the threads, while the hard inner core provides the necessary strength to withstand heavy loads without deforming the threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The stud hole protection is divided into two distinct functional parts: an outer protective layer that contacts the threads and prevents dirt ingress, and an inner core that bears the mechanical load. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the outer layer for protection and the inner core for strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a threaded protective plug is used to protect the threaded hole, then the threads are protected from dirt, but the plug and threads are deformed under heavy load making removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt protectionVSAvoidease of removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stud hole protection combines a soft outer layer (thermoplastic elastomer or rubber) with a hard inner core (metal or hard plastic). The soft outer layer prevents dirt ingress and protects the threads, while the hard inner core provides the necessary strength to withstand heavy loads without deforming the threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The stud hole protection is divided into two distinct functional parts: an outer protective layer that contacts the threads and prevents dirt ingress, and an inner core that bears the mechanical load. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the outer layer for protection and the inner core for strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively protects horseshoe threads from deformation and dirt ingress, allowing for easy fitting and removal of studs while maintaining structural integrity under heavy loads.

Implementation Method 1

The peripheral parts of the stud hole core are at least partly provided with a thread connection element of a softer material than the material of the stud hole core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMaterial softness:

Implementation Method 2

the stud hole core is provided with gripping means, which act clamping against the thread connection element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectClamping force: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3422847B1Stud hole protection for a horseshoe

Publication Date: 2022.03.23 MALMA DENTAL AB

Figure 1~5
Figure 6~11
Figure 12~17

AI summary

Stud hole protection (13, 60), to be inserted into a threaded stud hole (12) in a horseshoe (10). The stud hole protection (13, 60) comprises a stud hole core (21, 81). The peripheral parts of the stud hole core (21, 81) are at least partly provided with a thread connection element (23, 62) of a softer material than the material of the stud hole core (21, 81) and which thread connection element (23, 62) connects to the thread (51) of the stud hole (12) in the horseshoe (10) when the stud hole protection (13, 60) is mounted.