Lock-Arm Fastener Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Blind Openings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener mechanisms and adhesive materials are inadequate for high-temperature environments and structures subject to extreme vibration, and they struggle with blind openings that require specialized and expensive fastener assemblies, which can be difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a threaded member and a lock assembly that includes a first lock member with ratchet teeth and a second lock member with a lock tooth, along with adjustable lock arms that engage surfaces to prevent rotation, allowing for secure attachment and accommodating different shapes, sizes, and configurations of elements, including those with blind openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastener mechanisms and adhesive materials are used, then they are simple to implement, but they are not suitable for high temperature environments or structures subject to extreme vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed with movable tabs that can deflect between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the fastener to dynamically adapt to vibration and thermal expansion while maintaining secure attachment. The tabs flex under load to accommodate environmental stresses without compromising the locked state.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener system is divided into distinct functional components: the threaded member, the lock member with multiple tabs, and the engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide reliable fastening in extreme environments.
2Reliability
If specialized fastener assemblies are used for blind openings, then secure connection is achieved, but they are expensive and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member automatically engages with the engagement feature when the threaded member is inserted and rotated. The tabs deflect and lock into place without requiring manual intervention or specialized assembly tools, enabling simple one-sided installation in blind openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener assembly is designed to work with various blind opening configurations through the adjustable lock member and engagement features. The same basic design can accommodate different shapes, sizes, and configurations, eliminating the need for specialized fasteners for each application.
3Reliability
If lock members with multiple tabs are used, then vibration resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock tabs and engagement features are integrated into a single lock member component that is directly coupled to the threaded member. This merging of functions into one piece provides vibration resistance without the complexity of multiple separate parts or assembly steps.
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 provides a secure, vibration-resistant attachment that prevents loosening and is easy to install, accommodating various element configurations without the need for nuts or specialized assemblies, ensuring reliable connection in diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first lock member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth. The second lock member includes at least one lock tooth configured to engage the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first lock member.
Implementation Method 2
The at least one lock arm is configured to engage a surface to inhibit rotation of the second lock member.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly includes a threaded member and a first lock member coupled to the threaded member. The first lock member includes a plurality of ratchet teeth. The fastener assembly further includes a second lock member including at least one lock tooth configured to engage the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first lock member. The fastener assembly has a locked configuration in which the at least one lock tooth engages the plurality of ratchet teeth and an unlocked configuration in which the at least one lock tooth is spaced from the plurality of ratchet teeth. The fastener assembly also includes at least one lock arm coupled to the second lock member. The at least one lock arm extends at least in part radially outward of the second lock member. The at least one lock arm is configured to engage a surface to inhibit rotation of the second lock member.