Lock Nut Structure Using Deformable Annular Thread Backlash Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuts, particularly lock nuts, face challenges in providing a cost-effective and simple structure that effectively resists loosening due to external forces like vibrations, while also being easy to tighten, and often require complex assembly and higher production costs.
Innovation Solution
A nut design featuring a polygonal shape with an annular member and outer frame member that forms a gap which deforms to eliminate backlash between the female and male threads, providing strong frictional force and resistance to loosening, and can be easily produced and assembled as a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard lock nut with eccentric fitting is used to resist loosening, then the nut locking effect is improved, but the production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into three functional segments: a nut main body with internal threads, an annular member with spiral extension that deforms to eliminate backlash, and an outer frame member with inclining plane that guides the deformation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular member's spiral extension allows it to change its geometric parameters during tightening. As the nut is screwed onto the bolt, the annular member deforms from a larger diameter state to a smaller diameter state, eliminating backlash between threads. This parameter change provides the locking effect without complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a hard lock nut with eccentric fitting is used to resist loosening, then the nut locking effect is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated nut structure. The nut main body, annular member, and outer frame member work together as one unit to provide both the fastening function and the anti-loosening function simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate lock nuts or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular member with spiral extension automatically eliminates backlash and provides locking effect during the tightening process itself. The deformation of the annular member against the inclining plane of the outer frame member creates frictional force that prevents loosening without requiring additional operations or components.
3Reliability
If a nut with slit is used to prevent loosening, then the locking effect is improved, but the ease of tightening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular member is designed to be dynamically deformable during tightening. The spiral extension allows the annular member to flex and eliminate backlash as the nut is screwed onto the bolt, then lock in place once the tightening force is applied. This dynamic behavior provides both ease of tightening and resistance to loosening.
4Ease of operation
If conventional nuts are used, then the ease of tightening is maintained, but the resistance to loosening from vibrations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of vibration into a beneficial locking mechanism. The annular member's spiral extension is designed to deform under vibration loads, pressing against the inclining plane of the outer frame member to increase frictional force and prevent loosening, thereby converting vibration (harm) into enhanced locking (benefit).
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 nut design effectively resists loosening from vibrations and is easy to tighten, offering a strong and cost-effective solution with improved assembly efficiency and reduced production costs compared to traditional lock nuts.
Implementation Method 1
a first gap is formed between a first end portion and a top surface of the nut main body... The top surface of the first end portion of the annular member is located above a top surface of the outer frame member
Implementation Method 2
The inner wall of the outer frame member is inclining such that the second gap is made larger in a direction from the top surface of the nut main body toward the top surface of the outer frame member
Implementation Method 3
providing strong frictional force and resistance to loosening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided is a nut that resists being loosened and is easy to be tightened. A nut 600 according to the present invention includes a nut main body 10 having a tapped hole 30 formed therein; an annular member 41 formed on the side of a top surface of the nut main body 10; and an outer frame member 45 formed on the side of an outer edge of the annular member 41. The annular member 41 includes a second end portion 42b in contact with a top surface 11 of the nut main body 10 and a first end portion 42a located opposite to the second end portion 42b. A top surface of the first end portion 42a is located above a top surface of the second end portion 42b. A first gap 40 is formed between the first end portion 42a and the top surface 11 of the nut main body 10. A second gap 49 is formed between a side surface of the annular member 41 and an inner wall 47 of the outer frame member 45. The top surface of the first end portion 42a of the annular member 41 is located above a top surface 46 of the outer frame member 45. The inner wall 47 of the outer frame member 45 is inclining while tapering in an upward direction.