Vibration-Resistant Locking System With Notched Nut And Counter-Threaded Bolt
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional screw-type fasteners tend to loosen due to vibrations, leading to unfastening issues in various industries, including medical, mining, aerospace, and automotive, where a reliable locking system is needed to prevent unfastening under movement.
Innovation Solution
A locking system comprising a girder with an externally threaded terminus and a counter-threaded bolt and nut configuration, featuring notches, apertures, or oblong apertures for a locking pin to prevent relative rotation, ensuring the fastener remains secure against vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw-type fasteners are used, then the fastening system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fastener loosens under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system employs nested components where a locking pin is inserted through aligned notches in the girder and nut, and a counter-threaded bolt is inserted through the nut into the girder. These nested elements work together to prevent relative rotation and secure the fastening against vibration-induced loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin and counter-threaded bolt serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the girder and nut. The locking pin prevents rotation by engaging notches, while the counter-threaded bolt provides additional mechanical interference, together preventing the nut from loosening under vibration.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fasteners are used, then the installation process is quick and simple, but precise torque specification is difficult to achieve and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is self-locking through its mechanical design. The locking pin engages notches to prevent rotation, and the counter-threaded bolt provides mechanical interference within the nut's threaded bore. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for precise torque control during installation, as the system automatically maintains its locking function.
3Reliability
If a locking system with notches and locking pin is implemented, then vibration-induced loosening is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system merges multiple functions into integrated components. The locking pin serves both as a rotation preventer and a position indicator for alignment. The counter-threaded bolt combines threading engagement with the girder's counter-threaded bore and mechanical interference within the nut. This merging reduces the need for separate complex locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for fastening a first object to one or more other objects that prevents unfastening due to vibration until unlocked. The locking system includes: (a) girder having a first end that has an externally threaded terminus defining an internally counter-threaded bore; (b) a nut having an essentially planar top surface and an internally threaded bore for rotational engagement with the terminus of the girder, wherein the essentially planar top surface comprises at least two notches on opposite sides of the threaded bore of the nut; and (c) a counter-threaded bolt having a diameter smaller than the bore of the nut and a length sufficient to rotationally engage the bore of said girder while inserted through the bore of the girder, wherein the bolt comprises a head cooperating with the at least two notches for preventing substantial relative rotation of the bolt with the girder.