Magnetized Threaded Insert for Screw Alignment in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helical threaded fasteners face challenges in positioning and maintaining alignment due to space constraints, gravity, and screw size/shape, leading to increased assembly time and decreased production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system utilizing a ferromagnetic insert with a helical threaded interior surface and a magnet to secure a ferromagnetic screw, where the magnet's magnetic field aligns and holds the screw in the starting position, allowing easy rotation into engagement with the insert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a helical threaded screw is used to fasten materials, then the fastening function is achieved, but the positioning and alignment of the screw becomes difficult due to space constraints and gravity
Solution Approach 1:
A ferromagnetic insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the surrounding material and the screw. This insert contains a magnet that creates a magnetic field to automatically position and align the ferromagnetic screw, eliminating the need for manual positioning and overcoming space constraints and gravity issues
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning process is replaced with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnet in the ferromagnetic insert creates magnetic attraction forces that automatically guide and hold the screw in the correct starting position, substituting complex manual manipulation with a simpler magnetic field mechanism
2Productivity
If manual manipulation is used to position the screw, then alignment may be achieved, but assembly time increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic insert with the magnet is pre-installed in the surrounding material before screw assembly. This preliminary action creates a magnetic field that is ready to automatically position the screw when it is introduced, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual positioning and alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field in the ferromagnetic insert provides self-service positioning functionality. When the ferromagnetic screw is brought near the insert, the magnetic attraction automatically draws the screw into the correct starting position and holds it there, without requiring continuous manual manipulation or external positioning tools
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
Reduces assembly time and improves production efficiency by ensuring precise screw alignment and retention, even in constrained spaces, and facilitates easier disassembly by preventing screw loss.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is positioned in proximity of a first end of the insert... The screw's starting position... is a position and orientation of the screw relative to a bore, or an insert secured within a bore, wherein rotating the screw in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) around its long axis will cause a thread on a surface of the screw to engage a thread on an interior surface of the bore or insert
Implementation Method 2
The fastening device comprises an insert composed of an axially magnetized material... adapted to receive a ferromagnetic screw
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved fastening system that leverages magnetism to assist in the installation of a fastener. The system may include an axially magnetized insert adapted to be secured within a bore in a surrounding material. The insert may be composed of a material having a magnetic permeability that is higher than that of the surrounding material. The insert may include a helical threaded interior surface adapted to receive a ferromagnetic screw. When placed in proximity of the insert, the tip of the screw is pulled into and held in alignment with the insert by the magnetic field emanating from the magnet. The fastening system may be particularly beneficial in environments where positioning or holding the screw in the starting position is difficult.