Self-Locking Micro Threaded Fastener With Helical Edge Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current self-locking screw/nut assembly systems fail to provide reliable precision and stability for small diameter screws, particularly those less than 1.5 mm, leading to loosening under shock or vibration, and require additional gluing or machining precision that is difficult to achieve in small modules.

Innovation Solution

A self-locking assembly system with an externally threaded rod and nut featuring an asymmetrical profile pitch, where the contact surface between the threads is a continuous helical edge, distributing tensile forces along the thread length and maintaining contact despite deformations, allowing for reduced machining precision and industrial production suitability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional screw/nut assembly is used with standardized tolerance, then assembly is easy to manufacture, but the tightening forces cause point deformation of the thread leading to loosening under shock or vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightening stabilityVSAvoidthread contact precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by modifying the thread profile from a symmetric standardized form to an asymmetric custom profile. The asymmetric thread profile creates a larger contact surface area between the screw and nut threads, distributing the tightening forces over multiple points rather than concentrating them at a single point. This asymmetric design maintains ease of manufacture while improving tightening stability and preventing loosening under shock or vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If additional gluing operation is added to prevent loosening, then reliability of assembly is improved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a thread profile that inherently provides self-locking capability through its asymmetric geometry. The modified thread profile creates friction and mechanical interference that automatically prevent loosening without requiring external locking mechanisms or chemical adhesives. This eliminates the need for additional gluing operations, maintaining reliability while simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If self-locking systems with specific thread profiles are used, then tightening stability is improved, but the machining precision required becomes very difficult to obtain in small modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightening stabilityVSAvoidthread machining precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only the critical local geometry of the thread profile where contact occurs, rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire thread. The asymmetric thread profile is designed with specific local features that create the self-locking effect, while other portions of the thread can be manufactured with standard tolerances. This approach achieves tightening stability without requiring very difficult machining precision in small modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system ensures continuous contact and mechanical brake functionality, preventing unscrewing and meeting Swiss watchmaking standards for precision and quality, enabling reliable assembly and operation without additional locking steps or gluing, even in small diameter applications.

Implementation Method 1

the contact surface between the screw and the nut is a line... This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of establishing continuous contact between the threads of the threaded element and the threaded rod along an edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

distributing tensile forces along the thread length and maintaining contact despite deformations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2780605B2Self locking threaded fastener system
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 SAFELOCK
  • EP2780605B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2780605B2 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2780605B2 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

Self-locking fastener system comprising an externally threaded shank (2) having a first screw thread (3), the nominal diameter of which is less than 1.5mm, and a tapped element (4) having a second screw thread (5) the longitudinal section of which has a pitch (P2) of asymmetric profile and the nominal diameter of which is less than 1.5mm and in which, when said threaded shank (2) is assembled with said tapped element (4) the contact surface constitutes a helical edge (6).