Moldable Wire Thread Insert with Anchoring Flange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire thread inserts loosen over time, failing to adequately support screws and requiring costly retrofits or component replacement, leading to standstill times in machinery.

Innovation Solution

A moldable wire thread insert with a cylindrical spiral and a radially extending fastening flange, designed to be anchored within the component material, preventing twisting and shifting, and featuring a winding spindle for production that ensures mechanical tensions for secure anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If wire thread inserts are inserted into bore holes to reinforce screw-in openings, then the screw-in opening can support harder screws, but the wire thread insert loosens over time and fails to adequately support the screw

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capacityVSAvoidlong-term stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wire thread insert is segmented into multiple functional zones along its axial length: a fastening flange zone at one end for anchoring, a cylindrical spiral zone for thread formation, and a planar end zone for positioning. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, preventing loosening by ensuring secure anchoring at the fastening flange while maintaining thread integrity throughout the insert length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wire thread insert is pre-formed with a closed cylindrical spiral wall and integrated fastening flange before insertion into the bore hole. The closed spiral wall prevents material ingress that could cause loosening, and the pre-formed fastening flange ensures proper anchoring position is established before the insert is set in the component, preventing subsequent loosening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If wire thread inserts with separated coils are used, then the insert can be inserted into prefabricated threads, but the insert loosens and requires costly retrofits or component replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidretrofit cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into distinct functional segments including a fastening flange for anchoring, a closed cylindrical spiral for thread engagement, and a planar end for positioning. This segmentation enables the insert to be inserted into prefabricated threads while the closed spiral structure prevents loosening, eliminating the need for costly retrofits or component replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wire thread insert is designed to self-anchor through its fastening flange that engages with the component material during insertion. The closed cylindrical spiral wall self-seals to prevent material ingress, and the planar end provides self-positioning, all without requiring additional manufacturing steps or retrofits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If wire thread inserts are molded into components during production, then the inserts are secured in place, but the inserts may twist or shift without proper anchoring features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring securityVSAvoidinsert structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert structure is segmented into a fastening flange for anchoring, a closed cylindrical spiral for thread formation, and a planar end for positioning. This segmentation provides specific anchoring features that prevent twisting and shifting during molding without requiring excessive structural complexity, as each segment performs a dedicated function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the insert have different local qualities: the fastening flange has radial extension for anchoring, the cylindrical spiral has a closed wall structure for preventing material ingress, and the planar end provides a flat surface for positioning. These localized structural variations ensure secure anchoring without requiring the entire insert to be overly complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the cylindrical spiral has separated coils, then the insert can be inserted into threads, but material can penetrate through the spiral wall into the inside of the insert

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion capabilityVSAvoidmaterial penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having open separated coils that allow material penetration, the cylindrical spiral is inverted to have a closed wall structure where the coils are formed with adjacent turns that prevent material from penetrating through the spiral wall into the inside of the insert, while still allowing the insert to be inserted into threaded bore holes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10005211B2Moldable wire thread insert, method for its production, component with a moldable wire thread insert as well as a method for its production

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

A moldable wire thread insert for reinforcing a screw-in opening of a component has the following characteristics: a cylindrical spiral made of a helically, wound wire, the neighboring coils of which are arranged such that a closed cylindrical spiral wall is present, while at least one end of the cylindrical spirals has a fastening flange, which extends radially outwards over the cylindrical spiral wall and with which the wire thread insert is anchorable in the component and/or one end of the cylindrical spiral is designed in a planar manner in order to form an even axial front surface of the cylindrical spiral.