Multi-Patch Threaded Fastener for Vibration Loosening Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threaded fasteners often loosen or become unintentionally removed due to vibrations or impacts, leading to damage and increased maintenance costs, as existing solutions like single nylon patches or adhesives are either inadequate for thread-sealing applications or slow down manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-patch threaded fastener with two or more polymer patches disposed on the shank, which are configured to wedge against a mating component, promoting metal-to-metal contact and increasing retention strength without requiring rotation during deposition, thus allowing for faster manufacturing rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single nylon patch is deposited along the threaded portion of the fastener, then retention strength is improved, but the patch does not provide adequate thread-sealing coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous nylon patch is segmented into multiple discrete patches distributed along the threaded portion of the fastener. This segmentation allows each patch to independently provide retention strength while the collective arrangement of multiple patches creates comprehensive thread-sealing coverage throughout the engaged length of the fastener, resolving the contradiction between retention strength and sealing applicability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the threaded fastener is rotated during nylon powder deposition to form a 360 degree patch, then sealing coverage is improved, but manufacturing speed decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the fastener to deposit a continuous 360-degree patch, the system segments the sealing function into multiple discrete patches deposited at different angular positions. The fastener remains stationary during deposition, and multiple nozzles or sequential deposition cycles create patches at various locations, achieving comprehensive sealing coverage without the time penalty of rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deposition process uses periodic action by depositing patches at intervals around the fastener rather than continuously. Multiple patches are deposited at discrete angular positions during stationary periods, achieving complete circumferential sealing coverage through repeated periodic deposition cycles instead of continuous rotation, thereby maintaining high manufacturing speed.
3Strength
If adhesive is applied to the threaded portion of the fastener, then retention strength is improved, but machine downtime increases due to curing time
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical bonding mechanism of adhesive is replaced with a mechanical interlocking mechanism using multiple nylon patches. The patches physically wedge between the fastener and the threaded opening, providing immediate retention strength through mechanical force rather than chemical bonding, thereby eliminating the curing time and associated machine downtime while maintaining strong retention.
4Productivity
If a single nylon patch extends 180 degrees around the fastener, then manufacturing speed is maintained, but retention force is reduced due to lack of contact on the opposite side
Solution Approach 1:
The single 180-degree patch is segmented into multiple smaller patches distributed around the fastener, including patches on opposite sides. This segmentation allows each patch to provide localized retention force while the cumulative effect of multiple patches distributed around the circumference provides comprehensive retention and sealing coverage, matching the performance of 360-degree coverage without requiring fastener rotation.
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 multi-patch design enhances retention strength and resistance to loosening or removal, achieving higher processing rates than existing methods while providing a sealing effect over a greater area, without the limitations of single patches or adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
The two or more polymer patches are configured to wedge against a mating threaded component to promote contact between non-patched threaded portions of the shank
Implementation Method 2
The applicator dispenses a nylon powder onto the threaded fastener, and the nylon melts, due to the temperature of the threaded fastener, to form the patch
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-patch threaded fastener includes a shank having a threaded portion and two or more polymer patches disposed on the shank. The two or more polymer patches are configured to wedge against a mating threaded component to promote contact between non-patched threaded portions of the shank and the mating threaded component to resist removal from the mating threaded component. A method of making the multi-patch threaded fastener includes positioning two or more nozzles for dispensing a patch material at locations corresponding to desired patch locations on the shank, conveying the shank past two or more nozzles, and dispensing the patch material from each nozzle onto the shank to form the two or more polymer patches on the shank.