Multi-Thread Screw Design for Versatile Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw configurations are not cost-effective for use in multiple different materials, as they are often optimized for a single material type, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and lack versatility in performance across various substrates.
Innovation Solution
A multi-thread screw design featuring a high thread, low thread, and intermediate threads with a common pitch, where the high thread has notches on its peripheral edge, and the low thread has a smaller major diameter, along with a tapered end with a polygonal cross-section and axially extending cut, enhancing self-drilling capabilities and reducing torque resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw is optimized for a single material type, then performance in that material is improved, but versatility across multiple materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The screw thread is segmented into multiple distinct thread forms along its length, including a first thread form with coarser pitch for penetrating materials and a second thread form with finer pitch for engaging materials. This segmentation allows different portions of the screw to perform specialized functions optimized for different material types, thereby achieving versatility across multiple materials while maintaining reliable performance in each.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the screw shank are given different thread characteristics tailored to specific material engagement requirements. The first thread form with larger pitch is positioned for initial penetration into harder or denser materials, while the second thread form with smaller pitch is positioned for engagement with softer or more ductile materials. This local differentiation of thread quality enables the single screw to effectively fasten diverse material combinations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a screw has multiple thread forms for different materials, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thread forms that would traditionally require separate screws are merged into a single continuous screw body. The first thread form and second thread form are combined along the shank length, allowing one screw to perform the function of multiple specialized screws. This merging reduces the number of different screw types needed in inventory and simplifies fastening operations while maintaining the versatility to handle different material combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw is designed as a universal fastener capable of functioning across multiple material types through its multi-form thread configuration. By integrating different thread forms suitable for various materials (wood, metal, plastic, composite) into a single screw design, the fastener achieves multi-functionality, eliminating the need for material-specific screw selections and simplifying both manufacturing and application processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If a screw uses conventional single-thread design, then manufacturing is simpler, but performance in multiple materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thread manufacturing process is segmented to create distinct thread forms along the shank. The first thread form with coarser pitch is manufactured in the initial portion of the shank, while the second thread form with finer pitch is manufactured in the remaining portion. This segmentation can be achieved through specialized threading tools or multi-stage threading processes, maintaining manufacturing feasibility while enabling superior multi-material performance compared to conventional single-thread designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-thread screw includes a head end, a shank and a tapered end. Both a high thread and a low thread begin on the tapered end and extend onto the shank. The tapered end of the thread may include a polygonal cross-sectional shape.