Multi-Zone Fastener Thread Profiles for Forming and Locking

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional threaded fasteners are optimized for either thread forming or thread locking, but not both, leading to sub-optimal performance in applications where both features are required.

Innovation Solution

A fastener with two separate thread profiles distributed along its shaft, comprising a thread forming profile in the first and second zones and a thread locking profile in the third zone, allowing for optimized mechanical interference and combined functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fastener is optimized for thread forming, then thread forming capability is improved, but thread locking capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread forming capabilityVSAvoidthread locking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener shaft is divided into three distinct zones along its length, with the first zone featuring a thread forming thread profile and the second zone featuring a thread locking thread profile. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the fastener to achieve both thread forming and thread locking capabilities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the fastener shaft are given different thread profiles tailored to their specific functions. The first zone has a thread forming profile optimized for creating threads in the nut member, while the second zone has a thread locking profile optimized for mechanical interference and locking. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to excel at its designated task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a fastener is optimized for thread locking, then thread locking capability is improved, but thread forming capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread locking capabilityVSAvoidthread forming capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener shaft is divided into three distinct zones along its length, with the first zone featuring a thread forming thread profile and the second zone featuring a thread locking thread profile. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the fastener to achieve both thread forming and thread locking capabilities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the fastener shaft are given different thread profiles tailored to their specific functions. The first zone has a thread forming profile optimized for creating threads in the nut member, while the second zone has a thread locking profile optimized for mechanical interference and locking. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to excel at its designated task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single thread profile is used throughout the fastener shaft, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread profile uniformityVSAvoidcombined thread forming and locking functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener shaft is divided into three distinct zones along its length, with the first zone featuring a thread forming thread profile and the second zone featuring a thread locking thread profile. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the fastener to achieve both thread forming and thread locking capabilities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener is designed to perform multiple functions through its multi-zone structure. The first zone creates threads in the nut member, while the second zone provides mechanical interference for locking. This multi-functionality allows a single fastener to replace what would traditionally require separate fastening and locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11125262B2Thread forming and thread locking fastener

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 RESEARCH ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING INC

AI summary

A combined thread forming and thread locking fastener is disclosed. A fastener includes three thread zones. A first thread zone utilizes a first thread forming thread profile with an increasing outer diameter. A second thread zone extends from the end of the first zone utilizing the first thread forming thread profile and continues with a constant diameter. The third thread zone utilizes a thread locking thread profile continuing along substantially the remainder of the shaft of a fastener.