Point-Contact Thread Form for Vibration-Resistant Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration-resistant threaded fasteners for large diameter applications often require additional materials or components to prevent loosening under vibration, leading to increased costs and difficulties in reuse.
Innovation Solution
The development of new thread profiles with specific angle configurations for crest, flank, and root portions that provide point contact, allowing for improved vibration resistance without the need for additional anti-vibration measures like nylon patches or pins, enabling the fasteners to spin freely and be reused multiple times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thread coatings (adhesives, lubricants, anti-vibration coatings) are applied to compensate for loosening, then vibration resistance is improved, but material cost and application cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate thread coatings and anti-vibration materials by integrating vibration resistance directly into the thread geometry itself. The specialized thread profile with point contact areas provides inherent vibration protection without requiring additional substances or materials to be applied to the threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the thread profile, specifically creating a thread form with point contact areas rather than traditional line or surface contact. This geometric parameter change fundamentally alters how the threads interact under vibration, providing resistance without requiring additional materials or coatings.
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is used to force a nut onto a threaded connection, then assembly is achieved, but deformation occurs preventing reuse of the nut
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact geometry parameter from traditional line contact to point contact, which distributes the assembly forces more effectively and reduces peak stresses that cause deformation. This allows nuts to be assembled with appropriate force levels and reused without deformation damage.
3Reliability
If separate components like pins are used to restrict movement, then vibration resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration resistance function directly into the thread structure itself, eliminating the need for separate components like pins or locking mechanisms. The point contact thread geometry provides vibration protection as an inherent feature of the thread form, combining structural simplicity with vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the need for separate vibration-resistant components by integrating the protective function directly into the thread profile. Instead of adding pins or locking elements, the solution takes out the requirement for additional components entirely.
4Reliability
If modifications are made to prevent threaded connection rotation, then vibration resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased difficulty of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact geometry from traditional thread profiles to a point contact design that provides vibration resistance while maintaining smooth rotational characteristics. The point contact areas are positioned and oriented to resist vibration-induced loosening without creating friction or mechanical interference that would hinder rotation during assembly and disassembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded fastener having a thread defined by a crest portion, a leading flank, a first root portion, a second root portion, and a trailing flank, configured to engage an externally threaded trapezoidal threadform. The thread may alternatively be defined by a foot portion, a leading flank, a first crest portion, a second crest portion, and a trailing flank, configured to engage an internally threaded trapezoidal threadform.