Quick-Release Screw Coupling for Multi-Part Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick screw connections for multi-part assemblies, particularly in electrotechnical devices, require lengthy screwing procedures or on-site shortening of screws/bolts, and often necessitate tool use, especially in challenging conditions like construction sites, and cannot handle interlocking threads effectively.

Innovation Solution

A quick screw connection featuring a threaded rod with flattened longitudinal sides and a divided nut with transverse nut pieces that can be twisted to engage and secure without tools, allowing for tool-free assembly and use with interlocking threads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard screws and nuts are used for connecting assemblies, then reliable thread engagement is achieved, but lengthy screwing procedures and tool use are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread engagementVSAvoidscrewing procedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nut is divided into two separate nut pieces that can be independently manipulated. The first nut piece engages the thread initially, and the second nut piece is rotated to lock the connection, enabling quick assembly without traditional screwing procedures while maintaining reliable thread engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded rod is pre-flattened at specific locations before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the nut pieces to engage and lock quickly during assembly without requiring on-site shortening or modification of the rod, reducing assembly time while ensuring proper engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If threaded rods are shortened on-site to accommodate smaller distances, then adaptability to different positions is improved, but additional tools and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustmentVSAvoidon-site modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded rod's geometry is modified by flattening specific portions along its length. This parameter change allows the rod to accommodate different assembly distances and positions without requiring on-site shortening, as the flattened sections provide engagement surfaces that work with the divided nut at various positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If interlocking threads are used to prevent loosening, then connection stability under dynamic loads is improved, but tool-free assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtool-free assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection is divided into two stages using two nut pieces: the first piece enables easy tool-free engagement by simply sliding onto the flattened rod, while the second piece provides the locking function with interlocking features that prevent loosening under dynamic loads, combining ease of operation with connection stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The divided nut design allows the first nut piece to self-align and engage the flattened rod without tools, while the second nut piece automatically locks when rotated, achieving both tool-free assembly and stable connection under load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3673181B1Quick-release screw coupling for connecting multi-part assemblies
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 DEHN SOHNE GMBH CO KG
  • EP3673181B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3673181B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3673181B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a quick-release screw coupling, more particularly for connecting multi-part assemblies that can be fixed in different positions in relation to each other, more particularly assemblies for electrotechnical equipment or applications, consisting of a first connecting part, formed as a threaded stud or screw (1), having an external screw thread, and consisting of a second connecting part, formed as a counter piece or nut, having an internal screw thread that complements the outer external screw thread. According to the invention, both the external screw thread and the internal screw thread are eliminated or flattened on at least two opposite longitudinal sides extending in the screw direction. Furthermore, the counter piece or nut transverse to the screw direction is split into at least one first (4) and a second (5) nut piece, wherein the first and the second nut piece can be rotated and tensioned with respect to each other by means of an external/internal thread pair (6; 7).