Radiused Screw Head Geometry for Low-Weight Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw elements are not optimized for low weight and flexibility, limiting their applicability in weight-sensitive and space-constrained applications such as passenger and commercial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The screw element features corner domes with radiused flanks for compatibility with traditional hexagon sockets and surface drive mechanisms, and a central cup arrangement in the head to reduce weight and height, allowing for efficient torque transmission and flexible tool usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the screw element uses a traditional hexagon socket design, then it can be tightened with traditional box spanners, but the weight and height of the head are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The head is segmented into corner domes separated by recesses, allowing material removal while maintaining structural integrity and tool engagement capability
Solution Approach 2:
Material is extracted from the head to form recesses between corner domes, reducing weight while preserving the hexagon socket functionality for traditional tools
2Weight of moving object
If the head height is reduced to lower weight, then weight decreases, but the structural integrity and torque transmission capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The corner domes are provided with radii on their flanks, creating curved surfaces that efficiently transmit torque while absorbing vertical forces, maintaining strength despite reduced head height
Solution Approach 2:
The radii are specifically positioned on the flanks of corner domes where torque transmission occurs, providing localized strength enhancement without increasing overall head height
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flanks of corner domes are provided with radii, then compatibility with surface drive mechanisms is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radii on the flanks of corner domes create curved surfaces that naturally engage with surface drive mechanisms, enabling universal tool compatibility through a single geometric feature
4Weight of moving object
If recesses are arranged between corner domes in the circumferential direction, then weight is reduced, but the tool engagement surface area is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into discrete corner domes separated by recesses, concentrating tool engagement surfaces on the domes while removing material from recess areas to reduce weight
Solution Approach 2:
The corner domes with radiated flanks provide sufficient engagement surface area despite the presence of recesses, as the curved surfaces efficiently transmit torque
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a screw element (10), comprising a shank (12) having a thread (14) and comprising a head (16) connected to the shank (12), the said head having a tool engagement portion (20) which has six corner domes (22) arranged evenly distributed in the peripheral direction of the head (16) and having respective flanks (24, 26), by which the head (16) can be brought into positive cooperation with a hexagon socket (34) of a tool (32) for tightening of the screw element (10), wherein respective recesses (38) are arranged peripherally between the comer domes (22), and wherein the flanks (24, 26) of the comer domes (22) are respectively provided at least partially with a radius (R).