Reaction Washer with Nonconcentric Friction Surface for Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reaction washers struggle to effectively engage the flange during initial tightening, leading to potential slipping and spinning, which compromises the transfer of reaction torque.
Innovation Solution
A reaction washer design featuring a main body with a top and bottom surface, including a first raised friction inducing surface that extends in a circular pattern from at least one of the surfaces, nonconcentric with respect to the rotation axis, to maximize bite on the flange while minimizing friction on the top surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serrations are added to the bottom surface to increase bite on the flange, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a raised friction inducing surface with a specific circular pattern that is nonconcentric with the rotation axis. This localized feature concentrates friction forces at specific locations on the bottom surface, providing enhanced bite on the flange without requiring complex serrations across the entire surface. The raised surface geometry is specifically designed to maximize friction at the critical engagement zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning the raised friction inducing surface nonconcentrically with respect to the rotation axis. This asymmetric positioning creates an uneven distribution of friction forces that enhances the biting effect on the flange during initial tightening. The nonconcentric circular pattern ensures that the friction forces are applied at optimal locations to prevent slipping while maintaining simple geometry.
2Reliability
If friction on the top surface is increased to prevent slipping, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the friction characteristics between the top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface features a raised friction inducing surface with a nonconcentric circular pattern that maximizes friction for bite engagement. In contrast, the top surface maintains lower friction to allow smooth rotation during manual tightening operations. This localized differentiation of friction properties enables the washer to provide high friction where needed (bottom surface for flange engagement) while maintaining ease of operation at the top surface.
3Power
If a nonconcentric raised friction inducing surface is added to maximize bite, then the torque transfer effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning the raised friction inducing surface nonconcentrically with respect to the rotation axis. This asymmetric positioning creates an uneven distribution of friction forces that enhances the biting effect on the flange during initial tightening. The nonconcentric circular pattern ensures that the friction forces are applied at optimal locations to prevent slipping while maintaining simple geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the friction inducing surface. The raised surface has a specific circular pattern with a defined radius and positioning relative to the rotation axis. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the patent achieves effective torque transfer enhancement without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The design allows for reasonable manufacturing variations while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances the engagement of the flange by maximizing friction on the bottom surface and minimizing top surface friction, preventing slipping and ensuring effective torque transfer during initial tightening and subsequent operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first raised friction inducing surface that extends from at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface so as to be nonconcentric with respect to the rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
From the flange, the reaction torque is transferred onto a threaded element via which it counteracts the actuation torque
Data Source
AI summary
A reaction washer includes a main body that defines an inner diameter that slidingly receives an associated threaded element therethrough so as to define a rotation axis. The main body includes a top surface and a bottom surface that face in opposite directions. The reaction washer also includes a first raised friction inducing surface that extends from at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface so as to be nonconcentric with respect to the rotation axis.