Torque-Limiting Releasable Fastener for Over-Tightening Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods, such as screws, often result in excessive locking, which can damage objects or strip screws due to continuous tightening efforts to ensure security.
Innovation Solution
A fittable and releasable fastener system comprising a head with fitted and released portions and a fitting and releasing piece, where the fitting and releasing piece limits the force or force interval applied to the fastening portion to prevent excessive locking, using elastomer and pusher components with distinct surfaces to manage torque and turning forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are continuously tightened to ensure secure locking, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the object may be damaged or the screw may get stripped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a limiting portion that pre-limits the rotational movement of the screw before excessive tightening can occur. This preliminary mechanical constraint prevents the harmful action of over-tightening while still allowing sufficient rotation to achieve secure locking, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and damage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting portion acts as a mechanical feedback mechanism that provides tactile and visual feedback to the user when the maximum safe rotation is reached. This feedback system allows the user to know when to stop tightening, ensuring reliable connection without causing damage from excessive force
2Device complexity
If a simple screw mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot prevent excessive locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the limiting function directly into the screw head structure by integrating the limiting portion with the fastening portion. This combination allows the screw to simultaneously perform both fastening and force-limiting functions without requiring separate complex mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while adding protective capability
Solution Approach 2:
The screw head is segmented into distinct functional portions: the fastening portion that engages with the object and the limiting portion that controls rotation. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in its function while working together as an integrated unit, achieving reliable force limitation with minimal added complexity
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
Prevents damage to objects by limiting torque force during fastening and allows secure locking without excessive force, enabling easy release and reapplication of fastening without stripping or damaging components.
Implementation Method 1
The fitting and releasing portion or the fitted and released portion comprises an elastomer and a pusher
Data Source
AI summary
A fittable and releasable fastener includes a head which has a fitted and released portion and a fastening portion; and a fitting and releasing piece which has a fitting and releasing portion. Accordingly, when the fitting and releasing portion fits to the fitted and released portion, an external turning force is applied to the fitting and releasing piece or the head to make the fastening portion combine with at least one object. After the fastening portion is combined with the object, the fitting and releasing portion would release the fitted and released portion to limit the force or the force interval applied on the fastening portion for preventing excessively locking if the force is continuously applied.