Restrained Washer Assembly for Clamping Non-Parallel Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer assemblies requiring separate spherical and conical washers for clamping non-parallel surfaces are prone to incorrect assembly and loss, especially in hard-to-reach locations due to the need for precise positioning of two different components.
Innovation Solution
A washer assembly where a spherical top washer with a continuously decreasing outer diameter and a conical seat washer with a recess are loosely connected, ensuring they cannot be separated, thus eliminating the need for precise positioning and reducing the risk of loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate washers (spherical top washer and conical seat washer) are used to compensate for surface deviations, then the functionality to clamp non-parallel surfaces is achieved, but the complexity of assembly increases and the risk of loss or incorrect positioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spherical top washer and conical seat washer into a single integrated washer assembly. The spherical section and conical section are merged into one component that performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate washers and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to compensate for surface deviations and clamp non-parallel surfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If two different washers are used to achieve the clamping function, then the compensation for surface deviations is enabled, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated washer features an asymmetric design where the spherical section and conical section have distinct geometric characteristics. This asymmetry provides natural positioning cues that guide correct installation orientation, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning while maintaining the surface deviation compensation functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate washers are used to form the assembly, then the clamping capability is achieved, but the reliability decreases due to the risk of separation or loss
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the spherical top washer and conical seat washer into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the interface between two separate parts. This eliminates the risk of separation or loss that occurs with separate washers, while maintaining the full clamping capability through the unified spherical-conical structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer assembly comprising, or consisting of, a top washer 1 and a seat washer 2 each comprising a central hole 3, 4, respectively, wherein top washer 1 has a lower part 5 which, seen from top to bottom, has a continuously decreasing outer diameter so that top washer 1 has a minimum width at its bottom 6, and seat washer 2 has an upper part 7 which, seen from top to bottom, comprises a top section with a continuously decreasing inner diameter so that upper art 7 of seat washer 2 has a minimum inner diameter at its top 8, characterized in that top washer 1 has an outwardly extending flange 9 adjoining the bottom 6 of top washer 1 and the lower part 10 of seat washer 2 has a recess 11 at its inner side, wherein the maximum outer diameter of flange 9 is bigger than the minimum inner diameter of the upper part 7 of seat washer 2 and wherein top and seat washers are assembled so that the outermost part of flange 9 of top washer 1 is present within recess 11 of seat washer 2.