Safety Nut Circular Wedge Clamping Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking nuts face challenges in reliably and reproducibly determining the end position of the clamping force during the clamping process, leading to inconsistent securing and potential loosening under vibrations, while also being costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The locking nut features circular wedges with locking areas and circular profiles with recesses that engage when the clamping ring is secured, allowing for manual or automatic detection of the end position through a minimal reduction in clamping force, enabling fully automatic assembly and additional securing of the clamping connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic ring or thread deformation is used to prevent loss, then the nut can be secured against loss, but the force that can be used is limited and stronger vibrations can lead to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is divided into two independent parts: a retention element (plastic ring or thread deformation) for preventing loss, and a clamping mechanism (collar pressed into groove) for providing strong clamping force. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple securing mechanisms (retention element and clamping mechanism) into a single integrated solution that provides both loss prevention and strong clamping force, resolving the contradiction between limited force and reliability under vibration.
2Reliability
If a collar and groove are attached to secure the nut, then the connection is stable, but it can no longer be detached (irreversible)
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed to be movable during assembly, allowing the collar to be pressed into the groove for stable connection, but retains the capability to be detached when needed, thus achieving both stability and reversibility.
3Productivity
If circular wedges and circular profiles are used for clamping, then the clamping process can be performed, but the end position cannot be reliably and reproducibly determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms (sensors, detection devices) that monitor the clamping process in real-time and provide information about the end position, enabling reliable and reproducible determination of when the clamping is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical end-position determination with sensor-based detection systems that can accurately measure and signal the completion of the clamping process, improving measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If manual detection of end position is used, then the clamping process can be completed, but fully automatic assembly cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback systems (sensors, detection devices) provide automatic signals about the end position and completion of clamping, enabling fully automatic assembly operations without manual intervention while maintaining precise control.
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
This design ensures a reliable and reproducible clamping process, allowing for automatic detection of the end position, reversible securing, and cost-effective manufacturing, while maintaining a stable clamping effect.
Implementation Method 1
at least one circular wedge has at least one locking area and that at least one circular profile has at least one corresponding recess; or that at least one circular wedge has at least one recess and that at least one circular profile has at least one latching area, which are in latching engagement when the clamping ring is clamped to the nut body
Implementation Method 2
Each circular wedge and each circular profile preferably has at least one such means in order to ensure a uniform distribution of force over the circumference of the clamping ring or the neck
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a safety nut (1) with a nut body (5) and a tensioning ring (4) attached to the nut body (5) so that it can rotate which can be fixed on the nut body (5) by clamping, wherein the inner surface of the tensioning ring (4) has grooves in the form of circular notches (10a, 10b, 10c) extending at equal angles over the entire circumference, and wherein the outer surface of the neck (2) has the same number of cams in the form of circular profiles (20a, 20b, 20c) which are assigned to the circular notches (10a, 10b, 10c) and which extend respectively by an equal angle, which is substantially smaller than the angle of the assigned circular notch (10a, 10b, 10c). According to the invention, it is provided that at least one circular notch (10a, 10b, 10c) and at least one circular profile (20a, 20b, 20c) each have at least one means (11a, 11b, 11c; 23a, 23b, 23c; 13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c, 14c; 21a, 22a; 21 b, 22b; 21c, 22c), which engage with each other when the tensioning ring (4) is fixed on the nut body (5).