Screw Assembly Linking Member Torque Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional screw assemblies require a secondary assembly process to set the height of a screw in a gap between two components, which is inefficient and adds complexity.

Innovation Solution

A screw assembly that includes a screw member and a linking member, where the linking member is positioned within or adjacent to the screw member, and a fastener is used to transfer driving torque to the screw member, allowing it to adjust and secure the screw's height automatically when connecting two components with a clearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional screw assembly is used to mount two components with clearance, then the components can be connected, but a secondary assembly process is required to set the screw height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the height-setting function and the fastening function into a single integrated assembly operation. The linking member integrates the screw member and the fastener, allowing both height adjustment and securement to be accomplished in one continuous motion without requiring separate assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The screw assembly is designed to automatically set the screw height within the clearance gap without requiring external tools or secondary operations. As the fastener is driven into the second component, the linking member automatically positions the screw member at the correct height, enabling the assembly to service itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a separate tool is used to adjust screw height, then the screw height can be set, but the assembly process becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the height-adjustment operation with the fastening operation into a single unified action. The linking member enables the screw to be positioned and secured simultaneously as the fastener is driven in, eliminating the need for separate height-adjustment steps and external tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly mechanism automatically performs the height-setting function during the fastening process itself. The linking member translates the fastening motion into precise screw positioning, allowing the system to adjust its own geometry without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a conventional screw assembly is used, then the components can be connected, but an additional assembly process is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple assembly operations into a single integrated process. The linking member structure allows the screw height-setting and the fastening to occur simultaneously in one continuous motion, reducing the number of discrete assembly steps and overall assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linking member is pre-configured with the geometric relationship between the screw member and the fastener, so that the correct screw height is automatically established as the fastening process begins. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for subsequent height-adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution eliminates the need for a separate assembly process to set the screw height, enabling efficient and direct connection of components with a clearance by transferring torque through the linking member to the screw member, ensuring secure engagement.

Implementation Method 1

The fastener is configured to transfer a driving torque to the linking member when the fastener is rotatably driven into the link opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque transfer: Torque

Implementation Method 2

A threaded portion of the fastener is configured to engage with the link opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The linking member is configured to transfer the driving torque to the screw member, thereby moving the screw member until the second screw end contacts a mounting face of the second component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque transfer: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS8966738B2Screw assembly with linking member for torque transfer

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A screw assembly for operatively connecting a first component to a second component is provided such that the first and the second components are separated by a clearance when operatively connected by the assembly. The assembly includes a screw member defining a screw opening and a linking member defining a link opening. A fastener is configured to transfer a driving torque to the linking member when the fastener is rotatably driven into the link opening. A threaded portion of the fastener is configured to engage with the link opening. The linking member is configured to transfer the driving torque to the screw member, thereby moving the screw member until a second screw end of the screw member contacts a mounting face of the second component. The fastener may be configured to pass through the linking member and enter a second cavity in the second component.