Screw Shank End Face Relief and Color Markings for Post-Installation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
After installation, it is difficult to determine if a screw meets the technical specifications of a construction, as the identifying data on the screw head becomes obscured, leading to potential design failures if incorrect screws are used.
Innovation Solution
A screw design featuring a shank with a relief and colored markings on its end face, allowing the screw's characteristics, such as strength class and material quality, to be identified even after installation, through a three-dimensional structure that remains visible under environmental stresses and is resistant to manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If identification markings are placed on the screw head, then the screw can be identified before installation, but the markings become invisible after installation making verification impossible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing identification markings on the screw head (conventional location), the patent inverts the approach by placing them on the sh end face, which remains visible after installation. This inversion of the marking location resolves the contradiction between pre-installation identification and post-installation verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional color markings to three-dimensional relief structures on the sh end face. This dimensional change ensures that the relief markings remain visible and tamper-resistant even when the screw is installed, addressing both the visibility and verification requirements.
2Loss of information
If color markings are used on the screw, then identification is possible, but the markings can be eliminated by corrosion over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines color markings with relief structures on the sh end face. The color provides immediate visual identification, while the three-dimensional relief ensures long-term permanence and resistance to corrosion, effectively resolving the contradiction between visibility and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining color coating with raised relief structures. This composite solution provides both the visual identification function of color markings and the permanence function of three-dimensional structures, addressing both requirements simultaneously.
3Reliability
If relief structures are added to the sh end face, then permanent identification is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies relief structures locally only on the sh end face rather than throughout the entire screw. This localized application provides the necessary permanent identification functionality while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity and production time.
4Reliability
If the relief extends beyond the base surface, then tamper-resistance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the relief to extend only partially beyond the base surface (by at least 0.1 mm), not completely. This partial extension provides sufficient tamper-resistance and visibility while keeping manufacturing precision requirements at acceptable levels, avoiding excessive 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
Enables experts to verify if the installed screw conforms to the technical specifications by reading the relief and color markings on the shank, ensuring the screw meets the design requirements and preventing potential construction failures.
Implementation Method 1
the relief (6) being at least partially formed plastically from the base surface (5)
Implementation Method 2
The end face (4) is partially colored
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~13
Figure 14~15
AI summary
The invention relates to a screw (1) with a head (2) and a shaft (3) fixed to the head (2). The shaft (3) comprises an end face (4) facing away from the head (2). A base surface (5) and a relief (6) are formed on the end face (4) of the shaft (3). The relief (6) is at least partially formed plastically from the base surface (5). The end face (4) is at least partially colored.