Threaded Fastener Assembly With Self-Locking Axial Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high vibration environments and safety-critical applications, existing threaded fasteners often require additional locking parts to prevent unthreading, increasing complexity, cost, and assembly time, while also necessitating specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A threaded fastener assembly comprising a first part with radially inwardly extending threads and a second part with radially outwardly extending threads, along with a compressible part that applies an axial load to secure the parts when the threads disengage, ensuring axial abutment and preventing unfastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional locking parts are used to prevent unthreading in high vibration environments, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the fastener itself by integrating a locking thread feature directly into the threaded portion. The thread geometry is designed to engage and lock automatically when the fastener is assembled, eliminating the need for separate locking components while maintaining reliability in vibration environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener performs its own locking function through its structural design. The complementary thread profiles of the male and female fasteners create an automatic mechanical interlock that prevents unthreading without requiring external locking parts or specialized tools.
2Reliability
If additional locking parts are used to secure the fastening, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is combined with the fastener body, creating a single integrated component. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener automatically locks itself through its thread design during the normal fastening process, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps or specialized tools. The locking action occurs as a natural consequence of tightening the fastener.
3Reliability
If additional locking parts are used to prevent unthreading, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener performs automatic locking during the standard tightening process. As the fastener is screwed together, the complementary thread profiles automatically engage and lock, preventing unthreading without requiring additional time-consuming operations or specialized tools.
4Reliability
If additional locking parts are used to secure the fastening, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener automatically locks itself through its thread design during the normal fastening operation. Users simply need to screw the fastener together using standard tools, and the locking mechanism engages automatically, eliminating the need for specialized tools or complex operations.
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 additional locking elements, reducing size, cost, and assembly complexity, while providing secure fastening without requiring specialized tools, effectively maintaining the connection even in vibrational environments.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible part arranged to provide an axial load to one of the first and the second threaded parts when the parts are fastened together
Implementation Method 2
the compressible part loads the inwardly extending thread axially into abutment with the outwardly extending thread to secure the first and second threaded parts axially together
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded fastener comprising a first threaded part defining an axis, A, from a first end to a second end thereof, the threaded part having a radially inwardly extending thread along a portion thereof between the first and the second end and a non-threaded portion between the thread and the second end The fastener also has a second threaded part defining an axis from a first end and a second end thereof and having a radially outwardly extending thread along a portion thereof between the first and the second end and a non-threaded portion between the thread and the first end. The fastener also includes a compressible part arranged to provide an axial load to one of the first and the second threaded parts when the parts are fastened together.