Self-Locking Fastener Cam Mechanism Resists Vibration Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners, such as thumb screws used in securing scope mounts to firearms, often loosen due to vibration, requiring frequent hand tightening and are susceptible to mechanical failure, limiting their reliability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking fastener system featuring a cam locking mechanism integrated into a screw or nut design, which includes a cup and a locking pin that applies force to resist loosening, allowing for secure attachment without the need for tools and maintaining stability under vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional thumb screws are used to secure scope mounts, then the fasteners allow easy removal without hand tools, but they loosen due to vibration and require frequent hand tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a threaded engagement portion for secure attachment, a cam lever mechanism for locking, and a detent system for maintaining the locked position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to prevent loosening under vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage the detent mechanism upon insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that the fastener self-locks immediately upon assembly without requiring additional tightening steps, preventing vibration-induced loosening from the outset.
2Strength
If mechanical fasteners with cam levers are used, then the holding force is increased, but tools are still required to tighten the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a spring-loaded cam lever that automatically engages with a detent mechanism when the fastener is inserted. This self-servicing mechanism provides automatic locking without requiring external tools or manual tightening operations, while still delivering high holding force through the cam action.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual tightening mechanism is replaced with an automatic spring-loaded cam system that uses elastic potential energy storage and release to achieve locking. This substitution eliminates the need for tool-based mechanical tightening while maintaining or enhancing the holding force through the cam lever's mechanical advantage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If throwing levers with tapered eccentric cams are used, then rail mounting is enabled, but the design is limited to specific mounting systems and requires tools for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design incorporates a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various rail systems and mounting configurations. The standardized cup and cam lever mechanism can be applied to different mounting scenarios beyond just rail systems, providing versatility without requiring tool-based adjustment for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener uses a self-adjusting spring-loaded cam mechanism that automatically sets the optimal engagement force when installed. This eliminates the need for tool-based adjustment of the cam's tapered eccentric geometry, allowing the fastener to adapt to different mounting surfaces while maintaining consistent holding force without tools.
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
The self-locking fastener system effectively resists loosening due to vibration and shock, providing a secure and reliable attachment without requiring tools, enhancing the accuracy and durability of applications like scope mounts on firearms.
Implementation Method 1
A self locking fastener features a cam locking mechanism integrated into a screw or nut design
Implementation Method 2
a locking pin that applies force to resist loosening
Implementation Method 3
a locking pin that applies force to resist loosening
Data Source
AI summary
A self locking fastener is disclosed herein which is self-contained and resists loosening even when used in applications and environments where the fastener is exposed to vibration. In one form the present invention provides a self locking screw-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides a self locking nut-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In still other forms, the invention provides components for creating self locking fasteners using at least in part conventional materials and/or fasteners, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides prepackaged kits for customizable fasteners that purchasers can buy and use to assemble customized fasteners in accordance with the invention.