One-Piece Self-Locking Nut With Deformable Lips for Vibration Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional threaded nut fasteners often loosen in high vibration environments due to the need for additional locknuts, which increase installation time and material usage, and may still fail over time.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece self-locking nut design featuring a rear nut body with internal threading and a front nut body with crush-locking lips that deform into an internal relief cut when tightened, providing a permanent lock without the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locknuts are used to prevent loosening, then vibration resistance is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and nut body into a single integrated component. The self-locking nut incorporates locking lips that extend into the threaded bore, eliminating the need for separate locknuts while maintaining vibration resistance through the deformation of these lips against the bolt threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking nut automatically locks itself through the deformation of its locking lips during installation. The lips are forced inwardly and deform on the threaded shaft to form a permanent lock without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If conventional locknuts are used to prevent loosening, then vibration resistance is improved, but installation time increases due to additional manipulation required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and nut body are merged into a single component that installs in one operation. The self-locking nut threads onto the bolt and simultaneously deforms its locking lips to create a permanent lock, eliminating the need for separate installation steps required by conventional locknuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut automatically performs the locking function during the standard tightening process. As the nut is torqued down, the locking lips are forced inwardly and deform on the threaded shaft, creating a permanent lock without requiring additional manipulation or time.
3Reliability
If conventional locknuts are used to prevent loosening, then vibration resistance is improved, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function into the nut body itself, eliminating the need for additional locknut components. This integration reduces material usage while maintaining the vibration resistance function through the deformation of locking lips against the bolt threads.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional nuts are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to loosening in vibration environments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the nut body as a single component that can be manufactured using conventional methods. The locking lips are formed as part of the nut and deform during installation to create a permanent lock, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes plastic deformation of the locking lips during installation to create a permanent lock. This parameter change from elastic to plastic state allows the nut to maintain its simple manufactured form while achieving superior vibration resistance through the deformed locking lips.
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 one-piece self-locking nut offers faster installation, reduced material usage, and enhanced vibration resistance, maintaining a secure hold without the risk of loosening, while being fabricated and installed using standard methods and tools.
Implementation Method 1
the crush-locking lips are forced inwardly and deform on the threaded shaft of the fastener bolt and into the space of the internal relief cut in order to form a permanent lock on the fastener bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking nut includes a main-nut body and a deformable-nut body. The main-nut body has a recess leading into an interior threaded bore forming x turns of an internal thread therein. The deformable-nut body has an outer flange and an interior threaded bore forming y turns of an internal thread therein. The outer flange of the deformable-nut body is fixed to the main-nut body such that a relief space is formed between the deformable-nut body and the recess. A ratio of x:y is about 2:1.