Self-Locking Threaded Fastener for Vibration-Resistant Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded fasteners in high vibration or safety-critical environments risk loosening without additional locking parts, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A threaded fastener design with inward and outward threads and a compressible part that secures the parts axially by applying a preload when the threads disengage, eliminating the need for additional locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional locking parts (locking wire or clip) are used to prevent fastening parts from unthreading, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and the locking function into a single integrated threaded fastener. The inwardly extending thread on one fastener engages with the outwardly extending thread on the other fastener, and the compressible part provides automatic locking through axial preload, eliminating the need for separate locking wires or clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded fastener is designed to automatically secure itself through the interaction of the inwardly and outwardly extending threads combined with the compressible part. When the fasteners are assembled, the compressible part automatically applies axial preload that locks the threads against unthreading, without requiring additional locking parts or special tools.
2Reliability
If additional locking parts are used to secure fastening, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and the locking function into a single integrated threaded fastener. The inwardly extending thread on one fastener engages with the outwardly extending thread on the other fastener, and the compressible part provides automatic locking through axial preload, eliminating the need for separate locking wires or clips.
3Reliability
If additional locking parts and special tools are used for fastening, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded fastener is designed to automatically secure itself through the interaction of the inwardly and outwardly extending threads combined with the compressible part. When the fasteners are assembled, the compressible part automatically applies axial preload that locks the threads against unthreading, without requiring additional locking parts or special tools.
4Reliability
If additional locking parts are used to prevent fastening loosening, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and the locking function into a single integrated threaded fastener. The inwardly extending thread on one fastener engages with the outwardly extending thread on the other fastener, and the compressible part provides automatic locking through axial preload, eliminating the need for separate locking wires or clips.
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
Provides secure fastening without additional parts or tools, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining stability against vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
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
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A threaded fastener comprising a first threaded part (1) defining an axis, A, from a first end (111) to a second end (112) thereof, the threaded part having a radially inwardly extending thread along a portion (11) thereof between the first and the second end and a non-threaded portion (12) between the thread and the second end, and a second threaded part (2) defining an axis from a first end (211) and a second end (212) thereof and having a radially outwardly extending thread (21) 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 further comprising a compressible part (13, 300) arranged to provide an axial load to one of the first and the second threaded parts when the parts are fastened together. The first threaded part is arranged to be fastened around and to the second threaded part by rotating the inwardly extending thread of the first threaded part along the outwardly extending thread of the second threaded part until the inwardly extending thread and the outwardly extending thread no longer engage and the inwardly extending thread lies along the non-threaded portion of the second threaded part, and wherein the compressible part is preloaded such that when the inwardly extending thread and the outwardly extending thread no longer engage and the inwardly extending thread lies along the non-threaded portion of the second threaded part, 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.