Sinusoidal Edge Support Washer Reduces Shear Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional support washers cause shearing and damage when used with materials like wood, synthetic materials, or elastomers, especially under stress or with aggressive scrapers, due to their circular edges and lack of adaptation to material flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The support washers feature linear outer edges, sinusoidal designs with rounded bellies and hollows, and a conical upper surface that thins progressively from the center to the edge, reducing shearing impact and preventing scrapers from catching the washer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional circular-edged support washers are used, then the washer provides basic support function, but the circumferential edge exerts shear force on soft materials causing damage and shearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewasher manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidshear force damage to material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing the conventional straight circumferential edge with a rounded edge having a radius of curvature. This rounded edge geometry eliminates the sharp corner that concentrates stress and creates shear force, thereby preventing damage to soft materials while maintaining the washer's support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Shape

If the washer outer edge is strictly circular, then the washer has simple geometry, but the edge length is insufficient to reduce shear impact on material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewasher edge geometry simplicityVSAvoidshear impact on material
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the edge geometry from a straight circular edge to a rounded edge with specific radius of curvature. This curvature increases the effective edge length in contact with the material, distributing the load more evenly and reducing shear impact while maintaining geometric simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3464914B1Supporting washer
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 MLT MINET LACING TECH
  • EP3464914B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3464914B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3464914B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The washer according to the invention has a generally circular shape and is used for supporting a screw head, the shank of which penetrates the central hole (7') of the washer. When viewed from a planar perspective, the outer edges of the washer have a sinusoidal shape with depressions (9) and elevations (10).