Sliding Screw Buffer and Disk Structure for Variable Sheet Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed or sliding point screws are expensive to produce in large quantities due to the need for multiple variations to accommodate different sheet metal thicknesses, leading to confusion in usage and potential jamming or rattling issues caused by thermal changes, and existing solutions like elastomer washers increase corrosion and friction.
Innovation Solution
A fixed or sliding point screw with a buffer element made of elastic plastic and a sliding disk, arranged axially with the collar section, allowing adaptation to various thicknesses and preventing overtightening, while the sliding disk facilitates mobility and includes a Teflon coating for reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variations of screws are provided to accommodate different sheet metal thicknesses, then adaptability to different component combinations is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal screw design where a single screw type can accommodate multiple sheet metal thicknesses through the combination of a buffer element and adjustable sliding disk. The buffer element compensates for thickness variations while the sliding disk allows the screw to function across different thickness ranges, eliminating the need for multiple specialized screw variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through the sliding disk mechanism that can be positioned at different locations along the screw shank. This dynamic configuration allows the effective thread engagement length to be adjusted based on the specific thickness combination, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed screw designs.
2Reliability
If a thread-free section is provided on the screw shank to prevent overtightening, then protection of components from excessive pressure is improved, but manufacturing precision and control of screwing depth become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the buffer element as an intermediary component between the screw head and the workpiece. This buffer element acts as a mediator that absorbs excess compression force, preventing direct transmission of overtightening forces to the components while still allowing precise control of the screwing depth through the threaded section.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer element provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned on the screw shank to absorb potential excessive forces before they reach the components. This prior cushioning mechanism prevents damage while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled thread engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastomer washers are used to adapt to different sheet metal thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but corrosion resistance and sliding capability worsen due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomer to metal or plastic for the sliding disk, fundamentally altering the friction and corrosion resistance characteristics. This parameter change maintains adaptability through the buffer element while eliminating the harmful effects of high friction and corrosion associated with elastomer materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer element serves as a sacrificial or replaceable component that absorbs wear and corrosion, protecting the more valuable screw and workpiece components. This approach allows the buffer element to be optimized for adaptability while the sliding disk maintains low friction and corrosion resistance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the total thickness of the screw connection is at the upper limit, then coverage of thicker component combinations is improved, but mobility of the screw connection deteriorates due to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the screw shank into distinct functional zones: a buffer element zone for thickness compensation, a thread-free zone for mobility, and a threaded zone for secure engagement. This segmentation allows each zone to independently fulfill its function, maintaining mobility in the thread-free section even when the overall connection thickness is at the upper limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates dynamic mobility through the adjustable sliding disk position and the buffer element compression capability. Even at maximum thickness coverage, the buffer element can compress and the sliding disk can adjust, maintaining the necessary dynamic movement for thermal expansion and contraction.
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
Enables cost-effective production of screws that can adapt to different component combinations, prevent jamming, and ensure easy sliding due to the buffer element's elasticity and the sliding disk's low friction, while allowing for visual torque and screwing depth checks.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer element made of an elastic plastic is arranged on the side of the collar section facing away from the torque transmission section
Implementation Method 2
the sliding disk facilitates mobility and includes a Teflon coating for reduced friction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixed or sliding screw with a screw head (14) and a screw shaft which has a threaded section (24). The screw head (14) has a torque transmitting section (18) for rotating the fixed or sliding screw (12) about a screw axis (20) which is concentric to the screw head (14) and the screw shaft (16). The screw head (14) has a collar section (28) at the screw head end facing the threaded section (24). A buffer element (32) made of an elastic plastic is arranged on the collar section (28) side facing away from the torque transmitting section (18), and a sliding disk (38) is arranged on the buffer element (32) side facing away from the collar section (28).