Tool-Free Fastening Nut With Structured Lateral Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw nuts require tools for fastening, as they lack sufficient frictional engagement with the countersink, leading to the need for constant accessibility and potential loosening during dynamic loads.
Innovation Solution
The screw nut or screw head features a body with a base, top, and lateral surface, where the lateral surface has a surface structure or a truncated pyramid shape to enhance friction, and a countersink design that allows tool-free fastening by leveraging frictional torque and elastic deformation to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth lateral surface is used on the screw nut, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the friction between the nut and component is insufficient, requiring tools for fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surface of the screw nut is provided with a surface structure (such as knurling, grooves, or protrusions) only in the region that contacts the component, while other regions maintain smooth surfaces. This localized application of surface structure increases friction where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire nut geometry or manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral surface is divided into different zones: a first region with a surface structure for friction engagement with the component, and a second region with a smooth surface. This segmentation allows the nut to provide both tool-free fastening capability and simplified manufacturing for non-critical areas
2Reliability
If a prismatic outer contour with tool access recesses is used, then tools can be applied to tighten the nut, but the nut requires constant accessibility and may loosen under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The surface structure on the lateral surface enables the screw nut to self-lock against the component through friction engagement. When the screw is tightened, the friction force generated between the structured lateral surface and the component prevents the nut from rotating loose, allowing the nut to secure itself without requiring constant tool intervention or accessibility for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The surface structure is designed to generate frictional torque that counteracts the tightening torque and prevents rotation before loosening can occur. This preliminary frictional engagement acts as a preventive measure against loosening under dynamic loads, eliminating the need for subsequent tool intervention
3Ease of operation
If the base surface is not smooth, then friction with the component increases, but the flush surface quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface structure is applied only to a specific region of the lateral surface that contacts the component, while the base surface remains smooth to ensure proper flush mounting. This localized differentiation allows the friction-enhancing surface structure to be present where needed without compromising the overall flush surface quality between the nut base and the component
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 tool-free fastening and prevents unintentional loosening, ensuring secure attachment without the need for tools, even under dynamic loads.
Implementation Method 1
the lateral surface has, at least in some areas, a surface structure suitable for achieving a predetermined friction in conjunction with a predetermined area of the component, wherein this friction is greater than that of a smooth lateral surface
Implementation Method 2
leveraging frictional torque and elastic deformation to prevent rotation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a nut (1) for fastening a component (12). The nut (1) comprises a body (2), which is formed by a base surface (3), a top surface (4) and a peripheral surface (6) extending between them. A surface area of the base surface (3) is greater than a surface area of the top surface (4). The peripheral surface (6) comprises, at least in some regions, a surface structure which is suitable for achieving a defined friction in co-operation with a defined surface of the component (12) which is greater than a friction with a smooth surface. The base surface (3) has a substantially smooth surface. The body (2) comprises a bore (8), which extends from the top surface (4) at least partially between top surface (4) and base surface (3) and has an internal thread (10) of defined size.