Two-Part Tapered Thread Nut Assembly for Low-Side-Load Bolting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial bolting applications face challenges with side load and thread galling due to friction and adhesion between metallic surfaces, leading to material wear and corrosion, especially in high load, low speed conditions, where existing tools struggle to efficiently loosen corroded fasteners without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
The HYTORC Z System employs a two-part tapered thread nut assembly with a Z Washer that uses a dual drive coaxial action and reaction mechanism, featuring a washer with a smooth top surface for the nut or bolt head and a textured bottom surface for the flange, which absorbs reaction forces, minimizing side loads and thread friction, and includes a vibration mechanism to pulverize corrosion, allowing for efficient tightening and loosening without external reaction arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional torque tightening is used, then fasteners can be tightened to most existing threaded fasteners, but thread friction and facial friction are unknown and cause inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional torque-based mechanical tightening system with a tension-based hydraulic system. The hydraulic tensioner applies direct axial force to the fastener, eliminating the indirect torque transmission path that suffers from unknown friction variables. This substitution transforms the tightening mechanism from rotational torque application to linear tension application, providing direct control over bolt load without being affected by thread or facial friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter controlled during tightening from torque (rotational moment) to tension (axial force). By measuring and controlling the tensile load directly on the fastener rather than the torque applied to it, the system achieves precise control over bolt load. This parameter transformation allows for accurate measurement and control of the actual fastening force, eliminating the uncertainty introduced by frictional losses in the torque method.
2Reliability
If torque method is used, then it avoids unintended loosening and assures even circumferential bolt load, but it is subject to bolt torsion and side load which adversely affect bolting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful torsional and lateral force components from the tightening process. By using a tension-based hydraulic system that applies force only in the axial direction of the fastener, the system removes the rotational torque that causes bolt torsion and the lateral reaction forces that create side loads. The hydraulic tensioner pulls directly along the fastener's axis, isolating the fastener from the harmful mechanical stresses present in torque-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic tensioner as an intermediary device between the operator and the fastener. This intermediary applies the tightening force through a hydraulic cylinder that engages with the fastener's threads or head, transmitting force purely in the axial direction. The hydraulic fluid acts as a mediator that converts hydraulic pressure into precise axial tension, eliminating the need for direct mechanical torque application and its associated harmful side effects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tension method is used, then it is torsion- and side load-free, but it requires the bolt to stick out by at least its diameter over the nut, which often necessitates bolt and nut replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, adjustable tensioning system that can adapt to different fastener configurations. The hydraulic tensioner features an adjustable arm or lever mechanism that can position the pulling point at various distances from the fastener, allowing operation on fasteners with limited protrusion. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to achieve sufficient mechanical advantage even when the fastener does not extend significantly beyond the joint, eliminating the rigid requirement for substantial bolt protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear pull requirement to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional force application system. By using a hydraulic cylinder with an adjustable arm that can position the pulling force at different locations and angles, the system creates multiple degrees of freedom in force application. This dimensional expansion allows the tensioner to achieve the necessary axial tension on fasteners with minimal protrusion by leveraging geometric arrangements rather than requiring simple linear extension.
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 system enables fast and safe bolting operations by minimizing operator vibration, preventing thread galling, and ensuring consistent torque load, even on corroded fasteners, while maintaining the benefits of torque and tension methods without their drawbacks.
Implementation Method 1
a washer with a smooth top surface for the nut or bolt head and a textured bottom surface for the flange, which absorbs reaction forces, minimizing side loads and thread friction
Implementation Method 2
includes a vibration mechanism to pulverize corrosion, allowing for efficient tightening and loosening without external reaction arms
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a two-part tapered thread nut assembly (3402) including: a rigid inner member (3410) having an inner surface (3411, 3421) threadedly engagable with the fastener and an outer surface (3412, 3422) defined by a thread formation that forms a taper; an outer member (3420) having an inner surface (3411, 3421) defined by an inversely tapered thread formation (3425) that is threadedly engagable with the tapered thread formation (3416) of the outer surface (3412, 3422) of the inner member (3410); and wherein the two-part nut assembly (3402), when rotated by an action portion of the torque device, applies a load to the threaded fastener.