Thread-Forming Element With Conical Tapping Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded elements face issues with imperfect coupling due to variable precision from worn machine tools, leading to play between threads, which can result in unscrewing under thermal shocks or vibrations, and require costly dimensional checks and adhesive use, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A thread-forming element with a cylindrical body and helical thread featuring conical tapping elements with a hexahedral shape, which plastically deforms the material to form a strong, interference-free thread without adhesives, accommodating standard screws and withstanding mechanical stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If threaded elements are produced with machine tools subject to wear, then mass production is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to imperfect coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of thread formation from material removal (cutting) to material plastic deformation. The conical tapping elements cold-form the female thread by plastically deforming the hole material, which eliminates sensitivity to machine tool wear and achieves consistent manufacturing precision regardless of production volume or tool condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical cutting system (threading die and threading tap) with a cold-forming system. Instead of using cutting tools that wear and require precision maintenance, the patent uses conical tapping elements that plastically deform the material to create the female thread, substituting a wear-resistant forming mechanism for a wear-prone cutting mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If dimensional checks are performed to ensure constant interference between threads, then coupling precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical tapping elements create female threads through self-contained plastic deformation of the material. The cold-forming process inherently produces consistent thread geometry without requiring external inspection or adjustment mechanisms, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for costly dimensional checking equipment and procedures.
3Reliability
If adhesives are used to dampen mechanical stresses, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive layer from the screw/female screw coupling system. By creating a cold-formed female thread with optimal interference fit through plastic deformation, the patent achieves sufficient mechanical stress resistance without requiring additional adhesive materials or the processing steps associated with adhesive application and curing.
4Ease of manufacture
If self-tapping screws create female screw by material removal, then ease of manufacture is improved, but harmful factors increase due to shavings damaging thread crests
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the material removal mechanism (cutting) with a material plastic deformation mechanism. The conical tapping elements cold-form the female thread by displacing and compressing the material rather than removing it, which eliminates the generation of shavings and prevents damage to the newly formed thread crests while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 solution achieves a perfectly adherent, stress-resistant screw/female screw coupling that can withstand multiple tightening and loosening cycles without adhesives, reducing production costs and ensuring secure fastening.
Implementation Method 1
said thread-forming element, particularly for holes made in cold-deformable materials
Implementation Method 2
said tapping element having a hexahedral shape with a triangular base
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thread-forming element, particularly for holes made in cold-deformable materials, comprising a cylindrical body (2) with a circular cross-section which has on at least part of its outer surface a helical thread (4). The helical thread (4) extends in proximity to at least one conical end (5) of the cylindrical body (2). The distinctive characteristic of the thread-forming element (1) consists in the fact that on the surface of the end (5) there is at least one tapping element (6), which has a hexahedral shape with a triangular base.