Threaded Retainer Preventing Fastener Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems with threaded fasteners often fail to reliably prevent accidental loosening or disconnection due to the lack of simplicity and reliability in retainer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A threaded retainer assembly with an annular friction element engages the fastener, resisting axial movement and loosening by transferring frictional forces to rotate the retainer in a tightening direction, using flanged head capscrews and washers to create a secure frictional engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retainers such as snap rings or wedge pieces are used to prevent threaded fastener loosening, then the fastener is protected from accidental loosening, but the device complexity increases and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is designed to automatically tighten in response to fastener loosening attempts. The friction element transfers rotational force from the loosening fastener to the retainer threads, causing the retainer to self-tighten without external intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A friction element (washer or friction applying element) is introduced as an intermediary between the fastener and retainer. This element transfers frictional forces from the fastener to the retainer, enabling the retainer to respond to fastener movement and maintain engagement reliability through a simple mechanical interface
2Reliability
If a retainer arrangement is added to prevent threaded fastener loosening, then fastener security is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is segmented into distinct components (retainer fastener, friction element, washer) that can be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled. This modular approach maintains ease of manufacture while achieving reliable fastener security
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly uses standard threaded fastener geometry and common friction elements (washers, flanged head capscrews) that replicate proven designs. This allows manufacturers to use existing tooling and manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of production while improving fastener security
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
Effectively prevents threaded fasteners from loosening by generating additional frictional force that counters the tendency to rotate in a loosening direction, ensuring secure retention and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the annular friction element of the at least one threaded retainer acting, in response to the threaded fastener rotating in the direction for loosening, for transferring a friction force from the threaded fastener to the at least one threaded retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded retainer in the form of a flange head capscrew is used alone or in combination with a large diameter washer to axially, frictionally engage a head of, or block, a threaded fastener so as to prevent the fastener from backing out and becoming loose. Any tendency of the threaded fastener to turn in a loosening direction is resisted by the threaded retainer, in a first embodiment, wherein frictional engagement between the flange head and/or large diameter washer causes the threaded retainer to tend to tighten, and in a second embodiment wherein the flange head and/or large diameter washer cooperates with a recess arrangement in the fastener to block loosening of the fastener.