Three-Point Fastener Head Structure for Mass Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners are heavy, which hinders the reduction of vehicle mass and energy efficiency, despite their durability and functionality, as they maintain a hexagonal shape that requires unnecessary material for torque transmission and axial stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A three-point fastener design with modified torque and non-torque bearing surfaces that reduce mass by eliminating unnecessary material while maintaining compatibility with standard tools, featuring three torque-bearing surfaces and three non-torque-bearing surfaces that can incidentally receive torque, allowing for reduced mass without compromising durability or tool compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional hexagonal fastener design is used, then tool compatibility and torque transmission are ensured, but mass increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener head is segmented into three distinct bearing surfaces instead of a continuous hexagonal shape. Each bearing surface is separated by non-bearing surfaces, creating a segmented structure that reduces material while maintaining functional contact points for torque application.
Solution Approach 2:
Material is extracted from the traditional hexagonal fastener head by removing portions between the three bearing surfaces. The non-bearing surfaces eliminate unnecessary material that does not contribute to torque transmission or axial stabilization, achieving mass reduction while preserving essential functionality.
2Loss of substance
If a conventional hexagonal fastener design is used, then structural stability is maintained, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener head is segmented into three distinct bearing surfaces instead of a continuous hexagonal shape. Each bearing surface is separated by non-bearing surfaces, creating a segmented structure that reduces material while maintaining functional contact points for torque application.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fastener head have different functional qualities: three regions provide torque-bearing surfaces with full material presence, while three intervening regions are reduced to non-bearing surfaces. This local differentiation optimizes material distribution, providing stability only where mechanically necessary.
3Weight of moving object
If bearing surfaces are reduced to three points, then mass is reduced, but torque transmission capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the fastener head have different functional qualities: three regions provide torque-bearing surfaces with full material presence, while three intervening regions are reduced to non-bearing surfaces. This local differentiation optimizes material distribution, providing stability only where mechanically necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The three bearing surfaces are designed to perform multiple functions: they transmit torque during tightening/loosening operations and provide axial stabilization during installation. This multi-functionality allows the reduced three-point structure to compensate for the loss of material compared to a full hexagonal design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Fasteners (100) are disclosed for reducing mass of the fastener, while being configured for use with standard torque delivery tools. The fasteners include non-torque bearing surfaces (120,122,124) disposed between torque bearing surfaces (108,110,112).