Toolless Drywall Screw Geometry for Low-Damage Hand Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screws require tools for installation, causing damage to drywall and friable materials due to added torque, and are not suitable for toolless installation without causing significant damage.

Innovation Solution

A toolless Drywall Screw Peg (DSP) with a screw portion and body portion, featuring helical threads and a support portion, designed for easy installation by hand without tools, minimizing damage to drywall and allowing secure attachment to friable materials like residential drywall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional screws with tools are used for installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but damage to drywall and friable materials increases due to added torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddamage to drywall
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screw is designed to be self-installing by hand without requiring external tools. The helical threads and shank geometry enable the user to directly screw the fastener into the material using only manual twisting motion, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or other installation tools that apply excessive torque and cause damage to friable materials like drywall and plaster.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If built-in tools or offset levering handles are added to increase leverage, then installation ease is improved, but torque increases and damage probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoiddamage to material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screw geometry parameters are optimized to enable easy manual installation without built-in tools. The helical threads have specific pitch and angle characteristics, and the shank has appropriate diameter and length ratios that allow a user to achieve sufficient leverage through natural wrist twisting motion, eliminating the need for offset handles or levering mechanisms that would increase torque and damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If multiple helical runs and wide treads are used, then thread engagement is improved, but installation complexity and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread engagementVSAvoidthread complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded portion is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first helical thread for initial engagement and a second helical thread for additional anchoring. This segmentation allows each thread section to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex multi-run helical patterns, simplifying the overall thread geometry while maintaining strong engagement in friable materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If the screw requires many turns to fully install, then thread engagement depth is improved, but installation time and over-rotation damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread engagement depthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The screw achieves sufficient engagement depth with a limited number of turns (typically 3-5 turns) by optimizing the thread pitch and shank geometry. The first and second helical threads are positioned and dimensioned to provide adequate anchoring in friable materials without requiring excessive rotations, thereby reducing installation time and minimizing the risk of over-rotation damage to the drywall or plaster surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 secure attachment to drywall with minimal force and damage, preventing over-tightening and reducing the likelihood of screw reaming out the gypsum material, while supporting up to 60 pounds with minimal pressure.

Implementation Method 1

The screw portion includes a shank and a tip portion. The shank portion includes at least two helical threads. The threads circle the circumference of the shank portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

In some embodiments the shank portion includes roughened surface between successive convolutions of helical thread.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

In some embodiments the helical treads extend off the shank portion at a 10 degree angle.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical geometry: Helix

Data Source

PatentUS11078946B2Toolless screw type fastener
Publication Date: 2021.08.03 LEVINE MICHAEL
  • US11078946B2 patent drawing
  • US11078946B2 patent drawing
  • US11078946B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention is directed to a toolless screw including a body portion which comprises a shaft portion and a screw portion which includes a shank portion and a tip portion. The shank portion includes at least two helical threads which extend off the shank either at different angles, different distances, or a combination thereof. The tip portion is positioned at an end of the shank portion and has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the shank portion and extends to a point. The body portion is integrated with a screw portion at the end of the shank portion which is opposite the end where the tip portion is positioned.