Toothed Washer Profile for Securing Spherical and Cylindrical Objects

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washers are not well-suited for use with arcuate objects, such as spherical or cylindrical shapes, as they fail to distribute pressure evenly and can loosen due to contact with uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A washer with a base and central opening featuring a plurality of teeth or studs that taper inwardly, with longer teeth near the perimeter and shorter teeth near the central opening for spherical objects, and aligned rows of decreasing length for cylindrical objects, providing a concave profile to securely grasp these shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional flat washer is used with spherical or cylindrical objects, then the washer structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the washer cannot distribute pressure evenly and may loosen due to contact with uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewasher stabilityVSAvoidwasher structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washer incorporates a curved or arcuate profile that matches the spherical or cylindrical shape of the object being secured. This curvature allows the washer to conform to the uneven surface, distributing pressure evenly across the contact area and preventing loosening, while maintaining a relatively simple overall washer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The washer features varying tooth lengths around its perimeter, with longer teeth at certain locations and shorter teeth at others. This local variation in geometry allows different portions of the washer to interact differently with the spherical or cylindrical object, optimizing pressure distribution and securing effectiveness at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a washer with uniform teeth is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the washer cannot effectively grasp or secure spherical and cylindrical objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject securing capabilityVSAvoidtooth configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The washer features varying tooth lengths around its perimeter, with longer teeth at certain locations and shorter teeth at others. This local variation in geometry allows different portions of the washer to interact differently with the spherical or cylindrical object, optimizing pressure distribution and securing effectiveness at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The washer perimeter is divided into multiple tooth elements with different lengths, allowing each segment to perform a specific function in grasping or securing the object. This segmentation enables the washer to adapt to the curved surface geometry while maintaining manufacturability through standardized tooth components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If longer teeth are used throughout the washer perimeter, then the washer can grasp spherical objects better, but the pressure distribution becomes uneven and may damage the object surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject holding securityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The washer features varying tooth lengths around its perimeter, with longer teeth at certain locations and shorter teeth at others. This local variation in geometry allows different portions of the washer to interact differently with the spherical or cylindrical object, optimizing pressure distribution and preventing surface damage while maintaining secure holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The washer incorporates a curved or arcuate profile that matches the spherical or cylindrical shape of the object being secured. This curvature, combined with varying tooth lengths, allows the washer to conform to the uneven surface, distributing pressure evenly across the contact area and preventing loosening, while maintaining a relatively simple overall washer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11293477B2Washer for securing spherical and cylindrical objects

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 GOEDERS JON JAY

AI summary

A washer or spacer has a base with a central opening and a plurality of studs or teeth that surround the central opening. The teeth are transverse or perpendicular in relation to the base. The teeth adjacent an outer perimeter of the base are longer than the teeth adjacent the central opening.