Torque Enhancer Geometry for Stable High-Torque Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices lack a geometry that effectively balances torque generation with stability and ease of grasping, often leading to issues like cam-out and axial separation during torque application.
Innovation Solution
A torque enhancement device with a geometric configuration featuring bi-symmetric side walls, corner recesses, and notches that enhance torque transmission while maintaining stability, allowing for improved grasping and usage in various applications, including as a tool or fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If standard torque engagement configurations are used, then torque generation is achieved, but stability and ease of grasping deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional components: a fastener member with engagement features, a torque enhancement member with specific geometric configuration, and a grasping member. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction between torque generation and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque enhancement member features an asymmetric geometric configuration with specific side wall angles and corner recesses that are strategically positioned to provide both torque multiplication and stability. The asymmetric design allows the longer side walls to engage with the fastener while the shorter side walls provide structural support and stability during the fastening operation.
2Force
If standard torque engagement configurations are used, then torque generation is achieved, but ease of grasping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device are designed with locally optimized properties: the torque enhancement member has specific angular configurations for torque multiplication, while the grasping member has ergonomic features including finger engagement surfaces and thumb engagement surfaces. This local quality optimization allows the device to achieve high torque generation while maintaining ease of grasping and operation.
3Force
If greater torque is applied to remove bound fasteners, then fastener removal capability is improved, but cam-out and axial separation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque enhancement member is nested between the fastener member and the grasping member, creating a nested structure where each component supports and stabilizes the others. This nesting arrangement ensures that when greater torque is applied for fastener removal, the force is distributed through the nested structure, preventing cam-out and axial separation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque enhancement device having one or more torque enhancement member(s) with each having an exterior (preferably bi-symmetric or essentially bi-symmetric) surface configuration with parallel, longer side walls extending in a Y-axis direction and shorter side walls extending in an X-axis direction and corner recesses positioned between ends of adjacent longer and shorter side walls, and with some embodiments of the invention featuring a torque enhancement device having a hole extending in a Z-axis direction. A fastener assembly is also provided that includes one or more torque enhancement devices as well as methods for utilization of the torque enhancement device or utilization or assemblage of an assembly including a torque enhancement device. The surface configuration includes arrangements where there is a torque differential in one direction or the other as well as arrangements that are adapted to handle both standard fastener configurations and torque enhancement configurations with a common torque enhancement device.