Substrate-Fixed Washer Locking for Vibration-Resistant Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener locking mechanisms are not suitable for high-pressure fluid connectors, high-temperature environments, and structures subject to vibration, as they fail to provide reliable rotational fixation and may loosen over time.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly featuring a conduit nut member with a lock member and a lock washer, where the lock member includes a radially-extending spring finger and detent members that interlock with notches on the lock washer, allowing rotational fixation and easy disengagement for adjustment, providing secure locking and vibration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms (lock washers, cotter pins, adhesive materials) are used, then fastener elements can be secured against loosening in general applications, but they are not suitable for high pressure fluid connectors, high temperature environments, and structures subject to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a lock member with detent members that engage with notches on the conduit nut, and a spring finger that provides independent biasing force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability in demanding environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring finger is designed as a flexible, resilient element that dynamically adjusts to maintain engagement between the detent members and notches. This dynamic characteristic allows the locking mechanism to accommodate thermal expansion, vibration, and pressure variations without losing locking reliability.
2Reliability
If a lock member with spring finger and detent members is used to provide secure rotational locking, then vibration resistance and locking reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring finger and detent members are integrated into a single lock member component, combining the biasing function and the locking function into one piece. This merging reduces the total number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the dynamic and static locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring finger automatically biases the detent members into engagement with the notches without requiring external actuation or adjustment. The mechanism is self-actuating through the elastic deformation of the spring finger, eliminating the need for additional springs, adjusters, or complex control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a lock member with spring finger is used to provide rotational fixation, then vibration resistance is improved, but ease of operation for adjustment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring finger is designed to be extractable from the engagement position, allowing the detent members to be disengaged from the notches. This extraction mechanism provides a simple way to release the locking action for adjustment while maintaining secure locking during operation, balancing vibration resistance with adjustability.
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
The solution ensures secure rotational locking and easy adjustment of fasteners in various applications, including high-pressure and high-temperature environments, while maintaining vibration resistance and ease of installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The axially-extending spring finger is made of a resilient material and is configured to radially-bias the detent members toward the notches
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly is provided and includes a fastener member and a washer member. The fastener member includes an end, an opposing head, and an elongated threaded body portion extending therebetween. The threaded body defines a center axis. The head includes a pawl arm having a pawl tooth and a flange. The washer member includes an axial aperture formed therethrough and a lock tab extending therefrom. The lock tab is configured to be received within a recess defined in a substrate member to rotationally fix the washer member relative to the substrate member. The washer member further includes a plurality of lock teeth. The pawl tooth is configured to intermesh with the lock teeth to allow rotation of the fastener member relative to the washer member in a first direction about the center axis, and substantially prevent rotation in an opposite second direction about the center axis.