Wave Threaded Fastener Eliminates Play and Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional threaded fasteners face issues such as play or slop between threads, unreliable fit, need for gaskets or sealants, difficulty in determining depth, and require excessive force or automation for assembly, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in applications like packaging and plumbing.
Innovation Solution
The wave threaded fastener system, which features a unique wave thread design that provides a tight seal without gaskets, is self-centering, and can be easily manufactured, allowing for quick and efficient assembly by hand or automatically, with enhanced surface contact and friction to prevent rotation and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded fasteners are used, then assembly is simple and straightforward, but play or slop exists between threads leading to unreliable fit and loosening under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from conventional straight cylindrical threads to conical threads that taper along the fastener length. This conical geometry creates a wedge effect where the thread angle increases toward the tip, providing self-centering action and eliminating play between mating threads while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the thread by using varying thread pitch and angle along the conical surface. The thread pitch decreases and angle increases toward the tip, creating progressive engagement that eliminates clearance while requiring only simple hand assembly
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional threaded fasteners are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but gaskets or sealants are required adding cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function with the sealing function into a single integrated component. The conical thread geometry creates metal-to-metal contact that provides both mechanical fastening and sealing, eliminating the need for separate gaskets or sealants and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conical threaded fastener performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fastening through thread engagement and creates a seal through the conical surface contact. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional sealing components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Strength
If conventional threaded fasteners are used, then thread engagement provides holding power, but excessive force is required leading to thread failure or need for automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a progressive thread engagement design where the thread geometry changes along the length. The varying pitch and angle create a sequence of engagement zones that distribute the assembly force, allowing strong holding power to be achieved without requiring excessive instantaneous force that would cause thread failure or necessitate automated assembly
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 wave threaded fastener system achieves a tight seal with reduced material costs, eliminates the need for sealants, ensures precise engagement, and simplifies assembly processes, while being easier to manufacture and maintain, with improved resistance to vibration and thermal changes.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced surface contact and friction to prevent rotation and leaks
Data Source
AI summary
A wave threaded fastener and system. A wave thread extends from the outer surface of the body and is made up of a profile wave and a lateral wave. The profile wave includes a plurality of profile crests and profile roots defining a plurality of profile thread widths. The lateral wave includes at least one lateral crest and at least one lateral root defining at least one wave period. Each wave period forms a period arc having a period arc angle and the sum of all period arc angles about the lateral wave equals three hundred and sixty degrees. Each of the profile crests and roots are aligned with corresponding lateral crests and roots and the wave thread travels one profile thread width per each period arc traveled.