Counter-Threaded Wheel Locking Fastener Assembly Against Vibration Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners fail to effectively prevent loosening in dynamic environments, such as those subjected to vibrations, due to insufficient frictional engagement and structural design.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece locking fastener assembly comprising a lug nut with opposing fasteners, featuring counter-threaded rotation support to secure a wheel rim to a vehicle hub, utilizing a first fastener with a hollow interior and a second fastener with a complementary thread pattern to prevent loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional threaded bolt fastener with a single nut is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fastener loosens under vibrations and dynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is divided into multiple independent components: a first fastener (bolt) that passes through the workpiece, a second fastener (counter-bolt) that engages the first fastener, and a locking mechanism with wedge elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, with the first fastener providing initial clamping and the second fastener preventing loosening through counter-threaded engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism with wedge elements acts as an intermediary between the first and second fasteners. The wedge elements engage with both fasteners and provide a mechanical locking action that prevents relative rotation, thereby preventing loosening under dynamic conditions while allowing the fastener system to remain relatively simple.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is introduced to prevent loosening, then resistance to vibrations improves, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be integrated with the fastener components rather than being a separate assembly. The wedge elements are configured to engage directly with the threaded portions of the fasteners, merging the locking function into the fastening operation itself. This reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes and simplifies assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes the existing threaded structures of the fasteners to create the locking action. The wedge elements engage with the threads of both the first and second fasteners, using the fasteners' own geometry to provide the locking function. This eliminates the need for additional locking components and reduces manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If counter-threaded fasteners are used to prevent loosening, then security under dynamic conditions improves, but the structural complexity of the fastener assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a conventional single-direction threaded fastener, the invention employs a second fastener with threads in the opposite direction (counter-threaded) that engages the first fastener. This inversion of the threading direction creates a mechanical interlock that prevents relative rotation in either direction, providing superior loosening prevention while maintaining a relatively simple dual-bolt structure.
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 assembly effectively prevents loosening of fasteners in dynamic conditions by enhancing frictional engagement and structural integrity, ensuring secure attachment of the wheel rim to the vehicle hub.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing frictional engagement
Implementation Method 2
enhancing frictional engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece locking fastener having an intermediate component exhibiting a plurality of interior threads arrayed in a first direction. A first fastener has a first enlarged head and a first stem exteriorly threaded in the first direction. A hollowed interior is formed in an end of the stem and exhibits a further plurality of interior threads extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. A second fastener has a second enlarged head and a second stem, upon which is configured a second exterior thread pattern extending in the second direction. The first fastener is installed through the intermediate component from a first direction, with the second fastener rotationally inter-engaging the exposed interior threads of the first fastener in the second direction until the second enlarged heads contact the intermediate component, with loosening of either of the first and second fasteners being prevented.