Wire Thread Insert With Integral Anti-Rotation Locking Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire thread inserts require complex and costly assembly processes, often necessitating specialized tools and additional fastening methods like welding or pins, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A wire thread insert with integral form-fitting means at both ends that provide a self-locking, rotation-inhibiting connection to the threaded area, eliminating the need for additional fastening methods by engaging with the adjacent component wall, thus securing the insert without the need for tools or additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional wire thread inserts are used with driving notches or driving pins, then the helical wire can be turned into the receiving thread, but a complex and expensive special tool is required and additional fastening methods like welding or pins are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the installation function and the locking function into a single integrated structure. The installation protrusion serves both to guide the insert during installation and to lock it in position, eliminating the need for separate driving notches, driving pins, and additional fastening methods. This merging of functions reduces assembly tool complexity and simplifies the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation protrusion is designed to automatically perform both installation and locking functions without requiring external tools or additional components. The protrusion engages with the receiving groove during installation and then provides self-locking through its geometric configuration, allowing the insert to secure itself without welding, pins, or other fastening methods.
2Reliability
If conventional wire thread inserts require additional fastening methods like welding or pins, then secure fastening is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The insert performs self-locking through the geometric configuration of the installation protrusion and receiving groove. The protrusion's shape and orientation cause it to engage securely with the groove and then lock in place automatically, providing reliable fastening without requiring welding, pins, or other additional fastening methods that would slow down assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into the geometric design of the installation protrusion itself, which incorporates both the driving feature and the locking feature in a single integrated element. This segmentation of functions into a unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate fastening operations, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If wire thread inserts require specialized tools for installation, then the insert can be secured to the threaded area, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation protrusion serves multiple functions: it acts as a driving feature during installation, guides the insert into the correct position, and provides the locking mechanism to secure the insert. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized tools with multiple features, allowing standard tools to be used while maintaining reliable insert securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the driving, guiding, and locking functions into a single installation protrusion structure. This consolidation of multiple functions into one element allows the insert to be installed and secured using simple, standard tools rather than requiring complex specialized tools with multiple components.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional wire thread inserts use driving notches, then the wire can be turned into the receiving thread, but the cross section of the wire changes making the winding process more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driving function from the wire's cross-section geometry (which would require notches changing the cross-section) and relocates it to a separate installation protrusion element. This allows the wire to maintain its original cross-sectional shape for easier winding, while the protrusion provides the necessary driving feature for installation without affecting the winding process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wire thread insert (1) consisting of a body comprising a plurality of windings (10,12,14) wound in a screw-type manner, in which the plurality of windings (10,12,14) wound in a screw-type manner has a first end winding (30) and a second end winding (40) defining the body on opposing axial ends, and the first end winding (30) comprises, in a first end section, a first integral positive engagement means (32), and the second end winding (40) comprises, in a second end section, a second integral positive engagement means (42), such that, in an installed state of the wire thread insert (1), a positively-engaging, rotation-inhibiting connection to an adjacent component structure can be created respectively by means of the first and the second integral positive engagement means (32, 42).