Wire Thread Insert Self-Locking Structure for Tool-Free Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire thread inserts require complex and costly special tools for installation and often involve additional steps like welding or using adhesives, making the assembly process time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A wire thread insert with integral form-fitting means at both ends that establish a self-locking, rotation-inhibiting connection with the threaded component, eliminating the need for additional fastening methods like bolts, rivets, or adhesives by using its inherent spring force to secure itself within the thread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wire thread inserts are installed using driving notches or driving tangs, then the wire can be rotated into the receiving thread, but a complex and costly special tool is required and additional steps like breaking or removing the driving tang are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The wire thread insert is designed with a coiled spring structure that automatically expands upon insertion into the receiving thread, creating its own locking mechanism without requiring external tools or additional fastening steps. The elastic force of the coiled spring itself performs the fastening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire thread insert utilizes a dynamic coiled spring structure that changes shape during installation - compressed during insertion and then expands to lock into the receiving thread. This dynamic transformation eliminates the need for static driving notches or tangs that require complex tools.
2Reliability
If wire thread inserts are secured using welding or adhesives, then the connection is strengthened, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coiled spring structure of the wire thread insert automatically expands to create frictional engagement and mechanical interlocking with the receiving thread, achieving both strong connection and rapid installation without external fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire thread insert is pre-formed with a coiled spring configuration that stores elastic energy, which is automatically released during insertion to create the locking effect beforehand, eliminating the need for post-installation welding or adhesive application.
3Reliability
If the wire thread insert has a tapered or reduced diameter winding for frictional connection, then frictional connection is achieved, but additional windings are required and the inner diameter must be smaller than the thread diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The coiled spring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the frictional connection through its elastic expansion, creates mechanical interlocking with the thread geometry, and acts as the fastening mechanism all in one integrated form, eliminating the need for separate tapered windings.
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
Facilitates a simpler, faster, and cost-effective installation and deinstallation process without the need for specialized tools, ensuring stable retention and protection against rotation within the thread.
Implementation Method 1
using its inherent spring force to secure itself within the thread
Data Source
AI summary
Wire thread insert consisting of a body with a plurality of helically wound windings, in which the plurality of helically wound windings comprises a first end winding and a second end winding which define the body at opposite axial ends, the first end winding has a first integral form-fitting means in a first end section and the second end winding has a second integral form-fitting means in a second end section, so that in an installed state of the wire thread insert a form-fit rotation-inhibiting connection with an adjacent component structure can be produced via the first and the second integral form-fitting means respectively.