TW202340617A - Thread forming and thread locking fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined thread forming and thread locking fastener is disclosed. A fastener includes three thread zones. A first thread zone utilizes a first thread forming thread profile with an increasing outer diameter. A second thread zone extends from the end of the first zone utilizing the first thread forming thread profile and continues with a constant diameter. The third thread zone utilizes a thread locking thread profile continuing along substantially the remainder of the shaft of a fastener.

Description

Thread forming and thread locking fasteners

[Cross-reference to related applications]

This application is a partial continuation of co-assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 16/598,288, filed by Edmond A. Herbert et al. on October 10, 2019 for "Threads" Formed and Threaded Locking Fasteners," which is incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to threaded fasteners.

Conventional threaded fasteners (eg, screws or bolts) can be designed to provide self-tapping thread forming capabilities. An example of such a self-tapping fastener is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,404,524 entitled "High Performance Thread Rolled Screws/Bolts for Use in Unthreaded Nut Anchors" by Alan Pritchard. , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Other conventional fasteners may include thread locking mechanisms, which may be achieved by, for example, mechanical interference between the fastener and the nut member. Exemplary thread locking fasteners are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,722,304 entitled "Fasteners and Fastener Assemblies" by Alan Pritchard, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A significant disadvantage of prior art fasteners is that they are optimized for either thread forming or thread locking, but not both. This results in the user deciding which features are more important for a particular application, which can lead to sub-optimal use of these fasteners.

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome to provide exemplary fasteners optimized for both thread forming and thread locking. The fastener includes separate thread profiles illustratively distributed along the shaft of the fastener into two of three zones. The first zone of the thread profile is immediately adjacent to the entry point of the fastener using thread forming. Along the first zone, the outer diameter of the thread profile increases along the first zone, for example by 1 to 5 pitches. The second zone transitions from the first zone and utilizes the same thread forming thread profile as the first zone, but maintains a constant outer thread diameter. The second zone extends beyond the first zone by, for example, 1-3 pitches. The third zone of the thread profile also maintains a constant outer diameter by thread locking. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the fastener may have only two zones, for example, a second zone and a third zone. Therefore, it should be noted that the recording of the three districts should be used as an example only.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the first and second thread profiles may be selected to complement each other to achieve the desired mechanical interference, ie, thread locking. Furthermore, by utilizing the present invention, the second thread profile (thread locking) can be optimized to operate with the thread created by the first thread profile (thread forming). This results in an optimized thread locking mechanism. When the fastener forms or reshapes its own threads in the nut member, the amount of variation in the tolerance between the thread locking thread profile and the thread profile of the nut member is reduced. This results in a better fit and more precise locking action than using traditional thread locking thread profiles on preformed nut components.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a thread locking thread profile may be designed to achieve locking action by creating mechanical interference at the tip of the thread profile. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the thread locking thread profile may be designed to achieve the locking action, ie flank locking, by creating mechanical interference along the flanks of the thread profile. When a fastener forms or reshapes the threads of a nut member, there may be a very close match between the thread locking thread profile and the threads of the nut member. By varying the height and width of the thread profile, it is possible to form a fastener with more or less locking action, as desired for a particular application.

Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary thread forming and thread locking fastener 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Fastener 100 includes an entry point 105 and a head 110 with a shaft 115 extending therebetween. Illustratively, entry point 105 is illustrated as having a substantially flat end. However, it should be noted that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the fastener 100 may have an entry point 105 that is rounded, pointed, or the like. Therefore, the description that entry point 105 is substantially flat should be considered exemplary only. Head 110 is illustratively shown having a hexagonal shape for use with a drive device for insertion. The head 110 extends a length 120 in the same axis as the shaft 115 to enable a driver, such as a wrench or the like, to engage the head 110 to apply torque on the fastener for insertion of the fastener into the nut member (not shown) . The head 110 includes a substantially flat base 125 designed to rest flush with the nut member (not shown) when the fastener is fully inserted. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the head 110 may have a number of different shapes based on the desired drive device. Therefore, the description of the head 110 having a hexagonal shape should be considered as exemplary only.

The body or shaft 115 of the fastener 100 includes a plurality of threaded regions, including, for example, a first region 130 , a second region 135 , and a third region 140 . Illustratively, once the fastener has been inserted into the nut member, these three zones are utilized to perform both the thread forming function as well as the thread locking function. Illustratively, first zone 130 is approximately 1-5 pitches long of an exemplary first thread profile that angles outward from the core at an increasing diameter as the zone moves away from fastener entry point 105 . That is, the outer diameter of first zone 130 is smallest at entry point 105 and increases as the thread moves along shaft 115 toward head 110 . The second zone 135 illustratively contains an additional 1-3 pitches of the first (thread forming) thread profile, but has a substantially constant outer diameter. As illustrated in Figure 1A, the first thread profile illustratively includes a thread profile cross-section at a substantially 60° angle. In an exemplary embodiment, the first thread profile may include those described in U.S. Patent No. 9,404,524, incorporated above. It should be noted that although a specific thread-forming thread profile is shown and described, the principles of the invention may be utilized with any thread-forming thread profile in alternative embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the specific thread forming thread profiles shown and described herein should be considered exemplary only.

The third zone 140 utilizes a second thread profile, which is an illustrative thread locking thread profile. As illustrated in Figure 1A, an exemplary second thread profile includes a 60° angled thread at the base of the thread that transitions to a 30° angled thread at the tip. Exemplary thread locking thread profiles are described in US Patent No. 7,722,304, incorporated above. It should be noted that although a specific thread locking profile is shown and described, the principles of the invention may be utilized with any thread locking profile in alternative embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the specific thread locking thread profiles shown and described herein should be considered exemplary only.

Thus, in operation, when a fastener 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is inserted into a nut member, the threads of the first region engage the nut member upon initial insertion of the fastener. The threads in the first and second zones deform the nut member to create threads. As the fastener continues to be inserted into the nut member, the threads in the third zone engage the newly created threads to induce mechanical interference, which causes the locking mechanism to occur. Illustratively, a second thread profile is selected to complement the first thread profile. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, two thread profiles can be selected such that the thread locking profile (second thread profile) is designed with a priori knowledge of the thread dimensions created in the nut member by the thread forming profile (first thread profile) knowledge. When the fastener is creating internal threads in an unthreaded nut component, the thread lock profile thread can be configured for optimal performance with internal threads. Examples of changes are described below with respect to Figures 4A, B, C and 5A, B, C.

Furthermore, in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, thread forming and thread locking thread profiles may be designed to create a specific number of thread locks. This may be desirable for several reasons. For example, a particular user of a fastener may desire that the fastener be able to be removed and reinserted into the nut member a specified number of times, such as at least 10 times, while maintaining at least a minimum dominant torque. In this case, fasteners with reduced locking effects may be desirable. Conversely, fasteners used in equipment requiring high dominant torque can be designed to have a higher locking effect. Exemplary techniques for varying the amount of thread lock are shown and described below with respect to Figures 25-26.

FIG. 1B is an exemplary view of the head 110 of the fastener 100 as viewed along the long axis of the fastener, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned above, the description and description of an exemplary head having a hexagonal shape should be considered as exemplary only. 1C is a view of fastener 100 as viewed along the long axis of the fastener from entry point 105, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As can be understood from FIG. 1C , the fastener shaft 115 is illustratively shaped to have a plurality, such as three protrusions, in cross-section. It should be noted that the use of multiple protruding shafts is exemplary only and that the principles of the present invention may be utilized with fasteners having substantially circular shafts. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, many types of fastener shaft cross-sections may be utilized to achieve the desired properties of the fastener. More particularly, it is expressly contemplated that a shaft having more than three protrusions may be utilized in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the shaft may have varying cross-sections. For example, the shaft may have a substantially circular cross-sectional area near the entry point but transition to a non-circular cross-sectional area along the length of the shaft. An exemplary non-circular cross-sectional area would be, for example, a cross-sectional area with three protrusions. However, it is expressly contemplated that alternative embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be utilized other forms having substantially non-circular cross-sectional areas. The principles of the present invention may utilize a wide range of fastener shaft 115 cross-sectional shapes in order to achieve the desired functionality.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an entry point end of fastener 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the outer diameter of first zone 130 increases as it moves from entry point 105 . The first zone utilizes a first thread profile, which is an illustrative thread forming thread profile. The second zone 135 continues to use this thread to form the thread, but the overall diameter is substantially constant, unlike the first zone 130 where the overall thread diameter increases. The third zone 140 then utilizes a second thread profile, such as a thread locking thread profile, for the remainder of the fastener 100 .

Figure 3 is an exemplary view of a headed blank 300 for forming fastener 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Illustratively, blank 300 includes a single diameter blank, which eases manufacturing difficulties. However, more complex blanks may be utilized expressly in view of the principles of the present invention.

Figures 4A, B, and C illustrate illustrative thread profiles that may be utilized in alternative embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that each thread profile has the same cross-sectional area. FIG. 4A is a representative view of an illustrative 60° thread profile, such as that shown in FIG. 1 . Figure 4B is a representative view of an exemplary radius thread profile. Figure 4C is a representative diagram of an exemplary angular thread form with a 60°/30° thread profile. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments of the invention, different thread profiles may be utilized. Therefore, it is expressly considered that the thread profiles shown in Figures 4A, B, and C are exemplary only.

5A, B, and C illustrate exemplary ranges of potential mechanical interference that may be achieved by utilizing different thread profiles for nut members and fasteners according to exemplary design choices, in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention. The figures show combinations of the thread profiles described above with respect to Figures 4A, B, and C. As can be seen from Figures 5A, B and C, varying degrees of mechanical interference can be achieved by varying the internal and external thread profiles. In alternative embodiments, by selecting many combinations of thread profiles, a desired amount of mechanical interference may be achieved.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view 600 of fastener 100 inserted into threaded nut member 605 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Threaded nut member 605 illustratively includes a set of preformed threads 610 . View 600 is a view of the fastener 100 and nut 605 immediately before the end 105 of the fastener 100 is inserted into the threaded nut member 605 . An exemplary cross-section 615 of the fastener 100 and threaded nut member is illustrated along section A-A.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view 700 of fastener 100 inserted into threaded nut member 605 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 700, the first region 130 and the second region 135 of the fastener 100 have been inserted into the threaded nut member 605. As can be seen in the enlarged view, there is a space between the threads of the first and second regions 130 and 135 and the internal threads 610 of the threaded nut member 605 .

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view 800 of fastener 100 inserted into an unthreaded nut member according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 800 , the first zone of threads 130 has almost passed through the threaded nut member 605 , while the second zone of threads 135 is completely contained within the nut member 605 . As can be seen, the third zone thread 140 has created tip penetration at point 805 within the nut member.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view 900 of fastener 100 inserted into threaded nut member 605 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 900, the first zone 130 and second zone 135 threads have completely passed through the nut member 605, and for each internal thread 605, there is a tip penetration point 905 of the third zone thread 140. As fastener 100 is inserted as shown in Figure 9, tip penetration point 905 creates a mechanical locking mechanism that works to secure the fastener within the threaded nut member.

In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the thread forming thread profiles of the first and second zone threads are designed to slightly enlarge the thread diameter of the threaded nut member. This resizing constructs the fastener so that there is optimal interference between the resized threads and the thread locking threads of the third zone thread. By selecting the thread profile and dimensions for the first and second zone threads, the desired amount of mechanical interference with the third zone thread can be achieved. However, it should be noted that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the preformed internal thread is not enlarged by the first and second zone threads. Therefore, the enlarged depiction of internal threads should be considered exemplary only. Furthermore, the role of thread forming thread profiles reduces or eliminates debris from thread forming. This reduces waste and is critical in some operating environments.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view 1000 of fastener 100 inserted into unthreaded nut member 1005 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 1000, the fastener 100 is about to be inserted into a nut member 1005 having an unthreaded opening or hole 1010.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view 1100 of fastener 100 inserted into unthreaded nut member 1005 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. View 1100 shows when the threads of the first and second regions have been fully inserted into the unthreaded nut member.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view 1200 of fastener 100 inserted into unthreaded nut member 1005, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The third zone thread 140 has now entered the previously formed thread and has created tip penetration at point 1205 .

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view 1300 of fastener 100 inserted into an unthreaded nut member according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 1300 , the first and third zone threads have passed through the nut member 1005 and the third zone threads engage the nut member 1005 at a plurality of tip penetration points 1305 .

As discussed above with respect to Figures 6-9, in illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the first and second zone threads may be sized to create optimally sized threads to achieve the desired results with the third zone threads. Mechanical interference.

The thread locking action described above utilizes mechanical interference at the tip of the thread profile in the third zone to create the locking action. These embodiments are effective in nut components made of steel or other hard metals. However, in softer materials, such as aluminum, or soft cast alloys, the desired results may not be achieved. In another embodiment of the invention, a novel fastener is designed to create a locking action by using mechanical interference along the thread flanks. This flank locking action has been found to be effective on materials where the previously described tip locking action is not suitable.

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of an entry point end of an exemplary fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is similar to Figure 2 described above, illustrating the first area 130, the second area 135, and the third area 140. The first zone illustratively utilizes a thread forming thread profile designed to form flank locking threads in a nut member (not shown). The second and third zones illustratively utilize thread-locking thread profiles designed to mechanically interfere with thread-induced flank locking formed by thread-forming thread profiles.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, first region 130 may not be utilized. In these alternative embodiments, the fastener includes a second zone 135 (thread-forming thread profile) and a third zone 140 (thread-locking thread profile).

Figures 15-22 are similar to Figures 6-13, but illustrate the insertion of a fastener that utilizes thread-forming thread profiles and thread-locking thread profiles, which results in mechanical interference of flank locking.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view 1500 of fastener 100 inserted into threaded nut member 1505 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Threaded nut member 1505 illustratively includes a set of preformed threads 1510 . View 1500 is a view of the fastener 100 and the nut member 1505 immediately before the end 105 of the fastener 100 is inserted into the threaded nut member 1505 . An exemplary cross-section 1515 of the fastener 100 and threaded nut member is illustrated along section A-A.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view 1600 of fastener 100 inserted into threaded nut member 1505 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 1600, the first region 130 and the second region 135 of the fastener 100 have been inserted into the threaded nut member 1505. As can be seen in the enlarged view, there is a space left between the first zone 130 and second zone 135 threads and the internal threads 1510 of the threaded nut member 1505 .

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view 1700 of fastener 100 inserted into an unthreaded nut member according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 800, the first zone 130 threads are almost through the threaded nut member 1505, while the second zone 135 threads are completely contained within the nut member 1505. As can be seen, the third zone 140 threads have created mechanical interference along the flanks of the threads at point 1705 within the nut member.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view 1800 of fastener 100 inserted into threaded nut member 1505 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 1800, the first zone 130 and second zone 135 threads have completely passed through the nut member 1505, and for each internal thread 1510, there is a flank mechanical interference point 1705 with each third zone 140 thread. With fastener 100 inserted as shown in Figure 18, flank locking mechanical interference points 1705 create a mechanical locking mechanism that works to lock the fastener in the threaded nut member.

In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the thread forming thread profiles of the first and second zone threads are designed to slightly enlarge the thread diameter of the threaded nut member. This sizing can construct the fastener so that there is optimal interference between the sized threads and the thread locking threads of the third zone thread. By selecting the thread profile and dimensions for the first and second zone threads, the desired amount of mechanical interference with the third zone thread can be achieved. However, it should be noted that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the preformed internal thread is not enlarged by the first and second zone threads. Therefore, the description of the internal thread being enlarged should be regarded as exemplary only.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view 1900 of fastener 100 inserted into unthreaded nut member 100, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 1900, the fastener 100 is about to be inserted into a nut member 1005 having an unthreaded opening or hole 1010.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view 1100 of fastener 100 inserted into unthreaded nut member 2005, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. View 1100 shows when the first zone 130 and second zone 135 threads have been fully inserted into the unthreaded nut member. The thread forming thread profile of the second zone 135 has begun to form the unthreaded nut member 1005 to create internal threads inside the bore 1010 .

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view 1200 of fastener 100 inserted into unthreaded nut member 2005, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The third zone 140 thread has now entered the previously formed thread and at point 2105 the mechanical interference of flank locking has been created.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view 2200 of fastener 100 inserted into unthreaded nut member 2005 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In view 2200, the first zone 130 and second zone 135 threads have passed through the nut member 1005, and the plurality of third zone threads are engaging the nut member 1005 at the plurality of flank locking mechanical interference points 2105.

Figure 23A is a cross-sectional view 2300A illustrating the maximum condition of a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23B is a cross-sectional view 2300B illustrating the minimum conditions of a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24A is a cross-sectional view 2400A illustrating the maximum condition of a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view 2400B illustrating the minimum conditions of a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view 2500 of an illustrative threaded locking fastener illustrating variability in the amount of locking in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Exemplary view 2500 is a view of a fastener 100 utilizing a thread forming thread profile designed to create mechanical interference at the tip, such as shown and described above with respect to Figures 6-13. In view 2500, X represents the length of the individual threads of the thread locking thread profile, and Y represents the height of the threads of the thread locking thread profile. To create a fastener with more locking action, the X line is increased and the Y line is decreased. Conversely, to reduce the amount of locking action generated by a particular fastener, X is decreased and Y is increased.

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative flank locking fastener illustrating variability in the amount of locking in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Exemplary view 2600 is a view of a fastener 100 utilizing thread forming thread profiles designed to create mechanical interference at the flanks of the threads, such as shown and documented above with respect to Figures 14-22. In view 2600, X represents the length of the individual threads of the thread locking thread profile, and Y represents the height of the threads of the thread locking thread profile. To create a fastener with more locking action, the X series is reduced and the Y series is increased. Conversely, to reduce the amount of locking action generated by a particular fastener, X is increased and Y is decreased.

In this manner, the fastener can be designed to produce the amount of locking action desired for a particular application. The locking effect (leading torque) can also be maintained through multiple insertions and removals. While the fasteners of the present invention generate little or no debris from the thread forming action, the nut member remains suitable for additional insertion of the fastener.

It should be noted that although the present invention has been described with respect to a specific thread profile, the principles of the present invention may be utilized with a variety of thread forming and/or thread locking thread profiles. Accordingly, specific recitations of specific thread profiles contained herein should be considered exemplary only. Furthermore, although many references have been given to the number of thread pitches in the zones, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the number of thread pitches in the zones may vary depending on the intended use. Therefore, the recitation of specific pitch numbers in zones should be considered exemplary.

This description is described in terms of illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the described embodiments should be considered illustrative only.

100: Fasteners 105: Entry point 110:Head 115:Shaft 120:Length 125:bottom 130:The first area 135:Second District 140:The third area 600:View 605: Nut component 610:Thread 615: Cross section 700:View 800:View 805:point 900:View 905:point 1000:View 1005: Nut component 1010: Orifice 1100:View 1200:View 1205:point 1300:View 1305:point 1500:View 1505:Nut member 1510:Thread 1515: Cross Section 1600:View 1700:View 1705:point 1800:View 1900:View 2005: Nut components 2105:point 2200:View 2300A:View 2300B:View 2400A:View 2400B:View 2500:View 2600:View

The above and further advantages of embodiments of the present invention may be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or functionally identical elements, in which: Figure 1A is a side view of an exemplary fastener according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 1B is a view of the head of an exemplary fastener viewed along its long axis in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 1C is a view of an exemplary entry point of an exemplary fastener viewed along its long axis in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an entry point end of an exemplary fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an illustrative view of an exemplary blank for forming a fastener according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 4A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary thread profile according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary thread profile according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 4C is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary thread profile according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating interference between a nut member and the threads of a fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating interference between a nut member and the threads of a fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating interference between a nut member and the threads of a fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of an exemplary fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is an enlarged view of an entry point end of an exemplary fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of an exemplary fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into a threaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a fastener into an unthreaded nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23A is a cross-sectional view illustrating maximum conditions for a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23B is a cross-sectional view illustrating minimum conditions for a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24A is a cross-sectional view illustrating maximum conditions for a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view illustrating minimum conditions for a nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative threaded locking fastener illustrating variability in the amount of locking in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative flank locking fastener illustrating variability in the amount of locking in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention.

100: Fasteners

105: Entry point

110:Head

115:Shaft

120:Length

125:bottom

130:The first area

135:Second District

140:The third area

Claims (24)

A fastener consisting of: a shaft having a cross-sectional profile having an entry point at a first end and a head at a second end, wherein the cross-sectional profile has more than three protrusions; wherein the shaft has a first thread profile engraved thereon in a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first thread profile is thread-formed to create an internal thread having predefined dimensions in the nut member thread profile; wherein the first zone begins at the entry point and extends along the shaft for approximately a first predefined number of thread pitches, wherein the diameter of the first zone increases from the entry point to the second zone; wherein the second region has a constant outer diameter and extends approximately a second predefined number of thread pitches; A third zone having a second thread profile different from the first thread profile and extending from the transition from the second zone towards the base of the head along a substantial portion of the remainder of the shaft, wherein the The second thread profile is a thread-locking thread profile, and wherein the second thread profile has predefined dimensions based on knowledge of the predefined dimensions of the internal threads to form on one or more flanks of one or more threads of the second thread profile A desired amount of mechanical interference is created between the internal thread formed in the nut member by the first thread profile. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference creates a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is increased and the thread locking threads are narrowed The width of the threads in the profile increases this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference creates a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is increased and the thread locking threads are narrowed The width of the thread in the profile reduces this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference creates a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is reduced and the thread locking threads are widened The width of the threads in the profile increases this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference creates a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein reducing the thread height and widening the thread width in the thread locking thread profile results in The thread lock increases the amount of dominant torque in the thread profile. A fastener consisting of: A shaft having a cross-sectional profile having an entry point at a first end and a head at a second end, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the shaft transitions from a substantially circular cross-section to a substantially non-circular cross-section cross section; wherein the shaft has a first thread profile engraved thereon in the first and second regions, wherein the first thread profile is thread-formed to create internal threads having predefined dimensions in the nut member thread profile; wherein the first zone begins at the entry point and extends along the shaft for approximately a first predefined number of thread pitches, wherein the diameter of the first zone increases from the entry point to the second zone; wherein the second region has a constant outer diameter and extends approximately a second predefined number of thread pitches; A third zone having a second thread profile different from the first thread profile and extending from the transition from the second zone along a substantial portion of the remainder of the shaft toward the base of the head, wherein the The second thread profile is a thread-locking thread profile, and wherein the second thread profile has predefined dimensions based on knowledge of the predefined dimensions of the internal threads to form on one or more flanks of one or more threads of the second thread profile A desired amount of mechanical interference is created with the internal thread formed by the first thread profile in the nut member. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference produces a fastener and nut member combination having a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is increased and the thread locking threads are narrowed The width of the threads in the profile increases this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference produces a fastener and nut member combination having a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is increased and the thread locking threads are narrowed The width of the thread in the profile reduces this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference produces a fastener and nut member combination having a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is reduced and the thread locking threads are widened The width of the threads in the profile increases this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference produces a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein reducing the thread height and widening the thread width in the thread locking thread profile results in The thread lock increases the amount of dominant torque in the thread profile. A fastener consisting of: A shaft having a cross-sectional profile having an entry point at a first end and a head at a second end, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the shaft transitions from a substantially non-circular cross-section to a substantially circular cross-section cross section; wherein the shaft has a first thread profile engraved thereon in the first and second regions, wherein the first thread profile is thread-formed to create internal threads having predefined dimensions in the nut member thread profile; wherein the first zone begins at the entry point and extends along the shaft for approximately a first predefined number of thread pitches, wherein the diameter of the first zone increases from the entry point to the second zone; wherein the second region has a constant outer diameter and extends approximately a second predefined number of thread pitches; A third zone having a second thread profile different from the first thread profile and extending from the transition from the second zone towards the base of the head along a substantial portion of the remainder of the shaft, wherein the The second thread profile is a thread-locking thread profile, and wherein the second thread profile has predefined dimensions based on knowledge of the predefined dimensions of the internal threads to form on one or more flanks of one or more threads of the second thread profile A desired amount of mechanical interference is created with the internal thread formed by the first thread profile in the nut member. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference creates a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is increased and the thread locking threads are narrowed The width of the threads in the profile increases this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference creates a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is increased and the thread locking threads are narrowed The width of the thread in the profile reduces this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference produces a fastener and nut member combination having a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein the thread height in the thread locking thread profile is reduced and the thread locking threads are widened The width of the threads in the profile increases this amount of dominant torque. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the desired amount of mechanical interference produces a fastener and nut member combination with a predefined amount of dominant torque, and wherein reducing the thread height and widening the thread width in the thread locking thread profile results in The thread lock increases the amount of dominant torque in the thread profile. A fastener consisting of: a shaft having a cross-sectional profile having an entry point at a first end and a head at a second end, wherein the cross-sectional profile has more than three protrusions; wherein the shaft has a first thread profile carved thereon in a first zone, wherein the first zone begins at the entry point and extends along the shaft for approximately a first predefined number of thread pitches; wherein the second zone has a second thread profile extending from the transition from the first zone along a substantial portion of the remaining portion of the shaft toward the base of the head; wherein the first thread profile is a thread forming thread profile shaped to create internal threads in the nut member; and The second thread profile is a thread locking thread profile shaped to create a desired amount of mechanical interference with the internal threads of the nut member. The fastener of claim 16, wherein the mechanical interference occurs at one or more flanks of more than one thread in the second zone. The fastener of claim 16, wherein the mechanical interference occurs at one or more tips of one or more threads in the second zone. A fastener consisting of: A shaft having a cross-sectional profile having an entry point at a first end and a head at a second end, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the shaft transitions from a substantially circular cross-section to a substantially non-circular cross-section cross section; wherein the shaft has a first thread profile carved thereon in a first zone, wherein the first zone begins at the entry point and extends along the shaft for approximately a first predefined number of thread pitches; wherein the second zone has a second thread profile extending from the transition from the first zone along a substantial portion of the remaining portion of the shaft toward the base of the head; wherein the first thread profile is a thread forming thread profile shaped to create internal threads in the nut member; and The second thread profile is a thread locking thread profile shaped to create a desired amount of mechanical interference with the internal threads of the nut member. The fastener of claim 19, wherein the mechanical interference occurs at one or more flanks of more than one thread in the second zone. The fastener of claim 19, wherein the mechanical interference occurs at one or more tips of one or more threads in the second zone. A fastener consisting of: A shaft having a cross-sectional profile having an entry point at a first end and a head at a second end, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the shaft transitions from a substantially non-circular cross-section to a substantially circular cross-section cross section; wherein the shaft has a first thread profile carved thereon in a first zone, wherein the first zone begins at the entry point and extends along the shaft for approximately a first predefined number of thread pitches; wherein the second zone has a second thread profile extending from the transition from the first zone along a substantial portion of the remaining portion of the shaft toward the base of the head; wherein the first thread profile is a thread forming thread profile shaped to create internal threads in the nut member; and The second thread profile is a thread locking thread profile shaped to create a desired amount of mechanical interference with the internal threads of the nut member. The fastener of claim 22, wherein the mechanical interference occurs at one or more flanks of more than one thread in the second zone. The fastener of claim 22, wherein the mechanical interference occurs at one or more tips of one or more threads in the second zone.