Locking device keeps constant torque with re-use
A
Moeller Manufacturing product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Sep 25, 2002
Standard and specialised plugs and other products incorporating the FlexThread locking device are available from Moeller Manufacturing.
The self-locking methods used for external threads on parts such as plugs and various sensors have previously consisted of embedded deformable plastic or soft metal locking elements.
Plastic locking elements are suitable only in low-temperature applications.
Soft-metal locking elements can tolerate higher temperatures but thread galling can be a problem.
In both cases the reusability is low.
Each time the part is installed and removed (each "cycle") the locking element wears, and the locking torque drops every cycle until the locking element is worn out and the part must be replaced.
Typically, the useful life of parts with these types of locking elements is only about ten cycles or less.
Additionally, as the locking torque drops rapidly from cycle-to-cycle, there is the possibility that a part with marginal torque during installation will check below the service limits during the subsequent removal and reliability will be compromised.
Due to the low reusability and poor reliability of these designs, additional means of securing the parts are necessary for critical applications.
These other means include lock washers, tab washers, safety wire, thread locking compounds, and cotter pins.
These all improve reliability but unfortunately they do so at the expense of maintainability.
The FlexThread design incorporates an active thread-locking feature into the standard threadform.
This active thread is highly flexible, floating and self-centring.
It distributes the locking torque over a large part of the mating thread so wear is negligible.
The result is that FlexThread delivers up to 100 cycles reusability, and more importantly it delivers consistent torque from cycle-to-cycle.
This combination of exceptional reusability and consistent torque provides superb reliability as well as ease of maintenance.
The FlexThread feature is made of a high-strength and wear-resistant nickel alloy and it tolerates temperatures that would vaporise other locking elements.
FlexThread parts do not require any special tools or training and they can be used in almost any standard threaded hole or port.
Best of all, there is no need for washers, wires, cotter pins or anything else.
Standard and specialised plugs and other products incorporating the FlexThread locking device are available from Moeller Manufacturing.
Moeller FlexThread plugs have been used in military and commercial aircraft for over 10 years.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Google Ads
Contact Moeller Manufacturing
Related Stories
- Threebond expands Gold Label series of adhesives
- Araldite epoxy systems used in model aircraft
- Bulte launches self-locking nylon nuts
- Program 1000 latches allow extensive adjustments
- Trelleborg unveils LoLi torque roll restrictor
Articles by product category
- Consultancy and Services (903)
- Machine Building (4,517)
-
Engineering Design Software (6,179)
- Engineering Design Software (12)
- 2D CAD software (200)
- 3D CAD software (1,157)
- FEA and structural analysis software (369)
- Fluid, thermal, noise, vibration software (334)
- Simulation, modelling, validation software (914)
- Rendering, visualisation, styling software (196)
- Materials design and moulding design software (151)
- Process, instrumentation, automation software (258)
- Electrical design software (164)
- Publishing and documentation software (229)
- Maths, charting, statistics, QA software (317)
- Data, document management software (310)
- CAM, CNC, production management software (568)
- File conversion software, data capture (351)
- PLM and collaboration software (649)
-
Drives, Motors and Controls (3,361)
- Drives, Motors and Controls (1)
- Precision Motors and Gears (411)
- Industrial Drives/Controls (1,276)
- Linear Drives and Motors (114)
- Industrial Motors (497)
- Stepper and Servo Drives, Motors, Controls (1,060)
- Small Mechanical Components, Joining, Tools (1,975)
-
Control and Instrumentation (5,028)
- Plantwide control (1,324)
- Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications (1,174)
- Smaller-Sized PLCs (387)
- CNC and Motion Controllers (184)
- Mid-range and Large PLCs (201)
- Power Supplies, Uninterruptible Power (562)
- HMIs/Operator Interfaces (294)
- Logic Controllers, Timers and Relays (96)
- Cabling, Conduit, Signal Conditioning (806)
-
Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (5,459)
- Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (1)
- Data acquisition Software and Communications (494)
- Data Acquisition Hardware and PC I/O Boards (472)
- Electrical and Electronic Testing, PAT Equipment (630)
- Form/co-ordinate, optical, vision instruments (703)
- Gauges, Indicators and Instruments (440)
- Data loggers (422)
- Materials testing equipment (421)
- Telecomms/network test equipment, software etc (154)
- Testing and Calibration Services and Information (500)
- Testing, analysing and monitoring equipment (1,222)
-
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Design (4,160)
- Batteries, chargers and circuit protection (555)
- Connectors, Terminals, Busbars, Slip Rings (679)
- Enclosures and Equipment Cooling Fans (709)
- Knobs, Handles and Enclosure Hardware (420)
- PCs and Embedded Systems (798)
- Electrical and Electronic Subassemblies (369)
- Electrical and Electronic Components (630)
-
Materials and Processing (2,963)
- Materials and Processing (5)
- Materials and components (2,215)
- Rapid Prototyping (458)
- Materials processing and testing (285)
-
Engineering Industry News, Resources (6,093)
- Engineering Industry News, Resources (4)
- Engineering Business News, Views (388)
- Engineering Exhibitions, Events (562)
- Engineering Conferences (425)
- Engineering Seminars (400)
- Engineering Industry Developments, Awards (633)
- Engineering Guides, Newsletters (349)
- Engineering Recruitment, Employment (219)
- Engineering Training Courses (433)
- Engineering Education, Resources, Standards (838)
- Engineering Industry Reports, Surveys (597)
- Electronic Resources for Engineers (278)
- Health and Safety Legislation (402)
- Health and Safety Strategy, Risk Assessment (113)
- Health and Safety Consultancy, Software (175)
- Health and Safety Events, Training, News (277)
-
Powertrain Design (3,598)
- Powertrain Design (2)
- Bearings (939)
- Chains and belts (326)
- Gears, brakes, couplings and engines (1,441)
- Hydraulic Components (471)
- Lubricants (418)
-
Capital Equipment (3,387)
- Capital Equipment (1)
- Manufacturing Machinery and Plant Equipment (468)
- Production line blowers and fans (62)
- Compressors and Air Treatment (510)
- Electronics Manufacturing, Tools, Instruments (192)
- Electrical hardware (131)
- Machinery and Production Equipment (1,093)
- Robotics, Handling and Storage (930)
-
Sensors (7,080)
- Sensors (8)
- Accelerometers and Vibration Sensors (427)
- Loadcells, Force Sensors, Torque Sensors (699)
- Pressure sensors (621)
- Flowmeters and Flow Sensors (618)
- Level Sensors and Leak Detectors (527)
- Linear Position Sensors (399)
- Rotary Position, Tilt and Angular Sensors (546)
- Proximity Sensors (700)
- Gas, Chemical, Radiation, Magnetic Sensors (284)
- Humidity and Environmental Sensors (152)
- Temperature sensors (612)
- Vision and Colour Sensors (1,384)
- Barcode Sensors (103)
- Valves, Pumps, Process Hardware (3,623)
