Self-locking thread systems and connectors including same
A self-locking thread system includes a first threaded member and a second threaded member. The first threaded member includes a first thread. The second threaded member includes a second thread configured to be threaded with the first thread. The first thread has a first thread axis. The first thread includes a locking thread section that is non-circular in a transverse cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the first thread axis.
1 . A self-locking thread system comprising:
a first threaded member including a first thread; and
a second threaded member including a second thread configured to be threaded with the first thread;
wherein:
the first thread has a first thread axis; and
the first thread includes a locking thread section that is non-circular in a transverse cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the first thread axis;
the locking thread section is oval in the transverse cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the first thread axis;
the first thread has a leading end and an opposing trailing end;
a first pitch diameter of the locking thread section expands outwardly in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end in a first axial cross-sectional plane parallel to the first thread axis;
a second pitch diameter of the locking thread section tapers inwardly in the direction from the leading end to the trailing end in a second axial cross-sectional plane parallel to the first thread axis and perpendicular to the first axial cross-sectional plane; and
the second threaded member is formed of a deformable polymer.
2 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the locking thread section is elliptical in the transverse cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the first thread axis.
3 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the second pitch diameter of the locking thread section tapers inwardly in the direction from the leading end to the trailing end at an angle of at least 3 degrees.
4 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the maximum first pitch diameter is at least 7 percent greater than the second pitch diameter at the same axial location.
5 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the circumference of the locking thread section is substantially uniform.
6 . The self-locking thread system of claim 5 wherein:
the first thread further includes a lead thread section that is substantially circular cylindrical; and
the circumference of the lead thread section is substantially the same as the circumference of the locking thread section.
7 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the first thread further includes a lead thread section that is substantially circular cylindrical.
8 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the first thread is a continuous helical thread.
9 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the locking thread section includes at least 3 thread turns.
10 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein the second thread is substantially circular cylindrical.
11 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein:
the first thread is an external thread; and
the second thread is an internal thread.
12 . The self-locking thread system of claim 1 wherein:
the first threaded member is a connector housing; and
the second threaded member is a cable retention nut.
13 . An electrical connector comprising:
a connector housing including a first thread;
an electrical contact in the connector housing; and
a cable retention nut including a second thread configured to be threaded with the first thread;
wherein:
the first thread has a first thread axis; and
the first thread includes a locking thread section that is non-circular in a transverse cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the first thread axis;
the locking thread section is oval in the transverse cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the first thread axis;
the first thread has a leading end and an opposing trailing end;
a first pitch diameter of the locking thread section expands outwardly in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end in a first axial cross-sectional plane parallel to the first thread axis;
a second pitch diameter of the locking thread section tapers inwardly in the direction from the leading end to the trailing end in a second axial cross-sectional plane parallel to the first thread axis and perpendicular to the first axial cross-sectional plane; and
the cable retention nut is formed of a deformable polymer.
14 . The electrical connector of claim 13 wherein the cable retention nut is operable to secure a cable to the connector housing.
15 . The electrical connector of claim 13 wherein the circumference of the locking thread section is substantially uniform.
16 . The electrical connector of claim 15 wherein:
the first thread further includes a lead thread section that is substantially circular cylindrical; and
the circumference of the lead thread section is substantially the same as the circumference of the locking thread section.