Have you heard of screwlock assemblies? They are commonly used in the aviation industry. Airplanes, of course, produce vibrations. If left unchecked, these vibrations can cause electrical connectors and components to come loose. Screwlock assemblies, however, offer a simple and effective way to prevent this from happening.
What Are Screwlock Assemblies?
Screwlock assemblies are fasteners that secure connectors and other components in place. While available in different styles, they typically consist of multiple pieces, including a screw, lock washer and a nut. The lock washer helps to resist vibrations so that the screwlock, as well as the connector or component with which it’s used, remains in place.
Traditional screws are often susceptible to vibration-related loosening. Vibrations can cause screws to work their way out of objects. Screwlock assemblies, on the other hand, maintain their “locking” force even when exposed to vibrations.
How Screwlock Assemblies Work
Screwlock assemblies work by securing connectors and components in place. Normally, electrical connectors plug into ports, and pulling them will disconnect them. Vibrations can have a similar effect by disconnecting these unsecured connectors. Screwlock assemblies, though, are designed to hold connectors and components in place.
You can use screwlock assemblies by screwing them through a connector and into or around the port. The screw is the main fastening element, which goes through the connector and port. the lock washer helps to distribute the clamping force and resist vibrations. Finally, the nut completes the assembly by providing the clamping force. When used together, these pieces allow screwlock assemblies to secure connectors and components in place.
Benefits of screwlock washers include the following:
- Protects against vibration-related loosening
- Easy to install
- Minimizes the need for maintenance
Choosing the Right Screwlock Assembly
There are several things you should consider when choosing a screwlock assembly, one of which is the screw size. The screw size will determine the size of the connectors and components with which it can be used. Large connectors and components require large screwlock assemblies with large screws. The opposite is true for small connectors and components.
What drive type does the screw support? All screwlock assemblies have a screw, but the specific drive type of this screw may vary. Some screwlock assemblies require a Philips head screwdriver to install and loosen, whereas others require a slotted screwdriver.
You should consider the material when choosing a screwlock assembly. Since they are often exposed to airborne moisture, they need to be made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as aluminum, stainless steel or zinc-plated steel.
