History of the Development and Sales of the Hard Lock Nut
Features of the Hard Lock Nut
- Development begins by “putting an end to loose screws and bolt breakage in the world”
- In Search of a Nut that Never Becomes Loose
- The Wedge Principle
- Birth of the Hard Lock Nut
- The Hard Lock Nut around the World
- Click here for definitions and classifications of screw looseness.
The primary reason for bolts breaking is a drop from the initial tightening strength (axial force) of the screw, leading to a shortened life span and metal fatigue/breakage. That is to say that low-cycle fatigue of the bolt is induced, which leads to failure. There are many products in the world that can prevent screws from falling out, but none that prevent them from becoming loose. At the time, this was the only product that prevented a loss in the axial force.
We then focused on the idea of completely eliminating play in screws. Our initial manufacturing concept was a single lock nut that could be produced as inexpensively as possible. No matter how much we brainstormed, however, our assumptions and preconceptions blocked us from thinking outside the envelope because of our initial conditions and focus on the preventing screws from coming out.
We then hit on the idea of using the wedge principle, used in ancient Japanese architecture. From this, we invented the Hard Lock Nut with a wedge-shaped construction. This provided an elegant solution with lower costs and better workability.
The Hard Lock Nut was born, never becoming loose and providing safety and assurance.
Although many companies initially balked when they considered only at the price, the Hard Lock Nut has gradually been adopted for use throughout the world as it has received marks of excellence in a wide variety of screw looseness tests. Because the Hard Lock Nut maintains the initial axial force (tightening strength), companies have found it not only prevents screws from coming loose and bolts from breaking, but dramatically cuts personnel expenses, maintenance expenses and expenses arising from the enormous claims that can seriously threaten a company. We will continue to provide the all-around benefits of Hard Lock technology to companies throughout the world.
Locations where only the Hard Lock Nut is adequate:
1) Where an external force repeatedly acts in the rotational direction of the bolt
2) Where an external force repeatedly acts in the direction perpendicular to the shaft
3) Where an external force repeatedly acts in the vertical direction of the bolt
4) Where bolts and nuts cannot be tightened strongly
5) Where minor vibrations are always present
6) Where excessive external forces occur
7) Where extreme heat is a factor such as due to temperature variation