Patent attributes
The present invention provides compliant screws compatible with standard threaded holes that are self-anchoring via auxetic properties. Once a screw has been twisted in place using a mating screw driver, the screw won't be able to be removed unless it is broken, its surrounding material is torn out with the screw, or unless the screw driver itself is again used to twist the screw in the opposite direction. Thus, although reusable, the screw will never come out of its hole in the presence of vibrations or other cyclic or random loading scenarios. The screws are thereby suitable for critical joint applications where screws must never come loose. Non-limiting examples include satellite fasteners, high-speed vehicle bolts, pedicle screws, and other screws used to secure medical implants within a human body.
