Stanley Introduces Fastener For Waterproof Handhelds and Wearables

“Since water-resistant standards play a big role in making expensive handheld and wearable digital devices more durable, the industry has adopted the IPx7 rating, which protects against immersion in water for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter,” said the firm. The screws combine two technologies: A modified thread (branded ‘Spiralock’) for holes that imparts an anti-vibration characteristic to conventional bolts and screws – and is used in larger form in spacecraft. It also, claims the firm, has a strong centring action. In detail, Spiralock “adds a 30° wedge ramp at the root of the thread and mates with standard 60° male thread fasteners. This removes the need for nylon-based patches or other anti-vibration countermeasures,” said Stanley. Waterproofing comes modifying the screw to create an 87° under-cut beneath the head instead of the usual 90°, or a countersink. The edge of the head then provides a single circular line-contact with the housing to keep out water, dust and dirt, said the firm. Lastly, the company has used a semi-flat head on the screws, styled to be in keeping with wearables.