Rotating Protective Cap for Anti-Tamper Threaded Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines with exposed threaded elements are vulnerable to unauthorized tampering, which can affect engine performance and emissions, as these elements can be adjusted by unauthorized individuals without permission.
Innovation Solution
An anti-tampering device comprising a threaded element with a protection body that is coupled to prevent engagement with driving tools, ensuring the threaded element cannot be rotated or adjusted once the protection body is in place, using a retaining ring for secure coupling and an annular groove for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the threaded element is exposed on the external side of the internal combustion engine to allow adjustment of operating parameters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vulnerability to unauthorized tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional parts: a threaded element for adjustment and a protection body for security. The protection body can be removed by authorized personnel to allow adjustment, then reinstalled to prevent unauthorized tampering, separating the adjustment function from the protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection body acts as an intermediary between the threaded element and unauthorized users. It physically blocks access to the engaging surface, preventing direct interaction between unauthorized persons and the adjustable parameter, while allowing authorized personnel to remove it when needed.
2Reliability
If the protection body is coupled to the threaded element to prevent engagement with driving tools, then the security against tampering is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection body is designed to fit over the threaded element in a nested configuration. The protection body surrounds the threaded element and engages with its external surface, creating a compact integrated structure that prevents tampering without adding significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection body is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and installed. It serves its protective function and remains in place, while the threaded element can be accessed when needed, making the overall system cost-effective and simple.
3Reliability
If the protection body is axially blocked with respect to the threaded element to prevent removal, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation for authorized adjustments is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the protection body and threaded element is designed to be dynamically reversible. During authorized adjustment, the protection body can be temporarily removed from the threaded element, allowing access to the engaging surface. After adjustment, it is reinstalled to restore protection, providing flexibility when needed while maintaining security during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an anti-tampering device including a threaded element having a thread defining a screwing axis and an engaging surface for engagement with a driving tool, and a protection body for preventing the driving tool from engaging the engaging surface. The protection body is coupled to the threaded element so that they are mutually blocked in a direction parallel to the screwing axis and free to spin around the screwing axis.