Barrel Bolt Fastener Assembly with Interlocking Washer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional removable fasteners, such as barrel bolts, often lose tension and preload due to relative transverse motion in applications like accordion gates, leading to joint fatigue and failure, and existing solutions like permanent rivets are not repairable and require significant time and labor to replace.
Innovation Solution
An improved barrel bolt assembly featuring a fastener with a washer that includes inward and outward projections, interlocking with the barrel to prevent rotational movement and maintain joint tension, thereby inhibiting loosening and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional removable fasteners like barrel bolts are used, then the joint can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the fastener loses tension and preload due to relative transverse motion, leading to joint loosening and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
A washer is introduced as an intermediary component between the barrel bolt and the joint members. The washer includes inward and outward projections that interlock with corresponding features on the barrel bolt, creating a positive mechanical connection that prevents relative rotational movement. This intermediary element maintains joint tension and preload while allowing the fastener to remain removable and reusable.
2Reliability
If permanent fasteners like rivets are used to prevent loosening, then joint stability is improved, but the fastener becomes non-repairable and requires significant time and labor to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system transitions from a static permanent connection (rivet) to a dynamic reusable connection (barrel bolt with washer). The interlocking projections maintain joint stability during service, but the entire assembly can be easily removed and reinstalled, enabling maintenance and repair without extensive labor or specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If the barrel bolt includes interlocking projections with the washer, then rotational movement is prevented and joint tension is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washer and barrel bolt feature asymmetric interlocking projections that prevent rotational movement in the critical direction while maintaining simplicity in other aspects. The projections are strategically positioned to provide maximum anti-loosening capability with minimal additional complexity to the overall fastener design.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved barrel bolt assembly and extensible gate comprising the same wherein the assembly includes a washer having at least one inward or outward projection annularly disposed about an internal periphery thereof, a fastener having a head portion and a shank portion extending therefrom, and a barrel having a head portion and a boss portion extending therefrom, wherein the boss portion is operative to receive the fastener shank portion and the barrel boss portion further includes at least one inward or outward projection annularly and complementarily disposed and formed with respect to the inner periphery of the washer, to receive and mate with the washer, whereby the washer and barrel interlock to prevent rotational movement with respect to each other.