Blind Bolt Assembly With Elastic Hinges for Single-Side Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolts require installation on both sides of a component, which is impractical for closed-section components or those where access is limited, and existing blind bolt technologies are complex and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A blind bolt fastening device featuring a screw cap with spot-welded elastic hinges and Z-shaped gaskets that allow single-side installation by forming elastic potential energy for self-retraction and locking, reducing the need for auxiliary tools and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an ordinary bolt is used, then fastening can be achieved, but installation requires access to both sides of the component which is impossible for closed-section components
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is segmented into a screw cap portion and a nut portion that can be installed separately. The screw cap is installed from one side through the mounting hole, while the nut is installed from the same side after the screw cap passes through, eliminating the need for access to both sides of the component.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw cap acts as an intermediary element that passes through the mounting hole from one side and provides a interface for installing the nut from the same side. This intermediary mechanism enables single-side installation by mediating between the fastening requirement and the accessibility constraint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing blind bolt technology is used, then single-side fastening is achieved, but the installation tool and installation steps become complicated and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The screw cap and nut are merged into a coordinated system where the screw cap includes integrated features that guide and facilitate nut installation from the same side. The elastic hinge and Z-shaped gasket are combined to provide both passage facilitation and locking functions in a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic hinge automatically rebounds to push the Z-shaped gasket through the mounting hole and lock it in place without requiring external tools. The system performs its own installation service through the elastic potential energy stored in the hinge, eliminating the need for complicated installation tools.
3Ease of operation
If Z-shaped gaskets are folded through elastic hinges, then passage through mounting hole is enabled, but elastic potential energy must be sufficient for rebounding
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic hinge is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters (thickness of 2mm, maximum open angle of 180 degrees) that optimize the balance between elastic potential energy storage and structural strength. These parameter changes ensure the hinge can rebound sufficiently while maintaining adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic hinge transitions from a static connection to a dynamic energy-storing element. By allowing the hinge to flex and store elastic potential energy during the folding process, the system converts static structural components into dynamic elements that actively drive the self-retraction and locking mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient single-side fastening with enhanced mechanical properties, suitable for steel structures, and simplifies the manufacturing and installation of blind bolts, particularly in concrete-filled steel tube structures, by utilizing self-resetting elastic hinges and Z-shaped gaskets.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic hinges have a maximum open angle of 180 degrees and is capable of rebounding a section of force in two directions
Implementation Method 2
The top end of the screw cap is connected to a fixed plate in a spot welding manner. The other end of each elastic hinge is connected to a Z-shaped gasket in a spot welding manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a blind bolt fastening device, and belongs to the technical field of bolts. The blind bolt fastening device includes Z-shaped gaskets, a fixed plate, elastic hinges, a screw cap, a nut, an integrated gasket and the like. The top end of the screw cap is connected to the fixed plate in a spot welding manner. A plurality of elastic hinges is uniformly mounted on the fixed plate. One end of each elastic hinge is rotatably fixed on the fixed plate. Connection points of the elastic hinges and the fixed plate do not exceed the outer edge of the fixed plate. The other end of each elastic hinge is connected to one Z-shaped gasket in a spot welding manner. In an initial state, the plurality of Z-shaped gaskets are uniformly distributed and fitted onto the outer wall of the screw cap along a circumferential direction. When needing to pass through amounting hole, the plurality of Z-shaped gaskets may be folded through the elastic hinges to the top end of the screw cap and form elastic potential energy for rebounding. The present invention realizes simple and quick single side installation of a bolt and may be widely applied to civil and architectural engineering, mechanical engineering and the like.