Bolt Fastening Sleeve and Retaining Cap for Secure Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening apparatuses face issues with parts becoming unintentionally displaced during assembly, requiring high assembly forces and lacking secure retention, and are difficult to assemble and disassemble efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fastening apparatus with a connecting sleeve and retaining cap featuring latching elements and securing tabs that engage in a pre-assembly position to prevent unintended displacement, allowing secure attachment and easy assembly/disassembly via a tool-actuated release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the retaining cap is designed without securing elements, then the assembly is simpler, but the parts become unintentionally displaced during transport and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The securing tabs are designed to automatically engage with the connecting sleeve when the retaining cap is in the pre-assembly position, preventing displacement before the actual assembly operation begins. This preliminary securing action ensures parts remain in place during transport and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism transitions from a static design to a dynamic one where the securing tabs can engage and disengage based on the axial position of the retaining cap. During assembly, the tabs engage to prevent displacement, and during disassembly, they release to allow controlled movement.
2Reliability
If the retaining cap is firmly retained on the connecting sleeve, then position stability is improved, but assembly force and disassembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining cap is divided into functional segments: the cap body, the latching elements for axial retention, and the securing tabs for lateral securing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, providing stable retention without requiring excessive overall assembly force.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the securing tabs and their engagement features is optimized to provide adequate retention force during normal operation while allowing easy release during disassembly. The parameters of the tab dimensions, engagement depth, and material properties are selected to balance retention strength with assembly ease.
3Reliability
If the securing tabs are always engaged, then displacement is prevented, but the fastening apparatus cannot be easily disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The securing tabs automatically engage when the retaining cap is in the pre-assembly position and can be easily disengaged when needed for disassembly, providing conditional retention that adapts to the operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing tabs are designed to self-engage when the retaining cap is properly positioned on the connecting sleeve, eliminating the need for separate securing actions. During disassembly, the mechanism allows automatic release when the cap is removed from its seated position.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening apparatus is provided for fastening components to bolts or to a bolt arranged on a carrier component. A connecting sleeve delimits a connecting space for receiving a bolt. A cup-shaped retaining cap delimits a receiving space for fastening a component, the connecting sleeve arranged in the receiving space. The retaining cap includes a latching device having at least one latching element, which, in a pre-assembly position, engages with a counter-latching edge of the connecting sleeve such that a displacement of the retaining cap in the axial direction away from the connecting sleeve is blocked, and a securing element with at least one securing tab, which, in the pre-assembly position, is arranged in a securing recess such that a displacement of the retaining cap in the axial direction towards the connecting sleeve is blocked.