Bolt Head Channel Structure for Reliable Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems often face difficulties in engaging and maintaining tool alignment with bolt heads, leading to challenges in rotating bolts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring a bolt head with orthogonal channels and slots, and a tool with a blade and tip that aligns with the bolt axis, allowing for secure engagement and rotation of the bolt using a clearance fit, enabling easy tightening or loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bolt heads are used with standard tools, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to engage the tool with the bolt head or keep the tool engaged during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt head is segmented into multiple functional features: two orthogonal channels extending through the bolt head, with slots at the entry points. This segmentation allows the tool to engage through multiple pathways simultaneously, improving engagement reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the channel-slot system - that mediates between the tool and the bolt head. The channels provide a pathway for the tool to engage, while the slots allow for tool insertion and alignment, creating a reliable connection without requiring complex threading or locking mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the tool channel alignment is not precise with the bolt axis, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the tool cannot effectively rotate the bolt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the two channels relative to each other (orthogonal arrangement) while maintaining symmetry with respect to the bolt axis. This asymmetric configuration within symmetric constraints allows the tool to self-align during insertion, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision while ensuring effective rotation when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel system is designed to be universal in its functionality - the orthogonal channels can accommodate tools approaching from different directions, and the slots allow for both alignment and rotation functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for extremely precise manufacturing while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system including a bolt with a shank defining a bolt axis and a bolt head secured to the shank. The bolt head includes a bolt head body with two channels therein, and two slots aligned with the channels. The channels and the slots extend between oppositely positioned axis-parallel surfaces. The channels are partially defined by internal walls in the bolt head body. The bolt head includes a cap surface transverse to the bolt axis. The system also includes a tool with a blade defining a tool axis, with a tip located at the second end. The tip is receivable in the channels. To rotate the bolt, the tip is positioned in a selected one of the channels, to align the tool axis with the bolt axis. Rotation of the bolt is urged by the tool, when the tool is rotated about the tool axis.