Bolt Head Lock Plate Geometry for Vibration-Resistant Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and assemblies for preventing or limiting the rotation of mounting bolts in gas turbine engines are inadequate, as they fail to effectively address the issue of bolt loosening due to vibrations during operation.
Innovation Solution
A bolt lock plate with a multi-point aperture and a circumferentially extending slot, configured such that the slot covers at least 360 degrees divided by a product of the number of points on the aperture and a constant, which can be one or two, to securely engage a multi-point bolt head and prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bolt locking device is used, then the bolt rotation may be limited to some extent, but the device is insufficient to effectively prevent bolt loosening due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the lock plate with multi-point aperture, the circumferential slot, and the fastener. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system, improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock plate acts as an intermediary element between the bolt head and the fastener. It transfers and distributes the locking force through its multi-point aperture and circumferential slot, effectively preventing bolt rotation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Reliability
If a multi-point aperture with circumferential slot is used, then bolt rotation is effectively prevented, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-point aperture and circumferential slot are designed with specific local geometric properties that optimize their locking function. The aperture has points arranged to match the bolt head geometry, and the slot extends circumferentially by a specific angle, creating localized high-quality interfaces that enhance locking reliability without requiring extreme precision throughout the entire component
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential slot is designed with an asymmetric angular extent (at least 360/(N×C) degrees) rather than a symmetric full-circle configuration. This asymmetric design provides effective rotational prevention while reducing manufacturing complexity compared to a fully enclosed multi-point aperture
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
The solution effectively prevents the rotation of bolts by compressing the lock plate towards the body, enhancing the static friction and ensuring the bolts remain secure despite vibrations, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the engine.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing the static friction and ensuring the bolts remain secure
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt lock plate includes a plate configured with a multi-point aperture and a slot. The multi-point aperture has an axial centerline and a cross-sectional geometry with a quantity N of points arranged about the axial centerline. The slot extends circumferentially about the axial centerline a quantity M of degrees within the plate and between opposing ends of the slot. The quantity M is at least substantially equal to three-hundred and sixty divided by a product of the quantity N and a constant C. The constant C is equal to one or two.