Bolt-Locking Apparatus Using Non-Circular Fitting Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt-locking apparatuses are complex to manufacture and difficult to mount, especially in narrow spaces, as they require precise fitting of multiple components to prevent bolt loosening, which is crucial for maintaining sealing performance in fluid control applications.
Innovation Solution
A simplified bolt-locking apparatus with non-rotatably fitted fitting members and an engaging member that straddles the fitting members, using a mounting jig to facilitate easy installation, even in confined spaces, by employing non-circular shapes and resilient materials for easy deformation and secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex bolt-locking member structure is used to prevent bolt loosening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt-locking apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a locking member with a body and a separate locking element. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the bolt-locking function, making the apparatus easier to manufacture and assemble without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate locking element that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This allows the main body to have a simpler structure while the locking element provides the necessary bolt-locking capability, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If a complex bolt-locking member structure is used to prevent bolt loosening, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the bolt-locking apparatus into a body and a separate locking element, each component can be manufactured using simpler processes. The locking element can be produced as a separate standard part, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the reliability needed for bolt-locking functionality.
3Reliability
If a bolt-locking member with integrated fitting portions is used, then bolt loosening prevention is achieved, but mounting operation difficulty increases in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the locking element from the body allows for easier mounting operations. The locking element can be independently positioned and engaged without requiring complex coordinated movements of multiple integrated components, significantly improving ease of operation in narrow spaces while maintaining bolt-locking reliability.
4Reliability
If a bolt-locking member with integrated fitting portions is used, then bolt loosening prevention is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, easily manipulative locking element that can be independently operated. This extraction allows workers to easily engage and disengage the locking mechanism without having to manipulate a complex integrated structure, improving ease of operation while maintaining the reliability of bolt-locking prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt-locking apparatus includes a plurality of fitting members 2 and 3 which are relatively non-rotatably fitted to heads of a plurality of bolts 5, and an engaging member 4 fitted to the plurality of fitting members 2 and 3 such that the engaging member 4 straddles the fitting members 2 and 3. Outer peripheral surfaces 2b and 3b of the fitting members 2 and 3 are non-circular in shape. The engaging member 4 includes a plurality of engaging holes (non-circular engaging portions) 8a and 8b which correspond to the non-circular outer peripheral surfaces 2b and 3b of the plurality of fitting members 2 and 3.