Bolt-Nut Groove Locking for Anti-Loosening Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-loosening joint technologies face limitations such as serrated washers losing effectiveness under high pressure, wedge-lock washers failing on hard surfaces, and castellated nuts requiring significant manual effort and space for installation, while also being difficult to retrofit or use in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of a bolt and nut system utilizing elongated filler pins with thread-locking and nut-locking means, security washers with shank-locking and nut-gripping mechanisms, and groove-locking designs that securely attach to the bolt and nut, preventing loosening without the need for extensive manual work or space, and can be retrofitted into existing joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serrated washers are used for anti-loosening, then they can prevent loosening under normal conditions, but they lose effectiveness when excessive pressure is applied as they flatten and become ordinary washers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the anti-loosening function into two separate components: the bolt with gripping elements that engage the nut, and the filler pin that secures the bolt shank. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the bolt handles gripping without excessive pressure, and the filler pin provides secure anchoring, resolving the contradiction between anti-loosening reliability and pressure resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The filler pin is inserted into a longitudinal groove within the bolt shank, creating a nested structure where the pin is housed inside the bolt. This nested design allows the filler pin to provide internal support and prevent bolt rotation without requiring external washers, maintaining anti-loosening effectiveness while distributing pressure internally
2Reliability
If wedge-lock washers are used for anti-loosening, then they offer great anti-loosening resistance, but they cannot be used on extremely hard surfaces as their grooves cannot bite into the surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the washer bite into the surface (external engagement), the invention inverts the approach by having the bolt's gripping elements engage the nut internally, and the filler pin secure the bolt from within. This internal engagement mechanism works effectively on extremely hard surfaces where external biting would fail
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the anti-loosening function from the washer component and relocates it to the bolt-nut-filler pin system. By removing the dependency on washers biting into surfaces, the system becomes compatible with extremely hard surfaces while maintaining anti-loosening resistance
3Reliability
If castellated nuts are used for anti-loosening, then they can hold the load while preventing loosening, but installation requires significant manual work and plenty of space for drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal groove is pre-formed in the bolt shank during manufacturing, and the filler pin is pre-cut to the required length with appropriate head geometry. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site drilling and complex manual operations, allowing simple insertion and securing while maintaining load holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filler pin is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This disposable-like approach simplifies installation and maintenance compared to complex castellated nuts, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability
4Reliability
If castellated nuts are used for anti-loosening, then they prevent loosening effectively, but it is difficult to make the inserted wire pin fit snugly into the slots, allowing the nut to turn backward and reduce grip
Solution Approach 1:
The filler pin is designed with a head that features its own integrated locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate wire pins and slots. When the filler pin is inserted into the longitudinal groove and the head is deformed or locked, it secures itself automatically, ensuring reliable loosening prevention without requiring high fit accuracy between separate components
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is an apparatus of bolt and nut for anti-loosening joints by using a variety of mechanisms to grip the shank of said bolt and simultaneously to grab onto said nut in order to prevent said nut from turning loose.