Anti-Loosening Bolt-Nut Assembly With Tapered Elastic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bolt and nut assemblies lack an effective anti-loosening mechanism, leading to loosening issues under impact, vibration, and frequent use, particularly in narrow spaces like behind a toilet bowl.
Innovation Solution
An anti-loosening bolt and nut assembly comprising a bolt, a nut, and a locking member, where the nut has a locking section with elasticity and the locking member has a tapered section that compresses or releases the locking section to form a circumferential restriction, preventing loosening without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bolts and nuts are used without additional anti-loosening mechanism, then the structure is simple and operation is easy, but the nut is easily loosened under impact and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member integrates multiple functions: it locks the nut against the bolt head, prevents circumferential rotation through tapered section compression, and eliminates the need for separate locking components. This merging of functions achieves reliable anti-loosening while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-configured with a tapered section that, when compressed, creates immediate circumferential restriction. The preliminary design of the tapered geometry ensures that compression automatically generates the locking force needed to prevent loosening under subsequent vibration and impact
2Reliability
If existing anti-loosening assemblies with multiple components are used, then anti-loosening effect is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly operation becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member combines the functions of a locking nut, a retaining clip, and a compression spring into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and simplifies assembly to a single operation of installing the locking member over the bolt
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be self-installing and self-locking. The tapered section automatically compresses and locks when the locking member is placed over the bolt, requiring no additional tools or complex assembly steps. The elastic deformation provides automatic engagement
3Reliability
If locking member requires threading operation in axial direction, then locking is achieved, but large operating space is needed and tool length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional threaded mechanical locking system with an elastic compression system. Instead of requiring axial threading motion, the tapered section compresses the locking section radially to create circumferential restriction. This substitution eliminates the need for long tools and large operating space
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from axial threading motion to radial compression. The tapered section converts axial force into radial compression of the locking section, creating circumferential restriction in a different dimensional approach that requires minimal operating space
4Area of stationary object
If narrow space behind toilet bowl is used for nut installation, then space utilization is improved, but installation operation is greatly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed for self-installation in confined spaces. It simply needs to be placed over the bolt and the tapered section will automatically compress the locking section to create the lock, requiring no manual threading or complex manipulation in the narrow space
Solution Approach 2:
The complex threading and locking mechanism is replaced with a simple compression-based system that works in narrow spaces. The elastic compression of the locking section by the tapered member creates effective locking without requiring the manual dexterity needed for traditional threading in confined areas
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 bolt and nut from loosening, is easy to operate with minimal parts, and is suitable for use in narrow spaces, enhancing user experience and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The locking section has elasticity. When the locking section is pressed, the locking section is in tight fit with the retaining section to form a circumferential restriction
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-loosening bolt and nut assembly includes a bolt, a nut, and a locking member. A screw rod of the bolt has an upper portion formed with an external thread and a lower portion formed with a retaining section. The nut has an upper cavity formed with an internal thread and a lower portion formed with a locking section. The locking section has elasticity. When the locking section is pressed, the locking section is in tight fit with the retaining section. The locking member is sleeved on the locking section. The locking member has an inner cavity with a tapered section. When the locking member is rotated, the nut is moved axially for the tapered section to be pressed against the locking section tightly. The bolt and nut assembly provides an anti-loosening effect, has few parts, and can be operated easily in a narrow space.