Bolt-Retaining Strip for Fender Support Arm Assembly Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fender support arm designs for semi-tractors face challenges in securely fastening bolts due to their location within the support member, making it difficult to tighten nuts without the heads of the bolts being accessible, which can lead to issues during assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-retaining strip is introduced, featuring a base with a hole for the bolt shank and arms with lips and flanges that prevent bolt rotation and secure the bolt head, allowing for easy assembly and ensuring the bolts remain in place during nut tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bolt head is positioned inside the support member for secure fastening, then the bolt retention is improved, but the accessibility for tightening nuts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt-retaining strip is nested within the hollow interior of the support member, with the base seated against the inner surface and arms extending into the hollow space. This nesting arrangement allows the bolt head to be retained inside the support member while still providing accessibility through the opening at the end of the support member.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt-retaining strip acts as an intermediary component between the bolt and the support member. It provides a mechanism for retaining the bolt head within the support member while allowing external access to the bolt head through the opening, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of retention and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the bolt head is accessible for easy tightening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security of fastening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt-retaining strip is nested within the hollow interior of the support member, creating a secure enclosed space that holds the bolt head in place while still allowing access through the opening at the end of the support member.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt-retaining strip serves as an intermediary structure that provides both security and accessibility. Its arms and lips create a secure environment for the bolt head while the opening in the support member maintains external accessibility for tightening operations.
3Weight of moving object
If the support member is hollow to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt-retaining strip is nested within the hollow support member, utilizing the existing hollow structure. This nesting approach allows the support member to maintain its lightweight hollow design while the inner strip provides additional structural reinforcement and bolt retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is segmented into an outer hollow structure and an inner bolt-retaining strip. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the outer structure provides lightweight support while the inner strip provides structural reinforcement and bolt retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt-retaining strip for a fender support arm may include a base with a first surface configured to be seated against an elongated support member, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a hole dimensioned to receive a shank of a bolt extending from the first surface to the second surface. A first arm and a second arm extending from the second surface may be positioned on opposite lateral sides of the hole so that the head of the bolt can be received therebetween. A lip may extend from a respective interior surface of each of the first and second arms towards the opposite arm and can be dimensioned to extend over a portion of the head of the bolt. A flange may be positioned proximate each of the first and second arms and can be configured to restrict rotation of the bolt relative to the hole.