Hydraulic Bolt Tensioning Assembly With External Lock Nut Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt tensioning devices face challenges in accessing and tightening the lock nut due to limited space, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially in subsea installations where tools are often left behind or require time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A bolt tensioning assembly with a first end portion having an enlarged diameter and external threads for a lock nut, allowing the lock nut to be accessed and tightened externally, eliminating the need for bridges or windows in the tensioning device and reducing deflection issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bolt tensioning device is designed to enclose the lock nut, then the tensioning device can withstand the load, but access to the lock nut becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the bolt structure into segments: a first end portion with enlarged diameter for lock nut placement, and a second end portion for tensioning. This segmentation allows the lock nut to be positioned outside the tensioning device enclosure, providing easy access while maintaining the device's load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock nut is positioned in a different spatial dimension (outside the tensioning device) rather than being enclosed within it. This dimensional repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the tensioning device to maintain its structural integrity for load bearing while providing unrestricted access to the lock nut for tightening operations.
2Ease of operation
If bridges or windows are added to the tensioning device for access, then lock nut tightening becomes possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lock nut from the enclosed space within the tensioning device and relocates it to the first end portion with enlarged diameter. This extraction eliminates the need for bridges, windows, or other access features in the tensioning device, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If tools are left behind for lock nut rotation, then tightening can be completed, but equipment quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock nut is preliminarily positioned on the first end portion with enlarged diameter before the tensioning operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the lock nut is already in the correct location and accessible, eliminating the need to leave additional tools behind for rotation and tightening completion.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lock nut is enclosed by the tensioning device, then structural integrity is maintained, but deflection issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is segmented into a first end portion with enlarged diameter and a second end portion. This segmentation allows the lock nut to be positioned on the enlarged portion where it is not subject to the deflection and stress experienced by the enclosed portion, thereby maintaining structural integrity while reducing deflection issues.
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
Facilitates easier access and tightening of the lock nut, reduces equipment left behind, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for complex components, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of bolt tensioning, particularly in subsea installations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic bolt tensioning device for tensioning of the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt tensioning assembly has a bolt with a first end portion and a second end portion at an opposite side of the bolt. The first end portion has an enlarged diameter to form a counter-pressure surface facing the second end portion. The first end portion has external threads to receive a lock nut. A hydraulic bolt tensioning device is for tensioning of the bolt. The hydraulic bolt tensioning device is arranged for enclosing a portion of the bolt such that it abuts the counter pressure surface. A lock nut is arranged on the first end portion of the bolt. The hydraulic bolt tensioning device and lock nut are dimensioned such that upon tightening of the lock nut, the lock nut will tighten against a portion of the hydraulic bolt tensioning device.