Deformable Bolt Head Structure for High-Torque Clamp Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nut and bolt fasteners often fail under high torque and preload due to concentration of force at the weakest point, the head-shaft joint, leading to shearing or popping off.
Innovation Solution
A bolt design featuring a main-bolt head, a threaded shaft, and a deformable-bolt head component with a relief space, where the deformable-bolt head component deforms to distribute torque and preload forces, reducing the risk of failure by redirecting forces away from the head-shaft joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional nut and bolt fasteners are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fastener fails under high torque due to force concentration at the head-shaft joint
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt head is divided into two distinct components: a rigid main-bolt head and a deformable-bolt head component. This segmentation allows the rigid main head to provide structural strength while the deformable component absorbs and distributes torque forces, preventing failure at the head-shaft joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new spatial dimension by adding the deformable-bolt head component that can deform radially into the relief space. This dimensional change allows force distribution in multiple directions rather than concentrating stress at a single point, enabling higher torque resistance.
2Reliability
If higher torque is applied to increase clamp load, then joint security improves, but the bolt head-shaft joint is more likely to shear or pop off
Solution Approach 1:
The relief space is pre-formed between the deformable-bolt head component and the main-bolt head, creating a cushioning zone before torque application. During tightening, this space allows the deformable component to compress and absorb excess forces, protecting the head-shaft joint from shear and popping failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable-bolt head component undergoes parameter changes by deforming from its initial configuration to a compressed state within the relief space. This deformation changes the stress distribution parameters, redirecting forces away from the vulnerable head-shaft joint and allowing higher clamp loads without failure.
3Strength
If the deformable-bolt head component is added to distribute forces, then torque resistance increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable-bolt head component is threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft of the main-bolt head, merging two functional elements into a single integrated fastener assembly. This combining approach allows the bolt to achieve enhanced torque resistance while maintaining a relatively straightforward manufacturing process through threading operations.
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
Enables higher torque application without shearing or popping off, allowing for correspondingly higher clamp loads and improved joint security compared to standard bolts.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable-bolt head component with an outer flange and an interior threaded bore... The relief space provides an area for the deformable-bolt head component to deform into during installation of the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt includes a main-bolt head, a threaded shaft, and a deformable-bolt head component. The main-bolt head has a recess. The threaded shaft extends from the main-bolt head. The threaded shaft has an external thread wrapped therearound. The deformable-bolt head component has an outer flange and an interior threaded bore. The outer flange of the deformable-bolt head component is coupled to the main-bolt head such that a relief space is formed between the deformable-bolt head component and the recess.