Fastener Socket Security Plug With Morse-Taper Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security measures for nuts and bolts require removal and reinstallation of the fastener or use of a special bolt, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A security plug with a longitudinally extending female socket that can be inserted into a bolt or nut in situ, featuring a complementary outer surface, retaining members such as magnets or mechanical protrusions, and engagement surfaces for mechanical removal using a specialized tool, including Morse tapers for secure attachment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security cap is mounted on the bolt to prevent loosening, then security against unauthorized loosening is improved, but the bolt must be removed and reinstalled which increases loss of time and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The security plug is pre-installed into the female socket of the bolt head before the bolt is installed. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for removal and reinstallation later, as the plug remains in place and provides continuous security protection throughout the bolt's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The security function is extracted from the bolt itself and implemented as a separate plug component that fits into the female socket. This allows the security feature to be applied independently without modifying the bolt structure, enabling the plug to be pre-installed and remain in place during operation.
2Reliability
If a security cap is mounted on the bolt to prevent loosening, then security against unauthorized loosening is improved, but the process requires removal and reinstallation which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The security plug is pre-installed into the female socket of the bolt head before the bolt is installed. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for removal and reinstallation later, as the plug remains in place and provides continuous security protection throughout the bolt's service life.
3Reliability
If a special bolt is used to provide security features, then security against unauthorized loosening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security function is extracted from the bolt itself and implemented as a separate plug component that fits into the female socket. This allows the security feature to be applied independently without modifying the bolt structure, maintaining simplicity of the bolt while adding security through the separate plug component.
Solution Approach 2:
The female socket in the bolt head, originally designed for tool engagement, is repurposed to also receive and retain the security plug. This multi-functional use of the existing socket eliminates the need for special bolt structures, allowing standard bolts to gain security features through the universal plug design.
4Reliability
If a security plug is inserted into the female socket to prevent tool engagement, then security against unauthorized loosening is improved, but the plug must be removable which requires additional engagement surfaces and retaining members
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member uses magnetic attraction to hold the security plug in the female socket, replacing complex mechanical locking mechanisms. The magnet provides secure retention during normal operation while allowing the plug to be removed by applying sufficient longitudinal force with a tool, simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The Morse taper on the removal portion creates a mechanical advantage that amplifies the removal force. When a tool is inserted and force is applied, the tapered surfaces generate increasing radial pressure that overcomes the magnetic retention force, enabling easy removal without complex mechanisms.
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 secure attachment and removal of the plug without removing the bolt or nut, preventing unauthorized loosening while allowing for direct tightening or loosening of the bolt without interference, using a tool that engages the plug's unique surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining member is preferably a magnet but may comprise a mechanical connection with the socket.
Implementation Method 2
at least one first engagement surface has a Morse taper or a Morse like taper
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A security plug (10) adapted to be inserted into the female socket (18) of a fastener (20) to prevent a tool, such as an Allen key, engaging in the female socket. The plug (10) has an outer surface (22) complementary to the female socket (18) and a retaining member (14) that retains the plug (10) in the female socket (18), and at least one removal portion (26, 70) adapted to be engaged by a second tool (100), whereby engagement of the second tool (100) and the plug (10) allows forces applied by the second tool (100) to the plug (10) to withdraw the plug from the female socket against the action of the retaining member. The second tool and the removal portion (26, 70) may have complementary Morse tapers and the retaining member (14) may be a magnet.