Interconnected Cover Elements Prevent Wheel Bolt Unscrewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-unscrewing cover systems for commercial vehicle wheel bolts are complex to install, costly, and prone to uncoupling due to vibrations, with multiple plastic parts and snap-fit systems, making them inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simplified anti-unscrewing cover system featuring tubular bodies with integral radial appendages and cup-shaped cap elements that form a continuous chain, allowing single-direction rotation and secure angular positioning, preventing bolt unscrewing through a crown of interconnected cover elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple plastic parts and snap-fit systems are used to create anti-unscrewing cover systems, then the system can provide coverage and protection for bolt heads, but the system becomes complex to install, costly, and prone to uncoupling due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate plastic parts into a single integrated cover element. The cover element includes an integral appendage that forms a continuous chain with adjacent cover elements, eliminating the need for separate snap-fit systems and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system is segmented into individual cover elements, each capable of independent installation on bolt heads. The integral appendages create a continuous chain that connects these segmented elements, allowing modular installation while ensuring overall system stability through the interconnected crown structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible elements are used to connect cover elements to bolt heads, then the connection can accommodate movement, but the cover elements can become uncoupled from the heads due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible elements within the integral appendage structure that allow controlled movement and deformation. These flexible portions enable the cover elements to accommodate bolt head movement and vibrations while the rigid appendage structure maintains the overall connection stability and prevents uncoupling
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elements are designed to absorb and dampen vibrations before they can cause the cover elements to become uncoupled. This beforehand cushioning effect protects the connection from the harmful effects of vibrations generated during vehicle operation
3Reliability
If a crown of interconnected cover elements is formed to prevent bolt unscrewing, then anti-unscrewing functionality is achieved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integral appendage design merges the cover element and connection features into a single piece that can be installed as one unit. The continuous chain structure is formed automatically during installation, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures required by traditional multi-part systems
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 system is easy to install, cost-effective, and effectively prevents bolt unscrewing by maintaining a stable connection between cover elements and bolt heads, ensuring secure wheel rim attachment.
Implementation Method 1
said cup-shaped cap element being provided with flexible means which allow rotation of the tubular body with respect to the cap element according to a single direction of rotation
Implementation Method 2
said appendage has an end portion of the cover which is configured to abut against a rear portion of the perimetric edge of the adjacent tubular body in such a way that the cover elements arranged on their respective heads form a continuous chain of cover elements arranged in contact with each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An anti-unscrewing cover system (1) for heads (3) of bolts (2) used to secure a wheel rim (4) of a commercial vehicle to a hub and comprising a plurality of cover elements (10) each of which is suitable to be coupled with a respective head (3) of bolts (2) which engage with respective through-holes (8) arranged along a circular path of a portion (6) of the wheel rim (4) . Each cover element (10) comprises a tubular body (12) and an integral appendix (16) which extends radially from a front portion of a perimetric edge (12b) of the tubular body (12) and a cap element (18) available inside the tubular body (12) and suitable to house a respective head (3). The appendix (16) has an end portion (16a) configured to abut against a rear portion (12b) of an adjacent tubular body (12) in such a way that the cover elements (10) arranged on the respective heads form a continuous chain of cover elements arranged in contact with each other to create a crown of interconnected cover elements (10). The crown of cover elements prevents the rotation and thus the unscrewing of the bolts.