Locking Bolt Position Sensing for Remote Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking bolts cannot determine their position remotely, relying on haptic or visual inspection, which is inadequate for ensuring secure locking or unlocking, especially in safety-critical applications where precise positioning is necessary.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a position sensing device, such as a magnetic sensor, that detects the axial end positions of the bolt and generates a signal for remote monitoring, using a magnet attached to the actuating element and a sensor embedded in the bolt guide, allowing for contact-free detection of the bolt's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a locking bolt uses manual actuation with a knob, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the position of the bolt cannot be determined remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated sensing systems. Sensors (magnetic, capacitive, inductive, or optical) detect the bolt position automatically, converting mechanical position into electrical signals for remote monitoring, thereby eliminating the need for physical inspection while adding minimal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary elements between the bolt and the monitoring system. These sensors act as mediators that detect bolt position and transmit information remotely, allowing position determination without direct mechanical interaction or visual inspection
2Reliability
If visual inspection is used to determine bolt position, then no additional components are needed, but the method fails when the view is obscured or from remote positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual detection methods with sensor-based detection systems. Magnetic sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, or optical sensors can detect bolt position through non-contact means, working reliably even when visually obscured or from remote positions, thereby improving both reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors as intermediary detection devices that can 'see' through obstacles or from a distance. These sensors mediate between the bolt and the observer, providing reliable position information regardless of visual line-of-sight requirements or environmental conditions
3Reliability
If haptic perception is used to detect bolt position, then the system remains simple, but vibration can cause the bolt to release without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces haptic perception with automated sensor systems that continuously monitor bolt position. These sensors provide objective detection that is not subject to human sensory limitations and can detect position changes even during vibration, significantly improving reliability under adverse conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor bolt position and provide information to the control system. This continuous feedback allows immediate detection of position changes, including unintended releases caused by vibration, enabling timely corrective action
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 remote determination of the locking bolt's position, ensuring secure locking or unlocking, even under adverse conditions like heat, dust, and vibrations, enhancing safety and reliability in large systems.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor has the advantage that it can also function under difficult conditions such as heat, dust and vibrations—and even through non-ferromagnetic objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operated locking bolt (1) having a cylindrical, sleeve-shaped bolt guide (3) and a bolt (2), which is mounted to be axially displaced in the bolt guide (3), and which has a locking end (15) and an actuating end (31), wherein the bolt (2) is mounted to be axially displaced between a first axial end position or a second axial end position within the bolt guide (3) and can be locked, wherein at least one sensor (27) is fastened to the bolt guide (3), which sensor detects the two axial end positions of the bolt (2) as a measured variable and generates therefrom a further processable electrical signal.