Locking Fastener Assembly With Covered Tool Access for Marine Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for securing equipment to vehicles are limited in compatibility and durability in marine environments, failing to provide effective theft resistance for a wide range of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly comprising a body with a fastener receptacle, a threaded bolt, a cover, and a lock element that moves between locked and unlocked positions, ensuring secure attachment and environmental sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing locks are used for securing equipment to vehicles, then theft resistance is provided for specific products, but compatibility with a wide range of equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly is designed with a universal base interface that can accommodate multiple types of equipment, while maintaining secure attachment capabilities. The standardized receptacle design allows different equipment pieces to be mounted using the same fastener system, achieving multi-functionality without compromising security.
2Reliability
If existing locks are used for securing equipment to vehicles, then theft resistance is provided for specific products, but durability in marine environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly utilizes materials with properties suitable for marine environments, combining corrosion resistance with mechanical strength. The body and fastener components are constructed from materials that can withstand saltwater exposure, humidity, and temperature variations while maintaining their security function.
3Strength
If a threaded bolt is used to secure equipment, then secure attachment is achieved, but access to the tool interface must be maintained for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
A removable cover acts as an intermediary element that protects the tool interface when not in use while allowing easy access when needed. The cover can be removed to access the threaded bolt's tool interface for installation or removal, then reattached to protect the interface and provide environmental sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is pre-installed on the fastener body, providing immediate protection and sealing. This preliminary protective action ensures the tool interface is secured against environmental factors before the fastener is even installed, while still allowing easy removal when tool access is required.
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 theft-resistant securing of a variety of equipment to bases in marine environments, providing secure and durable attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The fastener may be a threaded bolt threadably engaging the base
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly for securing equipment to a base has a body defining a fastener receptacle, a fastener having a first portion configured to engage the base and operable to secure an equipment portion between the body and the base, the fastener having a second portion including a tool interface, a cover removably connected to the body, and movable between a closed configuration to deny access to the tool interface of the fastener and an open configuration to enable access to the tool interface of the fastener, a lock element operably connected to the cover and to the body, and the lock element operable between an unlocked condition enabling movement of the cover from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and a locked condition preventing movement of the cover from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The fastener may be a threaded bolt threadably engaging the base.