Locking Plate Fastener Assembly for One-Handed Bolting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing methods for parts are lengthy and tedious, requiring manual stabilization of screws or nuts during bolting and additional steps for locking, which complicates the process and slows down the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fixing assembly with a locking plate and immobilizing member that prevents rotational movement of screws or nuts, allowing for one-handed operation and eliminating the need for additional locking steps, using a design that includes a holding housing and immobilizing member to secure the fastener during bolting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixing methods are used, then the fastening can be achieved, but the process is lengthy and tedious requiring manual stabilization and additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate is designed in advance with integrated holding housings and immobilizing members that automatically prevent rotation of the fastener during bolting. The upper part, lower part, and connecting member are pre-configured to create retaining housings that capture the fastener head or nut, eliminating the need for manual stabilization or separate locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support through its upper and lower parts connected by connecting members, creates retaining housings to hold the fastener, and includes immobilizing members to prevent rotation. This merging of functions into one assembly eliminates the need for separate tools or operations for fastener stabilization and locking.
2Reliability
If manual stabilization of screw or nut is required during bolting, then the fastening can be secured, but it requires two-handed operation and increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate is designed to automatically perform the stabilization function that previously required manual intervention. The holding housings and immobilizing members self-activate when the fastener is inserted, automatically preventing rotation without requiring the operator to manually hold or stabilize the fastener during the bolting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the fastener. Instead of the operator directly manipulating the fastener to prevent rotation, the blocking plate's immobilizing members intervene to automatically restrain the fastener, allowing the operator to focus solely on applying the bolting force with one hand.
3Reliability
If additional locking steps are included, then the fastening is more secure, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate is pre-configured with holding housings and immobilizing members that are positioned and configured before assembly begins. These features are built into the upper part, lower part, and connecting member structure, so that when the fastener is inserted and the bolting operation commences, the anti-rotation and locking functions are already in place and immediately effective, eliminating the need for separate locking steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of fixing two parts (12, 14) together by means of a fixing assembly (10), comprising a screw (16), a nut (20) cooperating with the screw (16), a locking plate (24) comprising an upper part (26), lower part (28) and a connecting member (30) connecting the upper and lower parts, the upper, lower and connecting members defining a retaining housing receiving a head of the screw or the nut, the upper part (26) defining a through upper opening (32), the lower part defining a through lower opening (34) comprising a locking member (42), the method comprising the steps: - insertion of the head of the screw or nut into the retaining housing, - locking of the locking plate relative to the two parts by means of the locking member, and - fixing of the two parts by bolting.