Multi-Head Bolt Pawl Geometry for One-Sided Load Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners require access from both sides and are inconvenient for absorbing shear, tensile, or traction forces, leading to misalignment due to lateral forces on the fastener bolt.
Innovation Solution
A multi-head bolt with a shaft and symmetrical pawls that divert shearing, tensile, and traction forces, featuring a star-shaped configuration with angled sides decreasing in radial distance, allowing alignment and connection from one side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fastener is used, then access from both sides is required, but this reduces ease of operation and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is segmented into two independent parts: the multi-head bolt that provides one-sided access for insertion and alignment, and the nut that provides securing and load-bearing capacity. This segmentation allows the bolt to be inserted from one side while the nut is secured from the other side, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-head bolt is inserted through the panel and nested within the nut, creating a layered structure where the bolt provides alignment and the nut provides securing. This nesting arrangement enables one-sided access during insertion while maintaining the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the complete fastening system
2Productivity
If a conventional fastener is used, then access from both sides is required, but this increases the time and complexity of installation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into a multi-head bolt for insertion and alignment, and a nut for securing. This segmentation allows the insertion and alignment operations to be performed from one side, improving productivity by eliminating the need for two-sided access while the nut handles the securing function
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-head bolt performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions by being inserted from one side through the panel. The pawls engage with the panel features to establish proper alignment before the nut is secured, separating the alignment function from the securing function and improving installation efficiency
3Reliability
If a conventional fastener is used, then lateral forces cause misalignment, but this reduces reliability and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-head bolt features asymmetric pawls with specific geometric shapes that engage with corresponding features on the panel. This asymmetric design creates mechanical interlocking that resists lateral forces and prevents misalignment, improving reliability while the overall one-sided insertion process maintains ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pawls are designed to engage with panel features during insertion to prevent lateral movement and misalignment before the fastening is complete. This preliminary anti-action against lateral forces ensures proper alignment is maintained throughout the fastening process, improving reliability
4Strength
If a conventional fastener is used, then shear and tensile forces are not effectively absorbed, but this reduces strength and load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is separated from the insertion and alignment functions. The multi-head bolt handles insertion and alignment, while the nut is specifically designed to absorb shear and tensile forces through its threaded engagement with the bolt shaft. This segmentation allows the nut to be optimized for strength without complicating the insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The nut features a conical or tapered bore that provides mechanical interlocking with the bolt shaft, enhancing the ability to absorb lateral and tensile forces. This curved geometric design creates friction and mechanical engagement that improves strength and load-bearing capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-head bolt (10) having a bolt shaft (12) defining a longitudinal axis (14) of the multi-head bolt and a multi-head (16) disposed at a first end of the bolt shaft, the multi-head having at least three pawls (18), each pawl having a fixed radial orientation relative to the bolt shaft and having a primary plane being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bolt shaft and having a support surface (20).