Nut-Ring Locking Assembly With Visual Lock Position Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices face difficulties in ensuring correct assembly and locking due to opposing wedge forces and limited angular rotation, making dismantling and assembly challenging, and lack visual indicators for proper locking status.
Innovation Solution
A locking device assembly featuring a nut and ring with through slots and visual markings, identical thread pitches, and a washer with an elastic locking mechanism, allowing for positive locking and easy identification of the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different thread pitches are used for the ring/nut assembly to allow wide angular rotation, then the locking device can rotate through a wide angle without jamming, but the assembly becomes difficult to mount and lock because the rotation angle is limited by the length of the smallest thread pitch
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into three separate threaded connections: screw-nut, nut-ring, and ring-screw. Each connection can independently rotate through its own angular range determined by its thread pitch. This segmentation allows the overall device to achieve a cumulative wide rotation angle while each individual connection maintains ease of assembly within its limited pitch-based rotation range.
2Reliability
If the locking device is designed to be inherently anti-loosening through reverse thread directions, then the components remain tightly locked under vibrations, but there is no visual indication of whether the nut and ring are correctly locked
Solution Approach 1:
The ring includes visual markings (such as colored indicators or position markers) that change apparent position or visibility based on the locking status. When the nut and ring are correctly locked, the markings align in a specific configuration that provides immediate visual confirmation to the operator, eliminating uncertainty about proper assembly while maintaining the anti-loosening function.
3Strength
If the thread flanks are subjected to opposing wedge forces to maintain tight locking, then the components stay securely clamped, but the assembly requires precise angular alignment that is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically adapts to angular misalignment through the independent rotation capability of each threaded connection. The screw-nut, nut-ring, and ring-screw connections can rotate at different angles to compensate for assembly variations, allowing the wedge forces to be properly engaged without requiring extremely precise initial angular alignment between all components.
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
Ensures secure locking with a wide range of angular rotation and provides a visual confirmation of the locking status, simplifying assembly and disassembly while maintaining high torque resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the washer comprising an elastic interlocking means with the other of the ring and the nut in an installation position of the assembly, so as to prevent rotation of the ring and the nut relative to each other from said installation position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a unit (10) for a locking device, including: a nut (12) comprising first (18) and second (20) coaxial taps in opposite directions; and a ring (13); said ring including a third tap (38); the first (18) and third (38) taps being capable of engaging with a single first thread (22); said ring including a second thread (40) capable of engaging with the second tap (20) of the nut. A portion (33) of the ring, projecting relative to the second thread (40), includes a through-hole (60); and a surface (16) of the nut includes a visual marking, configured to be opposite the hole (60) when the nut and the ring are in an installation position, and separated from said hole when the nut and the ring are outside said installation position.