Offset-Bore Washer for Complete Slotted-Hole Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washers struggle to completely cover elongated holes, leading to visual flaws and potential increases in surface pressure, as standard washers require large installation spaces to effectively cover long slotted holes.
Innovation Solution
A washer with an asymmetrically arranged bore, where the center of the bore is offset from the center of the washer, allowing for complete coverage of elongated holes with minimal space requirements by rotating or sliding the washer as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a standard washer is used to cover an elongated hole, then the installation space is minimized, but the washer cannot completely cover long slotted holes leading to visual flaws and increased surface pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the bore center offset from the washer center by distance e. This asymmetric arrangement allows the washer to cover elongated holes effectively without requiring a larger overall washer size, resolving the contradiction between minimizing washer area and ensuring complete coverage of long slots
2Reliability
If a large washer is used to completely cover a long slotted hole, then coverage is improved, but the installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric bore positioning with offset e enables the washer to cover elongated holes of length up to 3 times its width without increasing the washer's outer diameter beyond standard proportions, thus maintaining compact installation space while ensuring complete coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the dimensional relationship between the offset distance e and the bore dimensions to achieve extended coverage capability. By positioning the bore asymmetrically, the washer effectively covers longer slots by leveraging the offset dimension rather than increasing the overall washer diameter
3Ease of manufacture
If a symmetric washer is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but coverage of asymmetric elongated holes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry only in the bore positioning (offset e) while maintaining the washer body's overall symmetry and standard proportions. This selective asymmetry improves coverage effectiveness for elongated holes while keeping manufacturing relatively simple, as the offset can be achieved through standard machining processes
Data Source
Figure 1~2F
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a washer (1) for covering slots (3), comprising a washer body (1a) and a bore (6) in the washer body (1a), wherein the bore (6) is arranged asymmetrically in the washer body (1a) in relation to a rotation on the washer body (1a) about the centre point thereof. The invention also relates to a method for covering slots with such a washer and to a mounting assembly, in particular a metal structure, in which slots have been covered by means of such a washer.