Pivoting Bolt Fastener for Blind Tool-Free Demounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt fastening systems in motor vehicles and aircraft require visible engagement and cannot be reliably demounted without tools, limiting their usability for repeated mounting and demounting during production and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A bolt fastener design featuring radially arranged, axially pivotable fixing means with engagement faces and bearing faces that disengage when pivoted, allowing for blind mounting and demounting by releasing a minimum holding force, and incorporating spring arms and sockets for secure engagement and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bolt fastening systems are used with visible engagement, then reliable fastening is achieved, but blind demounting without tools is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means are designed to be axially pivotable, transitioning between a locked position where engagement faces engage the bolt and a released position where bearing faces disengage from bearing means. This dynamic mechanism enables blind demounting while maintaining reliable fastening during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial spacing between bearing means and the bolt is designed to be smaller than the entire extent of the fixing means, creating a geometric relationship that enables automatic disengagement when pivoted. This parameter change allows the fixing means to transition from engaged to disengaged state without tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed holding forces are applied in conventional fastening systems, then secure attachment is achieved, but repeated mounting and demounting causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient spring arms provide dynamic holding forces that automatically adjust during mounting and demounting operations. The spring arms flex to accommodate the pivoting motion of fixing means, enabling repeated operations without exceeding force limits that would damage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient spring arms are pre-configured to provide cushioning during the fastening and release processes. This beforehand cushioning prevents impact forces and excessive stresses during repeated mounting and demounting, protecting both the fastening system and attached components from damage.
3Ease of operation
If resilient spring arms are used to suspend fixing means, then blind operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient spring arms are designed to automatically guide the fixing means into the correct engaged position with the bolt during insertion. This self-service function eliminates the need for alignment tools or complex guiding mechanisms, enabling blind fastening while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing faces are designed with convex curvature and the bearing means with corresponding concave curvature, creating a spherical-like engagement geometry. This curved interface simplifies the pivoting motion and automatic engagement process, reducing the complexity of the overall mechanism while enabling blind operation.
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 reliable blind fastening and demounting of components without tools, ensuring secure attachment and detachment of trim elements, meeting requirements for repeated use and facilitating repairs by setting a minimum and maximum force, thus enhancing the bolt fastener's reusability.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing means are arranged in a suspended manner on axially and radially resilient spring arms
Implementation Method 2
have, in the direction of an axial receiving space for a fastening bolt, engagement faces for engagement with a bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt fastener includes a plurality of fixing structures that are arranged radially around a receiving space for a bolt and are axially pivotable, wherein the fixing structures have, in the direction of an axial receiving space for a fastening bolt, engagement faces for engagement with a bolt and have, at diametrically opposite ends, bearing faces with which the fixing structures are supported counter to an outward movement, wherein bearing structures for the bearing faces are also provided, which cooperate in a supporting manner with the bearing faces, wherein the bearing face and bearing structure are dimensioned such that they disengage when the fixing structures are pivoted counter to the insertion direction of the bolt, wherein the radial spacing between the bearing structures and a bolt mounted in the receiving space is smaller than the entire extent of the fixing structures.