Pull-up Bolt Assembly for Manway Cover Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for handling manway covers are inadequate in safely supporting the weight and securely attaching these heavy covers to swingarm or hinge devices without altering the structural integrity of the covers or flanges, and often require costly and impractical machining.

Innovation Solution

A pull-up bolt assembly with a threaded shaft, tapered member, and radially expandable friction member that frictionally supports the manway cover, resisting pull-out forces and securely attaching to the hinge device without the need for additional machining or structural modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional bolts and machining methods are used to attach manway covers, then the covers can be securely fastened, but the structural integrity of the covers and flanges is compromised and costly machining is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmachining requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the bolt by incorporating an expandable friction member that transforms the bolt from a rigid threaded fastener to an expandable anchor system. This allows the bolt to be inserted through existing holes without machining, then expanded to create friction-based anchoring that provides secure attachment while preserving the structural integrity of the cover and flange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threading system with an expandable friction-based anchoring system. Instead of relying on threaded engagement that requires precise machining, the system uses radial expansion of a friction member against the hole walls to create secure attachment, eliminating the need for costly machining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manway covers are removed and re-installed, then maintenance and inspection can be performed, but the heavy weight and size make handling dangerous and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidhandling hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates dynamic elements including swing arms that can pivot and positioning mechanisms that allow the heavy manway cover to be moved to various positions. This dynamic system enables safe handling and positioning of the cover during maintenance operations, reducing the hazard associated with its weight and size while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If expansion bolts are used to attach the hinge device, then attachment strength is improved, but the expandable friction member requires precise fit within the bolt opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidfit tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes in the form of an expandable friction member that can adjust its diameter. This allows the bolt to be manufactured with standard tolerances for insertion, then expanded in-situ to achieve the required attachment strength, thereby reducing the need for precise fit tolerances during manufacturing while maintaining strong attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a safe and secure method to handle and attach manway covers, resisting shear and pull-out forces while maintaining the structural integrity of the covers and flanges, and can be reused without the need for recertification or additional machining.

Implementation Method 1

a radially expandable friction member disposed around the threaded shaft between the tapered member and the abutting member end... frictionally supporting a high-weight structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a tapered member disposed around the threaded shaft between the nut component and the abutting member end... At least a portion of the expandable friction member expands outwardly in a radial direction... when the nut component is threadably moved toward the abutting member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9915279B2Pull-up bolt assembly

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 UNIVERSAL HINGE CORP

AI summary

In combination, a manway cover and a manway flange having one or more bolt opening(s) and a pull-up bolt assembly adapted to be used for supporting a hinge component to the manway cover, the manway flange, or both, where the pull-up bolt assembly having a pull-up bolt member, a nut component, a tapered member, and an expandable friction member, where one or more structures selected from a thread, a ridge and/or a groove disposed on an outside surface of the expandable friction member and the one or more bolt opening(s) having an inside surface adapted for mating with the corresponding one or more structures of the expandable friction member whereby, when the pull-up bolt assembly is engaged within the one or more bolt opening(s), the one or more structures aligns with the corresponding inside surface of the one or more bolt opening(s).