Rock Bolt Locking Nut With Recessed Information Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock bolts suffer from information on the locking nut becoming unreadable due to damage from bolt installation driver tools.
Innovation Solution
A rock bolt design featuring a locking nut with a recessed portion that protects the display face from damage, allowing information such as bolt ID, material traceability, and manufacturer details to remain legible post-installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If product information is stamped on the external exposed face of the locking nut, then information is visible for identification and traceability, but the information becomes damaged and unreadable during bolt installation
Solution Approach 1:
The display face is moved from the external exposed surface to an axially recessed position on the locking nut. This dimensional change in the axial direction protects the information-bearing surface from contact with the driver tool during installation, while still allowing the information to be visible and readable from the radial direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed portion acts as an intermediary protective structure between the driver tool and the display face. This intermediate feature allows the driver socket to contact only the annular exposed face while preventing contact with the recessed display face, thereby protecting the information during the installation process.
2Reliability
If a recessed portion is created on the locking nut to protect the display face, then information is protected from damage, but the nut structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut surface is segmented into two distinct functional zones: an annular exposed face for driver tool contact and a recessed display face for information display. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function independently, protecting the information while maintaining installation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the locking nut are given different properties: the annular exposed face has a flat, contact-ready surface for driver engagement, while the central region has a recessed display face with protected information. This local differentiation optimizes both installation and information preservation without requiring complete structural redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rock bolt for installation within a bore formed in rock strata having an elongate shaft with the leading end for installation into the bore and a trailing end projecting from an open end of the bore. A locking nut is threadably attached to the trailing end and is adapted to display product information and the like at a display face. The display face is recessed axially into the nut to provide protection against damage to the display face that may otherwise render the information unreadable.