Rock Bolt Nut With Recessed Display Face for Readable Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rock bolts suffer from information on the locking nut being damaged during installation, making it unreadable due to exposure to the bolt driver tool.

Innovation Solution

A rock bolt with a nut featuring a recessed display face that is axially recessed relative to the rearwardmost exposed face, protecting it from the driver tool and allowing information such as ID, material traceability, and logos to remain visible and intact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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, but the information becomes damaged and unreadable during bolt installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation readabilityVSAvoiddamage from driver tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display face is recessed axially relative to the rearward exposed face of the nut, creating a dimensional offset that protects the information-bearing surface from contact with the driver tool during installation, thereby preventing damage while maintaining visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the display face is recessed axially to protect it from damage, then information remains readable, but the nut structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation preservationVSAvoidnut structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nut is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rearward exposed face for driver tool contact and an axially recessed display face for information display. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, protecting information while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3613943B1Rock bolt with information display region
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTRUCTION AUSTRALIA (PRODUCTION SUPPLY) PTY LTD
  • EP3613943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3613943B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3613943B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

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.