Rotatable Lock Fastener Anti-Theft Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fasteners used to secure wheel rims to hubs lack effective anti-theft mechanisms, as they can be easily loosened and removed once undone.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a rotatable upper stage lock element with annular grooves and ribs that prevents the fastener body from rotating with a conventional wrench, requiring a specially designed tool for loosening, thereby enhancing security against theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fastener with a hexagonal or specially-shaped head is used, then the fastener can be easily fastened or unfastened, but the anti-theft effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two independent rotatable components: a first rotatable element (fastener body) that threads onto the screw connecting element, and a second rotatable element (lock element) that locks onto the first element. This segmentation allows the first element to be easily operated with conventional tools while the second element provides enhanced security, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and anti-theft effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a specially-shaped head fastener is used, then anti-theft effect is improved, but the fastener can still be easily unfastened with specially designed tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the fastening function and implemented as a separate second rotatable element. This lock element can only be operated with a specially designed tool featuring a matching operating section, while the first rotatable element can be operated with conventional tools. This extraction creates a layered security system where the fastening operation remains simple but the complete unfastening requires the specialized lock tool.
3Reliability
If a two-stage rotatable fastener system is implemented, then anti-theft effect is significantly improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the fastening and locking functions are merged into a single integrated fastener assembly where the first rotatable element and second rotatable element work together. The second element features a peripheral wall with an operating section that integrates the lock mechanism directly into the fastener body, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced security functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for securing a wheel rim to a wheel hub having a screw connecting element, includes a fastener body and a rotatable upper stage lock element. The fastener body is configured to be screwed to the screw connecting element of the wheel hub and includes a coupling section and a flange section located at one end of the coupling section. The flange section includes an outer circumferential surface and a first positioning portion formed at the outer circumferential surface. The rotatable upper stage lock element includes a peripheral wall configured to rotatably mount on the flange section of the fastener body. A plurality of annularly spaced first and second grooves are formed in the coupling section and in an outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall, respectively, so that a plurality of the first and second grooves can be aligned to define a key receiving surface by rotating the rotatable upper stage lock element. The design has good anti-theft effects.