Rotatable Locking Bolt Assembly for Tool-Free Secure Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems require separate hardware components and tools for assembly and disassembly, lack integrated locking mechanisms, and often fail to support additional components while maintaining a secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a bolt that includes a head, shaft member, and locking member with wings that engage with a receiving hole upon rotation, followed by a locking mechanism inserted through aligned holes to prevent withdrawal and rotation, allowing tool-free assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate hardware components (screws, nuts, bolts) are used, then secure connections can be achieved, but device complexity increases and assembly requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastening components (bolt, locking mechanism, and securing features) into a single integrated fastening element. The bolt includes an integrated locking mechanism with locking protrusions that engage with receiving features in the mounting surface, eliminating the need for separate nuts, washers, or locking hardware while maintaining secure connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element performs multiple functions simultaneously: the bolt portion provides insertion and anchoring, the locking protrusions provide security against removal, and the design allows for both permanent and removable mounting configurations. This multi-functional design reduces the number of specialized components needed
2Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used, then connections can be made, but assembly and disassembly require tools increasing assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is designed to be self-installing and self-locking. The bolt can be inserted and rotated by hand to engage the locking protrusions with the receiving features, creating a secure locked position without requiring any tools. The element also enables tool-free disassembly by reversing the rotation process
3Ease of operation
If simple insertion is used, then easy assembly is achieved, but prevention of withdrawal and rotation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element transitions from an unlocked state during insertion to a locked state through rotation. The locking protrusions are positioned to engage with receiving features only when the bolt is rotated to a specific angular orientation, dynamically changing the connection state from insertable to secured against withdrawal and rotation
4Reliability
If separate locking mechanisms are added, then security against unintended loosening is improved, but device complexity and inventory management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the bolt structure as locking protrusions that are part of the single fastening element. This eliminates the need for separate locking hardware such as lock washers, nyloc nuts, or separate retaining clips, reducing both device complexity and the number of different hardware types that need to be inventoried and managed
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system includes a bolt having a head, a shaft member defining an axis of rotation, and a locking member with wings. The bolt is insertable into a receiving hole formed in a surface, wherein upon rotation of the bolt from an initial orientation to a second orientation, the wings engage with underside surfaces of the receiving hole to prevent withdrawal. A locking mechanism is insertable through aligned holes in the shaft member after rotation to prevent both rotation and removal of the bolt. The locking mechanism may be configured for removal from either an interior side or exterior side of the surface. The system enables secure connections that can be easily assembled and disassembled while supporting objects between the bolt head and surface.