Rotating Eye Bolt Lock Plate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating eye bolt assemblies fail to securely lock the threaded bolt in place during lifting, allowing loosening and requiring separate tools or components for locking and unlocking, which can lead to safety issues and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A rotating eye bolt assembly with a multi-sided bolt, a lifting bail, and a lock plate mechanism that allows for secure locking and unlocking without tools, using retaining springs or fasteners to maintain the lock plate position, enabling rotation of the bail and bolt in use while ensuring the bolt remains attached to the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional threaded eyebolt is used without a lock mechanism, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but the threaded bolt can loosen from the load during use due to torque forces and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism directly into the eyebolt assembly by integrating a lock plate with retaining springs that engage with the threaded bolt. This merging of functions (locking + lifting) into a single integrated assembly eliminates the need for separate locking devices while ensuring the bolt remains securely attached during lifting operations with torque forces and vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The lock plate with retaining springs provides automatic locking functionality that secures the threaded bolt without requiring external tools or separate locking operations. The springs automatically engage with the bolt head features, creating a self-servicing locking system that prevents loosening during use while maintaining ease of installation and removal
2Reliability
If a separate lock mechanism or clasp is added to prevent bolt loosening, then bolt security is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires separate tools or components for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the eyebolt assembly itself through the lock plate and retaining springs that are integral parts of the assembly. This eliminates the need for separate clasps, clips, or pins that would require additional tools or operations, while still providing secure bolt retention during lifting with torque and vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining springs on the lock plate automatically engage with features on the threaded bolt head, providing self-servicing locking that secures the bolt without requiring separate locking tools or operations. The design allows tool-free installation and removal while maintaining bolt security, as the springs automatically perform the locking function when the assembly is installed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting bail is permitted to rotate freely about the bolt axis during use, then adaptability to load forces is improved, but the bolt may loosen or become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the lock plate can slide along the bolt shaft to accommodate rotation of the lifting bail during use. The retaining springs maintain engagement with the bolt head features while allowing the lock plate to move, enabling the bail to rotate and adapt to load forces while the springs continue to prevent bolt loosening or dislodgement
Solution Approach 2:
The lock plate acts as an intermediary between the rotating lifting bail and the stationary threaded bolt. It allows rotation of the bail while maintaining secure attachment to the bolt through the retaining springs, mediating between the need for rotation adaptability and the need for attachment security
4Ease of operation
If a lock plate with retaining springs is integrated into the assembly, then bolt security and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases slightly
Solution Approach 1:
The lock plate and retaining springs are integrated as part of the eyebolt assembly rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts that would need to be assembled and disassembled, while still providing tool-free locking and unlocking functionality. The integrated design allows the locking mechanism to be installed and removed as a single unit with the eyebolt
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating eye bolt assembly with lock mechanism. The assembly includes a threaded bolt having a multi-sided head. A lifting bail includes a pair of opposed legs, a track and a central opening through the track. A bushing having an upstanding cylindrical lip is received in the lifting bail central opening. A lock plate is slidable on the track with the lock plate having an upstanding shoulder engageable with the bolt head. The lock plate is movable between a locked position for installation and removal of the assembly and an unlocked position for use of the assembly.