Sealed Fastener Assembly for Corrosion-Resistant Nut Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fastener assemblies in corrosive environments, such as those used in screening apparatus, often deteriorate due to corrosion, causing threaded nut members to seize on bolts, making them difficult to remove and leading to frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly featuring a pin or bolt with a screw thread formation, a cup-shaped cover member with snap-in formations to secure the cover to the nut, and an optional seal or filler material to prevent corrosion and contamination, ensuring the assembly remains operational and releasable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fastener assemblies are used in corrosive environments without protection, then initial installation is simple, but corrosion causes nut members to seize on bolts making removal difficult and requiring frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into a body portion and a separate closure member that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the closure to be accessed and removed without removing the entire protective cover, enabling easy nut member access while maintaining corrosion protection during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the corrosive environment and the fastener components. It physically isolates the bolt and nut member from corrosive materials, preventing seizure while allowing the fastener to function normally and be removed when needed
2Reliability
If fastener assemblies are protected from corrosion, then useful life is extended, but the protective structure may complicate disassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is segmented into a body portion and a separate closure member. This allows the closure to be independently accessed and removed through an opening in the body, simplifying disassembly operations while maintaining the integrity of the protective barrier against corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member functions as a flexible or removable cover that can be easily taken off and replaced. This thin-film-like structure provides corrosion protection without adding significant complexity, as it can be quickly removed when nut member access is needed
3Duration of action of stationary object
If frequent replacement of fastener assemblies is required due to corrosion, then maintenance costs increase and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is pre-installed on the fastener assembly before deployment in the corrosive environment. This preliminary protective action prevents corrosion damage from occurring, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and maintaining continuous operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover provides beforehand cushioning against corrosive environments by creating a physical barrier before exposure occurs. This prior protection prevents the harmful effects of corrosion, ensuring the fastener maintains its functional life and avoiding unplanned downtime for replacement
Data Source
AI summary
The specification discloses a fastener assembly (10) having a bolt stud or pin (13) with a threaded section (15) at one end, a nut member (11) threadable onto the threaded section (15), the fastener assembly (10) further including a cup shaped cover member (30) with a continuous wall structure having an internal surface defining an internal space (42), the continuous wall structure having an open mouth region (33) with a seal zone (35) and a continuous seal member (32), the internal surface (43, 44) of the cover member (30) having first snap-in formations (45) cooperating with second snap-in formations (48) on an outer surface region of the threaded nut member (11) to prevent disengagement of the cover member (30) from the nut member (11) and to press said continuous seal member (32), in use, against a sealing region around said nut member (11) to thereby prevent ingress of contaminants and corrosive materials into the internal space (42).