Secure Button Indicator for Torque Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure buttons for threaded rods and nuts often fail to indicate proper fixing before locking, leading to potential damage from excessive torque and forgetting to lock the button, resulting in insecure fastening.
Innovation Solution
A secure button design featuring an indicator connected to a plate that moves parallel to the axis of rotation, with a spring mechanism and guidance system to ensure proper torque indication and locking, preventing excessive rotation and providing visual confirmation of locking status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If no indicator is provided, then the button structure remains simple, but the user cannot determine whether proper torque has been applied before locking
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator uses color changes to communicate the torque application status. The indicator element changes color or displays different colors based on whether the minimum tightening torque has been reached, providing clear visual information feedback without requiring complex mechanical indicators.
2Reliability
If excessive torque is applied without indication, then the fastening appears secure, but the button or components become damaged making subsequent unscrewing impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator provides immediate visual feedback during the tightening process, allowing the user to stop applying torque when the minimum required torque is reached. This feedback mechanism prevents over-tightening and the associated damage to buttons or components.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator shows the torque status before the locking operation is completed. By providing this preliminary information about whether proper torque has been applied, the system allows users to correct improper tightening before it causes damage or locks in an incorrect state.
3Reliability
If no torque indication is provided, then the button mechanism remains simple, but users may forget to lock the button resulting in insecure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator provides visual feedback that confirms when the minimum tightening torque has been achieved, creating a clear signal that the fastening is proper and the button should be locked. This feedback reduces the cognitive load on users and helps prevent forgetting to lock the button.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The secure button effectively indicates when the minimum tightening torque is reached, preventing damage from excessive torque and ensuring the button is properly locked, providing a secure and user-friendly fastening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism and guidance system to ensure proper torque indication
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
Figure 9~12
AI summary
Button comprising a nut (1), a mount (3) and a cover (5) fitted on the aforesaid mount (3) defining a chamber (6) and having at least one window (51, 52) for an indicator for at least one position chosen from an initial position for the button roughly corresponding to a minimum tightening torque for the nut (1) and a second position for the button corresponding to a lower tightening torque than the tightening torque for the initial position, with the aforesaid indicator (30) being connected to a plate (13) by a means which ensures that a rotation of the plate (13) is translated into a rotation of the indicator (30). (figure 2)