Security Bolt With Segmented Head And Torque Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-proof bolts are difficult to remove without leaving a trace and often require a special tool, which can be compromised by unauthorized individuals, and do not provide high security against replacement.
Innovation Solution
A security bolt design featuring a bolt body with a breakable head and intermediate part, a ring, and a cup-shaped cap that prevents unscrewing without a special tool, allowing removal by breaking the second weakened connection and exposing a rib for manual unscrewing, with individualized parts for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a limited torque head with weakened connection is used, then the bolt prevents removal without trace, but it requires a special tool for removal and does not provide high security against replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt head is divided into two separate parts: a first bolt head portion with a first weakened connection that breaks at a first torque threshold, and a second bolt head portion with a second weakened connection that breaks at a higher second torque threshold. This segmentation allows the bolt to provide progressive security - the first portion breaks to allow removal with standard tools, while the second portion remains intact to maintain security unless deliberate high-torque action is taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is pre-configured with two distinct weakened connections at different torque thresholds during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that during normal installation, only the first weakened connection breaks, allowing the bolt to be installed with standard tools while maintaining the second connection as a security feature that prevents unauthorized removal without special tools.
2Reliability
If the bolt is made difficult to remove without trace, then security is improved, but unauthorized individuals with special tools can still remove and replace it
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the bolt head have different mechanical properties through the use of two distinct weakened connections. The first bolt head portion has a first weakened connection designed to break at a lower torque threshold, while the second bolt head portion has a second weakened connection designed to break at a higher torque threshold. This local differentiation in strength allows the bolt to provide both ease of removal with standard tools and security against unauthorized replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt utilizes two different torque threshold parameters: a first torque threshold for breaking the first weakened connection and a second torque threshold for breaking the second weakened connection. By changing the torque parameter requirements at different stages, the bolt provides progressive security - allowing normal maintenance removal while preventing unauthorized replacement unless the higher second torque threshold is exceeded.
3Device complexity
If a single weakened connection is used, then the bolt structure is simple, but it either requires special tools for removal or does not provide sufficient security
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt head is segmented into two distinct portions, each with its own weakened connection designed to break at different torque thresholds. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity while significantly improving reliability by creating a progressive failure mechanism that provides both ease of removal and security against unauthorized tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-portion bolt head design serves multiple functions: it allows the bolt to be installed and removed with standard tools by breaking the first weakened connection, while simultaneously providing security against unauthorized removal by requiring breaking of the second weakened connection at a higher torque threshold. This multi-functionality is achieved within a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a security bolt understand a threaded bolt screw body (2) topped by an intermediate part (4) and a bolt head (3), joined together by weakened connections links (5, 6), the weakened connection (5) between the intermediate part and the bolt head torque being less resistant to torque than the weakened connection (6) between the intermediate part (4) and threaded body (2). A cap (8) covers the bolt head (3), the intermediate part (4) and the two weakened connections (5, 6), and is engaged in its lower region with a ring (7) positioned below the intermediate part, around the threaded body (2). The top surface of the cap (8) is formed with an lower formation (12) that cooperates with a formation (13) on the bolt head (3) to transmit rotation of the screw body. After a torque threshold, the first weakened connection (5) breaks, allowing the cap to rotate without transmitting the rotation to the screw. Both the cap (8) and the screw body (2) are individualized with the same or complementary alphanumeric identification. The top of the screw body 2 is formed with a diametric rib (14) that can be used to unscrew the screw when the second weakened connection (6) is physically ruptured by manipulation of the cap (8) and the assembly comprising the cap, the bolt head and the intermediate part so released is removed to uncover the screw body and its upper rib (14).