Single-Bolt Locking Plate With Anti-Tilt Lobe for Locknuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking plates for securing locknuts of mounted bearings require multiple bolts for installation, making the process slow and arduous due to their design, which includes inwardly projecting tabs fitting into axial slots in adapter sleeves or shafts.
Innovation Solution
A locking plate with an arcuate shape and a single elongated curved opening, featuring anti-rotation and anti-tilt lobes that can be secured with a single bolt, preventing movement and tilting relative to fasteners, thereby simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking plates with inwardly projecting tabs are used, then the locknut is prevented from loosening during operation, but the installation process requires two or more bolts making it slow and arduous
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is divided into functional segments: a body portion, an inwardly projecting tab, and an anti-rotation feature. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function while enabling simplified installation with a single bolt through the body portion, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners while maintaining reliability through the distributed locking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation feature acts as an intermediary element that prevents rotational movement of the locking plate relative to the adapter sleeve or shaft. This intermediary feature works in conjunction with the single bolt to achieve both easy installation and reliable anti-loosening performance during operation
2Reliability
If traditional locking plates requiring multiple bolts are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single bolt installation process. The single bolt passes through the body portion of the locking plate, simultaneously securing the plate to the locknut and enabling the anti-rotation feature to engage with the adapter sleeve or shaft, thereby achieving secure fastening in one operation rather than requiring multiple separate fastening steps
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate design integrates multiple functions into a single component: the body portion provides the mounting surface for the single bolt, the inwardly projecting tab prevents axial movement, and the anti-rotation feature prevents rotational loosening. This multi-functionality allows a single fastener to achieve comprehensive security that traditionally required multiple fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A locking plate for a locking arrangement includes a body that is defined by a first planar surface and a second planar surface that is opposite the first planar surface. The body has an arcuate shape that extends from a first lateral end to a second lateral end and extends from a radially inward facing edge to a radially outward facing edge. A single elongated curved opening extends through the body from the first planar surface to the second planar surface and extends an intermediate arc length in the body. An anti-rotation feature extends radially inward from the radially inward facing edge. The body has an anti-tilt lobe located proximate one or more of the first lateral end and the second lateral end.