Split Bolt Retaining Device Anti-Vibration Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Split bolt connectors tend to loosen due to vibration and thermocycling, leading to degradation of electrical connections and potential separation of conductors, necessitating frequent maintenance and risking nut stripping.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a multi-sided cap or body and bendable tabs that snugly fits over the nut of a split bolt connector, engaging the slot to prevent rotation and loosening, made from malleable metal to allow easy fitting and secure attachment without stripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routine maintenance inspections are performed to check and tighten the nut, then the connection reliability is improved, but the maintenance cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is installed in advance on the nut to prevent loosening before it occurs. The tabs engage with the slot to create a mechanical lock that proactively prevents vibration-induced loosening, eliminating the need for reactive maintenance inspections and tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device automatically prevents nut loosening through its mechanical engagement with the slot without requiring external monitoring or intervention. The device self-regulates the connection stability by maintaining constant mechanical engagement that resists vibrational forces.
2Reliability
If frequent maintenance tightening is performed to prevent loosening, then the connection stability is improved, but the nut experiences excessive wear and may become stripped
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the nut and the vibration forces. The tabs engage with the slot to create a separate locking mechanism that absorbs and resists loosening forces, protecting the nut threads from the wear and stress that would result from repeated tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device is installed beforehand to prevent loosening before it occurs, eliminating the need for repeated tightening operations that would cause wear and potential stripping of the nut.
3Device complexity
If the nut is allowed to loosen due to vibration and thermocycling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electrical connection degrades and conductors may separate
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is divided into distinct functional components: a body that fits over the nut and tabs that engage with the slot. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the body provides the mounting structure while the tabs provide the anti-loosening engagement - maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
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 retaining device effectively locks the nut in place, preventing loosening due to vibration and thermocycling, ensuring stable electrical connections without the need for frequent maintenance and protecting the nut from excessive wear.
Implementation Method 1
the tab is adapted to frictionally engage the slot of the split bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining device for a split bolt connector which includes: a continuous wall that defines an aperture and at least one bendable tab extending upwardly from the wall or a member extending between opposing wall sections. The wall is adapted to accommodate the nut on a split bolt connector in the aperture and the at least one tab, or the member, is adapted to engage the slot in the split bolt after the nut is connected to the split bolt.