Split Tensioning Nut for Rapid Chain Tightener Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tensioners for securing loads require significant effort for large tightening movements to compensate for slack in tie-down elements, such as chains or cables, due to the need for screwing a threaded bolt into a tubular tightening nut.
Innovation Solution
The tightening nut is axially divided into two shells with guide holes for a guide pin, allowing for radial actuation, enabling three functional positions: normal screwing, rapid adjustment, and fine adjustment by radially spacing the shells to facilitate linear movement of the threaded bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the threaded bolt is screwed into the tubular tightening nut to achieve tightening movement, then the tie-down element can be secured, but significant effort and time are required for large tightening movements
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening nut is divided axially into two separable shells that can be radially spaced apart. This segmentation allows the threaded bolt to be quickly extracted from one shell and transferred to the other, enabling rapid adjustment without the time-consuming process of unscrewing and rescrewing through multiple thread turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The two shells are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable - they can be held together in a closed position for normal operation, or radially spaced apart using guide pins to enable quick bolt transfer. This dynamic structure allows the system to switch between secure tightening mode and rapid adjustment mode as needed.
2Reliability
If the threaded bolt is screwed into the tubular tightening nut for securing loads, then the tie-down element is fixed, but large tightening movements require considerable effort
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tightening nut into two shells, the system allows the bolt to be securely held in one shell during tightening, then quickly transferred to the other shell for repositioning. This eliminates the need to overcome full thread friction during adjustment, reducing the force required for repositioning while maintaining secure loading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins act as intermediaries to facilitate the transfer of the threaded bolt between the two shells. By providing a guided path for bolt insertion and extraction, the guide pins reduce the friction and force resistance that would otherwise be encountered during direct bolt manipulation, making repositioning effortless.
3Productivity
If the tightening nut is divided into two shells with guide holes, then rapid adjustment is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening nut is segmented into two shells with guide holes, allowing rapid bolt transfer between them. While this increases structural complexity, the guide holes and guide pins provide a straightforward mechanical solution that enables quick adjustment without complex mechanisms or additional actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins and guide holes create a self-guiding mechanism where the bolt automatically follows the correct path during transfer between shells. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional positioning mechanisms, achieving rapid adjustment with relatively simple structural additions.
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
Enables quick and effortless adjustment of the tie-down element, allowing for rapid tightening or loosening without thread turn complications, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the two shells are each acted upon radially against the force of a spring which brings the two shells again into contact with the thread of the threaded bolt
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tensioning device for tensioning tensioning means such as chains, straps, ropes, threaded rods or the like, which is fitted with at least one tubular tensioning nut (4a, 4b) and at least one threaded bolt (2) which is inserted into the tensioning nut (4a, 4b) and interacting therewith. According to the invention, the tensioning nut (4a, 4b) is divided longitudinally into at least two tensioning nut halves (4a, 4b) and comprises at least one guide opening (5a, 5b) which interacts with a guide pin (6) for radially acting upon the two tensioning nut halves (4a, 4b).