Stop Ring Locking Structure for Tool-Free Load Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stop rings require additional tools for assembly and disassembly, are prone to loosening under load, and are susceptible to contamination due to open designs, which complicates their use and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A stop ring design featuring bearing rollers and a rotatable locking bolt with a torsion bar mechanism, allowing for assembly and disassembly without tools and maintaining integrity under load, with a closed bottom to prevent dirt ingress and a labyrinth seal for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate tool is used for mounting or dismounting the eyebolt, then the assembly and disassembly can be performed, but the tool must be stored separately creating the risk of loss or unavailability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly capabilityVSAvoidtool availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bolt is integrated into the eyebolt structure itself, combining the function of a separate tool with the main component. The locking bolt can be stored within the carrying eye when not in use, eliminating the need for separate storage and reducing the risk of loss or unavailability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the locking mechanism is open at the top to allow access, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but contaminants may ingress making it difficult or impossible to actuate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism accessibilityVSAvoidcontaminant ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A labyrinth seal is introduced to protect the locking mechanism from contaminants while allowing access for actuation. The seal creates a protective barrier that prevents dirt and debris from entering the bearing and locking mechanism, maintaining operational reliability in contaminated environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the base of the lifting eye is open at the top to allow access to the bolt head, then the threaded bolt can be accessed, but contaminants may enter the bearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebolt head accessibilityVSAvoidcontaminant entry into bearing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A labyrinth seal is installed at the base of the lifting eye to prevent contaminant ingress into the bearing while allowing necessary access for operation. This seal creates a protective barrier that maintains bearing integrity without compromising operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Device complexity

If the connection between bolt head and eyelet is rotatable but not designed as rolling bearing, then the structure is simpler, but the eyebolts may loosen spontaneously under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidresistance to spontaneous loosening

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the bolt head and eyelet is upgraded from a simple rotatable joint to a rolling bearing design. This substitution provides controlled rotational movement while preventing spontaneous loosening under load, combining the benefits of rotatability with enhanced reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 secure, tool-free assembly and disassembly, maintains stability under load, and protects against contamination, ensuring reliable operation in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

bearing rollers (8) arranged between the bearing pin (5) and the bearing bore (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Implementation Method 2

labyrinth seal for protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLabyrinth seal:

Implementation Method 3

locking bolt with which the lifting eye and the threaded bolt can be rotationally locked in a locking position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3494079B1Stop ring having a support eye lug used to suspend a stopping means or lashing means

Publication Date: 2021.12.01 J D THEILE GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a top ring (1), comprising a support eye lug (2) used to suspend a stopping or lashing means and a threaded pin (6), rotatably arranged with respect to the supporting eye lug (2), for fixing to an object to be lifted or fixed, the support eye lug (2) and the threaded pin (6) being connected to each other in a form-fitting manner by a bearing journal (5) of the threaded pin (6), which engages in the bearing bore (4) of the support eye lug (2), and a plurality of bearing rollers (8), and having a locking element (13) by means of which, in a locking position, the support eye lug (2) and the threaded pin (6) can be blocked against rotation, characterized in that the bottom (3) of the support eye lug (2) is closed at the top.