Swing Bolt Construction for Compact Clamping Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swing bolt constructions in tools like hydraulic shears are bulky, prone to losing bias due to radial forces, and pose safety risks due to excessive protrusion and axial loading, leading to potential breakage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A compact swing bolt construction with a widened part and nut that directly contacts pivotable parts, integrated locking mechanisms with non-rotatable toothing, and cover elements to prevent breakage and enhance safety, allowing for efficient bias application and reduced protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional swing bolt construction with nut and bolt head is used, then the pivotable parts can be clamped together under bias, but a large protruding part results making it difficult to manoeuvre the tool in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bolt head and nut functions into a single integrated swing bolt construction. The swing bolt incorporates both the clamping function (replacing separate bolt head and nut) and the locking function in one compact component, eliminating the need for separate protruding elements and reducing overall tool height for improved manoeuvrability in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The swing bolt is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides clamping (bias application), rotation control, and locking capabilities. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing the overall protrusion height while maintaining all necessary operations
2Reliability
If a locking construction with second nut or locking rings is used to prevent loosening, then the bias can be maintained, but the device complexity and additional height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the swing bolt itself through integrated locking elements (such as locking teeth or form-fitting features) that work with corresponding features on the pivotable parts. This eliminates the need for separate locking rings or second nuts, reducing component count and overall height while maintaining reliable bias retention
Solution Approach 2:
The swing bolt construction incorporates self-locking features where the geometry of the bolt and pivotable parts create inherent resistance to loosening. The form-fitting design and integrated locking elements automatically engage to prevent rotation and maintain bias without requiring additional active locking components
3Reliability
If friction-based locking constructions are used, then the swing bolt can be locked, but friction consumes part of the applied torque and reduces the effective bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical locking with a form-fitting geometric locking system. The swing bolt and pivotable parts feature complementary shapes (such as tapered surfaces or interlocking teeth) that create mechanical interlocking through geometry rather than friction, eliminating torque loss to friction and maximizing the effective bias force
4Ease of manufacture
If the holder is clamped together with the swing bolt, then the pivotable parts can be mounted, but extreme axial loads cause disproportionate stress in the holder material leading to potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the swing bolt construction from the holder structure, allowing the swing bolt to independently bear the axial loads and clamping forces. The holder serves only its mounting function while the swing bolt handles all stress from bias application and operational loads, preventing stress concentration and potential breakage in the holder
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool for clamping together pivotable parts under bias relative to each other, using a swing bolt construction for mounting the pivotable parts on a fork of a holder. Such a swing bolt construction has a swing bolt with a widened part provided on a first outer end and provided on the other outer end with first fastener, such as a thread. Further the swing bolt construction has a nut provided with a second fastener, such as a thread, for fastening the nut to the first fastener on the other end of the swing bolt. The widened part of the swing bolt and the nut lie in use—i.e. in assembled state—against the pivotable parts for clamping thereof under the required bias.