Spring-Loaded T-Bolt Pre-Strain Unit for Rack Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of racks from a main frame are hindered when all slots are filled, as hammer-head screws can fall and cause damage, and reassembly is difficult due to inaccessible screw locations, requiring significant effort to disassemble the system.
Innovation Solution
A pre-strain unit for T-bolts, comprising a slider and frame with pre-straining means, such as springs, to keep the T-bolt protruding during release or assembly, allowing for easy access and secure mounting/dismounting without losing the screw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all slots are filled with equipped racks, then the main frame is fully utilized, but the hammer-head screw becomes inaccessible and may fall down causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a T-bolt with a T-shaped head as an intermediary component that replaces the conventional hammer-head screw. The T-shaped geometry allows the bolt to be accessed from the side through the rack structure, eliminating the need for top access while preventing the bolt from falling out. This intermediary design resolves the contradiction between full rack utilization and screw accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accessing the screw from the top (conventional approach), the T-bolt is designed to be accessed from the side through the rack. This inversion of the access direction allows maintenance operations to proceed even when all slots are filled, as the T-shaped head can be engaged from the lateral side rather than requiring top access.
2Ease of operation
If the nut is loosened to remove the rack, then the rack can be detached, but the hammer-head screw falls down and is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The T-bolt's T-shaped head is designed to engage with the rack structure in such a way that the bolt cannot fall out vertically. The horizontal arms of the T-shape prevent downward movement, while the vertical shaft allows lateral access. This geometric inversion prevents screw loss while maintaining easy removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-bolt design is self-retaining within the rack structure. The T-shaped geometry automatically prevents the bolt from falling out once installed, eliminating the need for additional retention mechanisms or careful handling during removal. The structure itself provides the retention function.
3Ease of repair
If modules are disassembled to access the hammer-head screw, then the screw can be replaced, but significant effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring top access to the screw (conventional approach), the T-bolt is designed to be accessed from the side through the rack structure. This allows maintenance personnel to reach the T-shaped head laterally and perform replacement operations without disassembling the modules, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-bolt design separates the access path from the mounting location. The T-shaped head can be accessed through the rack structure from the side, while the threaded portion remains engaged with the main frame. This segmentation of access and mounting functions allows maintenance without module disassembly.
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 pre-strain unit prevents screw loss and facilitates easy installation and removal of racks by keeping the T-bolt in place, reducing damage and effort, and enabling quick reassembly without disassembling modules.
Implementation Method 1
The means for pre-straining comprises at least one spring extending between the frame and the slider
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-strain unit for a T-bolt during a release process of two components connected by the T-bolt comprises a slider and a frame for providing a linear guiding for said slider during the release process. The pre-strain unit also includes means for pre-straining said slider in said frame against a head of said T-bolt to keep, during the release process, at least a part of the T-bolt protruding from the two connected components.