Thread Retained Security Bolt Collar System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security bolt systems are prone to damage and costly due to the need to insert the bolt end into threaded interiors, and they lack a design where the threads are always engaged with the nut, with bearing surfaces positioned behind the bolt head for enhanced security and durability.
Innovation Solution
A thread retained security bolt system featuring a bottom collar fixed to one enclosure element and a top collar affixed to a mating element, where the top collar carries a minor part of the securing bolt bearing surface and the bottom collar carries a major part, ensuring the threads of the bolt are always engaged with the nut, and the bolt is retained in a threaded receiver with a retainer, preventing removal and providing secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bolt end is inserted into the threaded interior for engagement, then the closure function is achieved, but the bolt end is damaged from repeated insertion attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is preliminarily threaded into the nut before final assembly, so that the threads are already engaged. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated insertion attempts during operation, preventing bolt end damage while maintaining closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting the bolt into the nut during each closure operation, the invention inverts the sequence by pre-engaging the threads and positioning the bolt so that only bearing surface alignment is needed. This reversal eliminates the harmful insertion action while preserving the closure function.
2Reliability
If the tapered surfaces are used for mating, then the closure function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive tapered mating surfaces with standard threaded fasteners and simple bearing surfaces that can be manufactured more economically. The threaded engagement provides sufficient reliability without requiring precision tapered surfaces, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the engagement parameter from tapered surface contact to threaded engagement. This parameter change allows the use of standard, easily manufactured threads instead of precision tapered surfaces, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining closure reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the threads are not always engaged, then the bolt can be inserted and removed, but the threads may disengage and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The threads are preliminarily engaged in a fixed position before the closure operation. This preliminary engagement ensures that the threads remain continuously engaged during bolt movement, eliminating the risk of disengagement and damage while still allowing the closure function to occur through bearing surface alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A thread retained security bolt system has a bottom collar and a top collar, the bottom collar fixed to one element of an enclosure and the top collar affixed to a mating element of the enclosure. The top collar carries a minor part of a securing bolt bearing surface and the bottom collar carries a major part of the securing bolt bearing surface and when the mating element of the enclosure is brought into engagement with the one element of the enclosure, the minor part is aligned with and contiguous to the major part upon joinder of the top collar with the bottom collar. A bearing surface of a head of a bolt is then moved into engagement with the minor part and the major part to secure the one element to the mating element.