Integrated Threaded Fastener Locking for Tool-Free Aircraft Rail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, are often secured with time-intensive and difficult-to-install measures like frictionally locking connections, lockwires, or pins, and there is a need for improved handling and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a blocking mechanism into the threaded fastener that can be actuated without tools, allowing it to switch between a blocked state to prevent relative rotation and an unblocked state to enable rotation, using a blocking element that engages with a blocking groove for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional frictionally locking connections, lockwires, or pins are used to secure threaded fasteners, then the fastening connection is reliable, but the installation process becomes time-intensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is integrated directly into the threaded fastener body, combining the fastening function and the blocking function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate lockwires, pins, or frictionally locking connections, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining reliable fastening connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded fastener includes an integrated blocking mechanism that automatically engages with the fastening element to prevent relative rotation. The mechanism is self-activating upon tightening, eliminating the need for additional manual installation steps such as installing lockwires or applying friction locks, thus reducing installation time without compromising reliability.
2Device complexity
If traditional threaded fasteners are used without integrated blocking mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the handling and ease of use deteriorate due to additional installation measures required
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is merged with the threaded fastener body as an integrated unit. The blocking element, actuator, and elastic element are all incorporated into the fastener structure itself, eliminating the need for separate blocking components. This integration maintains relatively simple device complexity while dramatically improving ease of operation by enabling tool-free blocking and unblocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded fastener is designed to be self-sufficient with an integrated blocking mechanism that does not require external tools or additional components for operation. The elastic element automatically engages the blocking element when the fastener is tightened, and the actuator allows for easy unblocking, thereby improving handling and ease of use without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a blocking mechanism is integrated into the threaded fastener, then the ease of operation is improved with tool-free switching, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism incorporates a movable blocking element that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged positions. The actuator allows the blocking element to move radially relative to the fastener body, enabling dynamic switching between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability improves ease of operation while keeping the structural complexity manageable through the use of simple mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically engages the blocking element with the fastening element when the fastener is tightened, providing self-service blocking without requiring external tools or complex control systems. The actuator enables easy unblocking by simply moving the blocking element radially outward, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing device complexity through the use of a single elastic element and straightforward actuator mechanism.
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
Facilitates easy and tool-free switching between locked and unlocked states, enhancing the usability and reusability of threaded fasteners, particularly in aircraft cabin applications.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking mechanism has an elastic element which pushes the blocking mechanism in the direction of the blocked state
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking mechanism which is integrated with a threaded fastener is proposed for improving the reusability and handling of locking devices for threaded fasteners, such as threaded bolts or nuts. The blocking mechanism can be switched to and from between a blocked state, in which the threaded fastener is gripped in a positively locking manner, and an unblocked state, in which the threaded fastener can be rotated. The blocking mechanism can have a blocking element which can engage into a blocking groove of the threaded fastener in a positively locking manner in the blocked state, and thus prevents rotation. For example, a nut which is provided with the blocking mechanism can be used to pivotably fasten a fastening rod to a fastening rail.