Segmented U-Bolt Threads for Nut Fall Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing U-bolts used to fix fastener objects like pipes to fastened objects such as frames or walls can experience nut loosening due to aging, leading to detachment risks and potential accidents from falling nuts.
Innovation Solution
A U-bolt design featuring a pair of shaft parts with one screw part on the apex side and one or more screw parts on the tip side, along with a detection device and method that includes a sensor to measure distance and a transmission unit to prevent nut fall by detecting descent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single screw part is used in the U-bolt, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the nut may completely fall off when loosened due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The screw part is divided into multiple segments: one screw part on the apex side and one or more screw parts on the tip side. This segmentation ensures that when the nut loosens, it will be caught by the tip side screw part rather than completely falling off, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip side screw part is pre-positioned to act as a safety catch before the nut can completely detach. This preliminary arrangement prevents the harmful effect of nut fall by having the protective structure already in place, ready to intercept the loosening nut.
2Reliability
If anti-loosening nuts are used, then nut loosening is prevented, but accurate torque control is required which is difficult to achieve in unstable outdoor installation environments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on precision torque-controlled anti-loosening nuts that require skilled installation, the patent uses a simpler U-bolt structure with multiple screw parts that provides passive safety. The tip side screw part acts as a foolproof catch that works even with improper installation, eliminating the need for precise torque control.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-bolt structure itself provides the anti-loosening function through its multi-segment screw part design. The tip side screw part automatically catches the nut when it loosens, making the system self-protecting without requiring external monitoring or precise installation procedures.
3Reliability
If a detection device with sensor is added to the U-bolt, then nut descent can be detected and alerts can be issued, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is added to detect the position of the nut relative to the screw parts and provide feedback to a control unit. When the nut descends to the tip side screw part, the sensor detects this change and triggers an alert, enabling real-time monitoring of the fastening status.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical fastening system and the monitoring system. It converts the physical position of the nut into an electrical signal that can be processed by the control unit to determine whether the nut has descended.
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 U-bolt design effectively prevents nut fall by providing multiple screw parts to catch loosened nuts, and the detection device alerts users to nut descent, enhancing safety and preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for measuring a distance to an object
Data Source
AI summary
A U-bolt (1) according to the present invention includes: a pair of shaft parts (111) arranged in a first direction and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and one screw part (12) provided on an apex side and one or more screw parts (12) provided on a tip side in each of the pair of shaft parts (111).