Cleanroom Retaining Pins

Abstract

Described herein is a retaining pin comprising a tubular outer shaft and a rotating shaft disposed within the tubular outer shaft. The rotating shaft is rotatably engaged with the tubular outer shaft. The rotating shaft may include a locking projection secured to an end of the rotating shaft and operable to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft. The axis of the tubular outer shaft and the axis of the rotating shaft are eccentric.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Quick release retaining pins are commonly used in many environments and applications, including manufacturing and tooling applications, and machine assembly and operation. Commercially available retaining pins in use today include quick release ball lock pins and other pins used to attach machine parts to one another. Currently available retaining pins do not adequately meet foreign object debris ("FOD") requirements. Therefore, commercially available retaining pins are not suitable for use in clean rooms or other environments where cleanliness is critical for a particular manufacturing / tooling machine or process. In manufacturing settings where cleanliness is critical, particulate contamination can result in hardware failures, quality defects, costly extensive machine repairs and rebuilds, and / or other undesirable side effects in part manufacturing and assembly. Therefore, solutions and improvements to retaining pins to accommodate use in multiple environments remain an ongoing area of ​​research and engineering. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0002] Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a retaining pin according to an example of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the retaining pin of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a front view of the retaining pin of FIG. 1, the retaining pin being shown in an unlocked position. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is an end view of the retaining pin of FIG. 1, the retaining pin being shown in an unlocked position. [Figure 3c] FIG. 2 is a front view of the retaining pin of FIG. 1, the retaining pin being shown in a locked position. [Figure 3d] FIG. 2 is an end view of the retaining pin of FIG. 1, the retaining pin being shown in a locked position. [Figure 4a] FIG. 13 is a front view of a retaining pin according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 4b] FIG. 13 is an internal view of a retaining pin according to one example of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 4b-4c show various stages of locking and unlocking of the retaining pin of FIG. 4a; [Figure 6a] FIG. 4b is a front view of some components of the retaining pin of FIG. 4a. [Figure 6b] FIG. 4b is an isometric view of some components of the retaining pin of FIG. 4a. [Figure 7a] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the retaining pin of FIG. 1 used in holding together various pieces of the structure. [Figure 7b] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the retaining pin of FIG. 1 used in holding together various pieces of the structure. [Figure 7c] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the retaining pin of FIG. 1 used in holding together various pieces of the structure. [Figure 7d] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the retaining pin of FIG. 1 used in holding together various pieces of the structure. [Figure 8a] FIG. 4b shows various components of the retaining pin of FIG. 4a. [Figure 8b] FIG. 4b shows various components of the retaining pin of FIG. 4a. [Figure 8c] 4b shows the positioning or clocking spring of the retaining pin of FIG. 4a at various stages in its engagement with the rotating shaft of the retaining pin;

[0003] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used herein to describe these embodiments, nevertheless it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0004] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, property, quality, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is "substantially" enclosed means that the object is completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact acceptable degree of deviation from absolute perfection may depend on the particular situation, in some cases. Generally speaking, however, the closer one approaches perfection the same overall result will be obtained as if absolute and complete perfection had been obtained. The use of "substantially" is equally applicable when used in the negative sense to refer to the complete or nearly complete lack of an action, property, quality, state, structure, item, or result.

[0005] As used herein, "adjacent" refers to the close proximity of two structures or elements. In particular, elements identified as "adjacent" may abut or be connected. Such elements may be close or proximate to one another without necessarily touching one another. The exact degree of proximity may, in some cases, depend on the particular situation.

[0006] An initial overview of the concepts of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description of specific embodiments. This initial overview is intended to aid the reader in understanding the embodiments more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the embodiments, nor is it intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0007] Disclosed herein is a retaining pin for connecting various structures or structural elements together. The retaining pin may comprise a tubular outer shaft and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft may be disposed within and rotatably engaged with the tubular outer shaft. The rotating shaft may comprise a locking protrusion secured to an end of the rotating shaft and operable to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft. The axis of the tubular outer shaft and the axis of the rotating shaft may be eccentric (i.e., offset from one another).

[0008] Also disclosed herein is a method of configuring a retaining pin. The method can include configuring the retaining pin to include a tubular outer shaft. The method can further include configuring the retaining pin to include a rotating shaft disposed within the tubular outer shaft and rotatably engaging the tubular outer shaft. The rotating shaft can include a locking protrusion secured to an end of the rotating shaft and operable to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft. The axis of the tubular outer shaft and the axis of the rotating shaft can be eccentric.

[0009] Further disclosed herein is a system including structures or structural elements coupled to one another. The system may include a first structure with a hole formed through the first structure. The system may further include a second structure with a hole formed through the second structure. The system may further include a retaining pin with a tubular outer shaft and a rotating shaft disposed within the tubular outer shaft. The rotating shaft may be rotatably engaged with the tubular outer shaft. The rotating shaft may include a locking protrusion secured to an end of the rotating shaft and operable to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft. The axis of the tubular outer shaft and the axis of the rotating shaft may be eccentric, and the locking protrusion may be eccentric relative to the axis of the rotating shaft. The first structure is configured to be coupled to the second structure by a retaining pin inserted through a hole in the first structure and a hole in the second structure, and the retaining pin is actuated. The retaining pin may be locked in place to hold the first structure and the second structure together via the locking protrusion. In one example, the locking projection can be planar and configured to engage one or more surfaces of the first and second structures, however, this is not intended to be limiting as the locking projection can include any size, shape, or configuration.

[0010] To further explain the present technology, an example will now be provided with reference to the figures. Referring to FIG. 1, a retaining pin 100 according to one example of the present disclosure is shown. The retaining pin 100 can include a tubular outer shaft 102. The tubular outer shaft 102 can be comprised of a tubular hollow member of any cross-sectional shape or configuration, such as a cylinder, a cube, a rectangular prism, a triangular prism, a hexagonal prism, any polygonal prism, or any other possible shape or configuration having an outer wall defining an inner bore or cavity. The tubular outer shaft 102 can receive and accommodate a rotating shaft supporting a locking protrusion 104. The tubular outer shaft 102 can further include a shoulder 106 having a larger diameter, circumference, and footprint than an outer surface of the tubular outer shaft 102 adjacent the shoulder 106. Furthermore, the retaining pin 100 can include a rotating handle 108 fixed to the rotating shaft supporting the locking protrusion 104. Rotation of the rotating handle 108 can be configured to rotate the rotating shaft and the locking protrusion 104. As shown herein, the locking projection 104 may be configured as a disk having a variety of faces (which may be flat or may have any configuration), but this is not intended to be limiting in any manner, and in fact the locking projection 104 may have any size, shape, or configuration.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the retaining pin 100. As shown, the rotating shaft 110 is disposed within the tubular outer shaft 102. The rotating shaft 110 is rotatably engaged with the tubular outer shaft 102, such that the tubular outer shaft 102 and the rotating shaft 110 are rotatable relative to one another. To facilitate rotation of the rotating shaft 110 relative to the tubular outer shaft 102, the retaining pin 100 can include roller bearings that facilitate more efficient rotation of the rotating shaft 110. For example, the retaining pin 100 can include a roller bearing 112 supported by the tubular outer shaft 102 at a first end (e.g., a top opening) of the tubular outer shaft 102 and rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft 110. Additionally, the retaining pin 100 can include a roller bearing 114 supported by the tubular outer shaft 102 at a second end (e.g., a bottom opening) of the tubular outer shaft 102 and rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft 110. The retaining pin 100 may further include a positioning spring 116 in the form of a clocking spring.

[0012] For purposes of using the retaining pins disclosed herein in clean rooms or other situations where foreign debris is undesirable, the roller bearings 112 and 114 may be sealed roller bearings. The sealed roller bearings ensure that debris, particles, fragments, or other material from the roller bearings is not released into the outside environment, preventing foreign damage to any parts or machinery in the environment. Furthermore, by locating the sealed roller bearings 112 and 114 at opposite ends of the tubular outer shaft 102, all internal mechanisms of the retaining pin 100 are sealed within the tubular outer shaft 102, thereby ensuring that all foreign debris is contained within the tubular outer shaft 102 and that minimal or no foreign debris can enter the retaining pin 100 into the outside environment. The sealed roller bearings further keep outside debris from entering the retaining pin 100. Thus, the retaining pins according to the embodiments described herein may be suitable for use in clean room environments without the possibility of introducing foreign debris into the clean room.

[0013] 2, the tubular outer shaft 102 has a central axis 118 that is substantially concentric with the center or central axis of the retaining pin 100. The rotatable shaft 110 also has a central axis 120. As shown, the central axis 120 of the rotatable shaft 110 is not concentric with the central axis 118 of the tubular outer shaft 118, or in other words, is eccentric or offset. Thus, the rotatable shaft 110 rotates about an axis that is offset from the axis 118 of the retaining pin 100 and / or the tubular outer shaft 102.

[0014] As further shown in Figure 2, the axis 120 of the rotatable shaft 110 is also eccentric and thereby offset from the center of the locking projection 104, which is substantially aligned with the axis 118 in the configuration of the retaining pin 100 shown in Figure 2. Thus, the locking projection 104 is eccentric relative to the axis 120 of the rotatable shaft 110, such that when the rotatable shaft 110 is rotated relative to the tubular outer shaft 102 by the handle 108, the locking projection 104 rotates eccentrically relative to the rotatable shaft 110 and the tubular outer shaft 102.

[0015] The eccentric rotation of the locking projection 104 is shown and further described in Figures 3a to 3d. Figure 3a shows the retaining pin 100 in an unlocked state. Figure 3b shows an end view of the retaining pin 100 from the end where the locking projection 104 is disposed on the retaining pin 100. As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, in the unlocked state, the locking projection 104 (e.g., a disk) is substantially concentric and aligned with the tubular outer shaft 102. In other words, the axis 122a of the locking projection 104 is aligned with the axis 118a of the cylindrical outer shaft 102. When the retaining pin 100 is in the unlocked state, the locking projection 104 is substantially disposed within the confines of the outer surface 102a of the tubular outer shaft 102. With such a configuration, the retaining pin 100, in the unlocked state, can be easily inserted into and / or through holes formed in structures and coupled and secured together via the retaining pin 100.

[0016] FIG. 3c shows the retaining pin 100 in a locked state. To transition the retaining pin 100 from the unlocked state (FIGS. 3a and 3b) to the locked state (FIGS. 3c and 3d), the rotating handle 108 is rotated a predetermined rotation angle to rotate the rotating shaft 110 to a predetermined angle, thereby rotating the locking protrusion 104 together with the rotating shaft 110. As shown in FIG. 3c, in the locked state, the locking protrusion 104 is rotated to an eccentric arrangement on the rotating shaft 110 such that the locking protrusion 104 (e.g., a disk) is eccentric with respect to the tubular outer shaft 102, such that at least a portion of the locking protrusion 104 extends beyond, protrudes from, or overhangs the outer surface of the tubular outer shaft 102. In other words, the axis 122a of the locking protrusion 104 is offset with respect to the axis 118a of the cylindrical outer shaft 102 in the locked state. Indeed, when the retaining pin 100 is in the locked state, the locking projection 104 is positioned such that it is eccentrically disposed relative to the boundary of the outer surface 102a of the tubular outer shaft 102, such that at least a portion of the locking projection is disposed outside of the outer surface 102a of the tubular outer shaft 102. In such a configuration, in the locked state, the locking projection 104 can interface and engage with a surface of the structure into which the retaining pin 100 is inserted, holding the structure together and ensuring that the retaining pin 100 remains in place.

[0017] 4a and 4b show a retaining pin 400 according to one example of the present disclosure. Fig. 4a shows the retaining pin 400, which may include a tubular outer shaft 402 and a locking protrusion 404. The tubular outer shaft 402 may include a handle in the form of a grip extension 406 configured to be grasped by a user during manipulation of the retaining pin 400 to facilitate operation of the retaining pin 400, as described below.

[0018] The retaining pin 400 may further include a plunger 408 having a plunger shaft 409 and a user interface portion in the form of a plunger barrel 410, the plunger 408 being operable to be received within the tubular outer shaft 402 and movable within the tubular outer shaft 402. The plunger shaft 409 may further include a shoulder 412 and one or more cam surfaces 414 located at an engagement end of the plunger shaft 409 opposite the end at which the plunger barrel 410 is located. The plunger shaft 409 may be spring loaded by a spring 416. The spring 416 engages and seats against the shoulder 412 of the plunger shaft 409 to bias the plunger 408 upwardly relative to the tubular outer shaft 402.

[0019] The retaining pin 400 may further comprise a rotating shaft 418 that supports the locking protrusion 404. The rotating shaft 418 may further include one or more follower surfaces 420 and 422 configured to engage and interface with the cam surface 414 of the plunger shaft 409. The cam surface 414 of the plunger shaft 409 may be configured to interface with the follower surfaces 420 and 422 of the rotating shaft 418 in such a manner that depression of the plunger 408 by pushing on the plunger barrel 410 causes the plunger shaft 409 to move downward in a linear motion into contact and engagement with the follower surface 420.

[0020] As shown, cam surface 414 and follower surfaces 420 and 422 may be helical angled surfaces that engage one another when plunger 408 is depressed. The rotational movement of rotatable shaft 418 due to depression of plunger 408 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0021] 4b further illustrates that the retaining pin 400 can further include roller bearings 424 and 426. The roller bearing 424 can rotatably support the rotation shaft 418. The roller bearing 426 can support the plunger shaft 409. The retaining pin 400 can further include a locating spring 428 similar to the locating spring 116 of the retaining pin 100, as described above. As with the retaining pin 100, the roller bearings 424 and 426 can be sealed roller bearings to prevent foreign object damage and debris from becoming present in the external environment.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates various exemplary stages of rotation of the rotatable shaft 418 as the plunger 408 is depressed and released. For clarity, FIG. 5 omits all elements of the retaining pin 400 except for the rotatable shaft 418 and the plunger 408. With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, as shown in stage S1 of FIG. 5, the plunger 408 is fully extended and disengaged from the rotatable shaft 418, such that the plunger shaft 409 and the rotatable shaft 418 are no longer in contact with each other. The force of depressing the plunger 408 moves the plunger shaft 409 towards the rotatable shaft 418, compressing the spring 416. This causes the first helically angled cam surface 414 of the plunger shaft 409 to contact and engage the first helically angled follower surface 420 of the rotatable shaft 418.

[0023] As the plunger 408 is further depressed, the cam surface 414 contacts and engages the first follower surface 420, causing the sliding of the first follower surface 420 along the first cam surface 414 to rotate the rotatable shaft 418 relative to the plunger shaft 409. Stage S2 shows the rotatable shaft 418 mid-rotation as the plunger shaft 408 is forced downward into the rotatable shaft 418. As force continues to be applied to the plunger 408, the rotatable shaft 418 will continue to rotate until stage S3 is reached where the plunger 408 has completed a predetermined angle of rotation (e.g., 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 5) according to the design and configuration of the cam surface 414 and follower surface 420. In stage S4, the force acting on the plunger 408 is released, whereupon the spring 416 exerts an upward force on the plunger 408, moving the plunger shaft 409 (e.g., by the force of the spring 416) away from the rotatable shaft 418, thereby disengaging the plunger shaft 408 from the rotatable shaft 418. From FIG. 5, it can be seen that in this stage (S1-S4), the locking protrusion 404 has rotated 180 degrees. This rotation, caused by a single push of the plunger 408, moves the locking protrusion 404 from an unlocked state to a locked state, similar to that shown with respect to the locking protrusion 104 or the retaining pin 100 in FIGS. 3a-3d.

[0024] At this stage, the plunger 408 can be pushed downward again to engage the plunger shaft 409 with the rotating shaft 418 and bring the cam surface 414 into contact with the second follower surface 422 that was moved into position by the rotation of the rotating shaft 418 during stages S1 to S4. To prevent the cam surface 414 from sliding back into contact with the already rotated first follower surface 420, the rotating shaft 418 can be biased (e.g., by a positioning spring 428 or other spring) in stage S4 to a position of at least a portion of the second follower surface 422 under and aligned with the tip of the cam surface 414. This configuration ensures that when the plunger 408 is then pushed downward toward the rotating shaft 418, the cam surface 414 will contact the correct follower surface 422 to cause further rotation of the rotating shaft 418.

[0025] Stage S5 illustrates a mid-rotation state of the rotatable shaft 418 as the plunger 408 is pushed downward to engage the plunger shaft 409 with the cam surface 414 contacting the second follower surface 422. As force continues to be applied to the plunger 408, the rotatable shaft 418 continues to rotate until stage S6 is reached where the plunger 408 completes a predetermined angle of rotation (e.g., another 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 5 ) according to the design and configuration of the cam surface 414 and follower surface 422. In stage S7, the force acting on the plunger 408 is released, where the spring 416 exerts an upward force on the plunger 408 moving the plunger shaft 409 away from the rotatable shaft 418 (e.g., by the force of the spring 416), thereby disengaging the plunger shaft 409 from the rotatable shaft 418. It can be seen from Figure 5 that in this stage (S4 to S7) the locking projection 404 has rotated an additional 180 degrees. This rotation caused by a single depression of the plunger 408 moves the locking projection 404 from a locked state to an unlocked state, similar to that shown with respect to the locking projection 104 in Figures 3a to 3d. It can be seen that through stages S1 to S7 the locking projection 404 completes a 360 degree rotation.

[0026] As previously described, to prevent the cam surface 414 from sliding back into contact with the already rotated second follower surface 422, the rotating shaft 418 may be biased (e.g., by a positioning spring 428 or other spring) to a position of at least a portion of the first follower surface 420 below the tip of the cam surface 414, thereby ensuring that when the plunger 408 is then pressed downwardly towards the rotating shaft 418, the cam surface 414 of the plunger shaft 409 contacts the correct follower surfaces of 420 and 422 to cause further rotation of the rotating shaft 418 rather than repeated static engagement between the rotating shaft 418 and the plunger shaft 408. In other words, the rotatable shaft 418 and the positioning spring 428 interfaced with the rotatable shaft 418 can be configured to guide the rotation of the rotatable shaft 418 to the appropriate position with the plunger shaft 409 disengaged from the rotatable shaft 418 to ensure that the plunger 408, when depressed, engages a different follower surface causing rotation of the rotatable shaft 418 relative to the plunger 408. This clocking function can be configured to occur every time the plunger shaft 408 disengages from the rotatable shaft 418.

[0027] The retaining pin 400 illustrates a configuration in which the plunger shaft 408 and the rotatable shaft 418 each include two helically angled (cam or follower) surfaces that extend 180 degrees or less around the shaft. This causes the rotatable shaft 418 to rotate 180 degrees or less, respectively, each time the plunger 408 is depressed. In fact, the cam and follower surfaces can be configured such that fully depressing the plunger 408 will cause the rotatable shaft 418 to rotate a predetermined rotational angle to an intermediate angular orientation or position between clock positions (i.e., a clock position is an angular position or orientation of the rotatable shaft 418 where the positioning spring 428 is at a minimum bending state (e.g., corresponding to a locked or unlocked state of the retaining pin 400). Here, the positioning spring 428 transitions from a minimum bending state for the current clock position of the rotatable shaft 418, through a maximum bending state, to an intermediate partially bending state before the next clock position of the rotatable shaft 418. The intermediate angular orientation of the rotating shaft 418 and the intermediate partially flexed state of the positioning spring 428 may be such that when the plunger shaft 409 disengages from the rotating shaft 418, the force acting from the positioning spring 428 on the rotating shaft 418 may cause the positioning spring 428 to induce further (i.e., in the same direction) rotation of the rotating shaft 418. When the positioning spring 428 is in this intermediate partially flexed state (greater than maximum flexion) and the rotating shaft 418 is at an intermediate angular orientation between the clock positions, the release of the plunger shaft 408 and disengagement of the cam and follower surfaces may cause the positioning spring 418 to induce further rotation of the rotating shaft 418 in the same direction to the next clock position of the rotating shaft 418 without further action by the plunger shaft 408 due to the spring force acting on the rotating shaft 418 and the characteristics of the detents formed therein (as discussed in more detail below). The intermediate angular orientation of the rotatable shaft 418 that must be achieved before the positioning spring 428 can induce further rotation of the rotatable shaft 418 in the same direction can vary depending on the configuration of the retaining pin 400.

[0028] The retaining pin 400 can alternatively be configured so that a single depression of the plunger 408 results in any degree of rotation of the rotating shaft 418. Thus, the design and configuration described herein in which depression of the plunger 408 results in a 180 degree rotation of the rotating shaft 418 is not intended to be limiting in any manner. For example, Figures 6a and 6b show a plunger shaft 609 and a rotating shaft 618 for a retaining pin 600 (not shown in its entirety, but similar in structure and function to the retaining pin 400 described above), except that the plunger shaft 608 can include four helically angled cam surfaces 601, 602, 603, and 604, and the rotating shaft 618 can include four follower surfaces 621, 622, 623, and 624, each corresponding to one of the cam surfaces 601, 602, 603, and 604 of the plunger shaft 608. Follower surfaces 621, 622, 623, and 624 and cam surfaces 601, 602, 603, and 604 extend 90 degrees around their respective shafts. Thus, in the configuration of retaining pin 600, one depression and release of plunger 608 results in a 90 degree rotation of rotatable shaft 618. Thus, four depressions of plunger 608 will rotate rotatable shaft 618 one full 360 degree rotation, with a positioning spring (not shown) configured to clock rotatable shaft 618 to multiple clocked positions in a manner similar to that described herein.

[0029] Other angles and configurations are possible and contemplated herein. Indeed, any number of cam and / or follower surfaces can be used to configure the desired rotation of the rotating shaft. (e.g., three equally spaced surfaces for a 120 degree rotation per push, five surfaces for a 72 degree rotation per push, etc.). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to equal rotations per plunger depression. The cam / follower surfaces can have different lengths and sizes from each other such that each depression of the plunger results in a different angle of rotation. Additionally, as described herein, the cam and follower surfaces can be configured to rotate the rotating shaft a given angle when the positioning spring transitions from a minimum bending state through a maximum bending state and allows the positioning spring to induce further rotation of the rotating shaft to the next clock position due to the force of the spring acting on the rotating shaft upon opening of the plunger shaft and disengagement of the current alignment of the cam and follower surfaces.

[0030] 7a-7d show an example of a system 700 with retaining pins to couple various elements together. Retaining pins can be used for a variety of applications, such as locking clamps, fixing adjustable structures in place, holding elements in machines, etc. FIG. 7a shows multiple rectangular structures separated from one another as exemplary structures showing how various structural elements can be coupled together by retaining pins as disclosed herein. Each of structures 701, 702, and 703 includes respective through holes 704, 705, and 706 having a circular cross-sectional configuration. FIG. 7b shows that structures 701, 702, and 703 can be aligned such that through holes 704, 705, and 706 are aligned and configured to receive a retaining pin therethrough.

[0031] FIG. 7c shows the retaining pin 100 (described above and see FIGS. 1-3d) inserted into the through holes 704-706 of the structures 701-703, first interfacing with the structures before securing them together. The retaining pin 100 is shown in an unlocked state in FIG. 7c. As shown, the shoulder 106 of the retaining pin 700 has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the through holes 704-706, and thus engages and seats against the outer surface 707 of the structure 703, thereby holding the retaining pin 100 in place at a constant depth within and relative to the structures 701, 702, and 703. In FIG. 7c, the central axis of the locking projection 104 is concentric or substantially concentric with the central axis of the tubular outer shaft of the retaining pin 100. Thus, the retaining pin 100 can easily slide in and out of the structures 701, 702, and 703 without the structures 701, 702, and 703 being completely locked in place or fixed to one another. 7d shows the retaining pin 100 in a locked state within the structures 701, 702, and 703, thereby securing the structures 701, 702, and 703 together. As shown, the handle of the retaining pin 100 has been turned or rotated a predetermined angle to move the locking projection 104 to an eccentric position relative to the tubular outer shaft 102 and the rotating shaft 110. The eccentricity of the locking projection 104 relative to the rest of the retaining pin 100 allows the locking projection 104 to engage the outer surface 708 of the structure 702. Thus, in the locked state, the retaining pin 100 locks the structures 701, 702, and 703 in place due to the interference and engagement between the structure 702 and the locking projection 104, and the interference and engagement between the structure 703 and the shoulder 106 of the retaining pin 100. In other words, structures 701, 702, and 703 are retained between locking projection 104 and shoulder 106 of retaining pin 100 with locking projection 104 in the locked position.

[0032] The function of the various positioning springs disclosed herein will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 8a-8c. Figure 8a illustrates a rotating shaft 802 according to one example of the present disclosure. It is noted herein that the rotating shaft 802 can represent and include any of the rotating shafts discussed herein (e.g., rotating shafts 110, 418, 618) regardless of the particular cam / follower surface configuration illustrated similar to Figures 6a-6b, and that the features of the detent portion 804 discussed below can be present in any of the rotating shafts discussed herein (e.g., rotating shafts 110, 418, 618). As shown in this example, the rotating shaft 802 includes a detent portion 804 and can form one or more detent surfaces 806 on the outer surface of the annular rotating shaft 802. 8b, a positioning spring 808 can be disposed about the rotatable shaft 802 and positioned adjacent and surrounding the detent portion 804 of the rotatable shaft 802, where the positioning spring 808 can engage a detent surface 806 upon a particular or selected rotation of the rotatable shaft 802. In the illustrated example, the positioning spring 808 can be flexible and can include one or more compliant lobes 810 configured to engage with the detent surface 806. In other words, as taught herein, the detent surface 806 can be configured to receive and engage at least one compliant lobe 810 to lock and unlock an associated retaining pin depending on the configuration and desired rotation of the rotatable shaft 802.

[0033] Fig. 8c shows three cross-sectional views of a rotatable shaft 802 with a positioning spring 810 rotatably engaged with a detent portion 804 of the rotatable shaft 802. Fig. 8c shows three rotational positions or orientations R1, R2, and R3 of the rotatable shaft 802 in engagement with the positioning spring 808 within the positioning spring 808 as the rotatable shaft rotates relative to the positioning spring 808.

[0034] As shown in angular orientation R1, indicator line A (used for purposes of clarity to indicate the position of detent surface 806a) indicates that rotatable shaft 802 is oriented relative to positioning spring 808 such that compliant lobe 810a is engaged and seated against detent surface 806a, compliant lobe 810b is engaged and seated against detent surface 806b, compliant lobe 810c is engaged and seated against detent surface 806c, and compliant lobe 810d is engaged and seated against detent surface 806d, which indicates a first clocked position of rotatable shaft 802 facilitated by positioning spring 808. As shown, the distance from the center of rotatable shaft 802 to detent surfaces 806a-806d is less than the distance from the center of rotatable shaft 802 to the annular outer surface of rotatable shaft 802. In this direction R1, the compliance of positioning spring 808 causes compliance lobes 810a through 810d to apply a force to detent surfaces 806a through 806d, respectively, such that rotation of rotatable shaft 802 is resisted by positioning spring 808 and rotatable shaft 802 is biased to remain in angular direction R1 with indicator line A pointed toward compliant lobe 810a.

[0035] 8c further illustrates an angular orientation R2 of the rotatable shaft 802, where the rotatable shaft 802 has been rotated such that indicator line A is between compliant lobes 810a and 810b, and each of compliant lobes 810a-d has been bent and unseated from one of detent surfaces 806a-d. In this intermediate angular orientation R2, the rotatable shaft 802 is out of its clocked position (i.e., the rotational position or orientation of the rotatable shaft where the positioning spring is at its least bent). In fact, when a sufficient force is applied to rotate the rotatable shaft 802 (e.g., via a handle on a retaining pin, not shown), the rotatable shaft 802 will rotate within the positioning spring 808. As rotation occurs, detent surfaces 806a-806d move out of position or alignment with compliant lobes 810a-810d, respectively, and positioning springs 808 flex outward as the opposing outer edges of detent surfaces 806a-806d press against compliant lobes 810a-810d, bending compliant lobes 810a-810d outward. As shown, detent surfaces 806a-806d are sized and configured to extend between different points on the exterior surface of rotatable shaft 802. Additionally, compliant lobes 810a-810d can be configured (e.g., curved in this example) to provide essentially line contact with detent surfaces 806a-806d, respectively, such that rotation of rotatable shaft 802 causes compliant lobes 810a-810d to slide along detent surfaces 806a-806d, respectively, where they are bent outwardly to accommodate such rotation of rotatable shaft 802. In this intermediate position R2, compliant lobes 810a-810d are not engaged with detent surfaces 806a-806d.

[0036] 8c further illustrates angular orientation R3, which shows rotatable shaft 802 in a clocked position 90 degrees from the clocked position of angular orientation R1. In angular orientation R3, rotation of rotatable shaft 802 is sufficient to spring compliant lobes 810a-d back to their original unbent positions such that each of compliant lobes 810a-d engages and seats against one of detent surfaces 806a-d. In this clocked position, compliant lobe 810a engages and seats against detent surface 806d, compliant lobe 810b engages and seats against detent surface 806a, and so on, as shown. This engagement holds rotatable shaft 802 in a new angular orientation R3 where each detent surface engages a different compliant lobe. The flexibility of positioning spring 808 causes flexible lobes 810 to be held against respective detent faces 806, resisting rotation of rotatable shaft 802 and biasing rotatable shaft 802 to a clocked position as shown in angular direction R3.

[0037] The positioning spring 808 shown can bias the rotating shaft to four different radial and clocking positions, each spaced 90 degrees apart. However, this is not intended to be limiting in any way, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other radial and clocking positions are possible and contemplated herein, depending on the design and configuration of the rotating shaft and its associated positioning spring. Indeed, the positioning spring can have any number of one or more compliant lobes configured to engage with any number of one or more detent surfaces of the rotating shaft. Furthermore, the positioning spring can have the same number of compliant lobes as the number of detent surfaces, or can have a number of compliant lobes that is different from the number of detent surfaces. Furthermore, the compliant lobes and detent surfaces can be spaced at any angle around the positioning spring and the rotating shaft.

[0038] It should be noted that the clocking positions of the rotating shafts 418, 618, and 802 may be offset relative to the cam and follower surfaces of the plunger shafts (e.g., plunger shafts 408, 608) and rotating shafts with which they are associated, respectively, so that when the plunger shaft is released and the cam surfaces disengage from the follower surfaces, the positioning springs associated with the rotating shafts induce sufficient additional rotational angle to align the cam surfaces of the plunger shaft with different follower surfaces of the rotating shafts, thus facilitating continuous rotation of the rotating shafts each time the plunger shaft is depressed. In other words, when the plunger shaft is fully depressed, this will cause the rotating shaft to rotate to a position just short of the clock position. When the plunger shaft is released such that each of the cam surfaces disengages from its respective current follower surface, the positioning spring causes the rotatable shaft to rotate an additional rotational amount where the rotatable shaft is in a clocked position with different follower surfaces aligned with different cam surfaces on the plunger shaft, such that subsequent depression of the plunger shaft causes each of the individual cam surfaces to engage a different one of the available follower surfaces, further rotating the rotatable shaft.

[0039] Reference has been made to the examples illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used herein to describe these. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the technology is intended thereby. Modifications and further variations of the features illustrated herein, as well as additional uses of the examples illustrated herein, should be considered within the scope of the description.

[0040] Although the present disclosure may not explicitly disclose that some embodiments or features described herein may be combined with other embodiments or features described herein, the present disclosure should be read as describing any such combinations that are feasible by one of ordinary skill in the art. The use of "or" in this disclosure should be understood to mean a non-exclusive or, i.e., "and / or," unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0041] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the foregoing description, numerous specific details, such as examples of various configurations, have been provided to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the described technology. However, it will be understood that the technology may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology.

[0042] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features and operations described above. Rather, the specific features and operations described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the described technology.

Claims

1. A retaining pin, a tubular outer shaft; a rotating shaft disposed within and rotatably engaged with the tubular outer shaft, the rotating shaft including a locking projection secured to an end of the rotating shaft and operable to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft; The retaining pin, wherein the axis of the tubular outer shaft and the axis of the rotating shaft are eccentric.

2. a positioning spring configured to rotatably engage the rotation shaft configured to rotate relative to the positioning spring; 2. The retaining pin of claim 1, wherein the rotatable shaft includes one or more detent surfaces configured to receive one or more compliant lobes of the positioning spring to resist rotation of the rotatable shaft and bias the rotatable shaft to a respective angular orientation and corresponding clock position.

3. The retaining pin of claim 1 , wherein said locking projection is eccentric relative to said axis of said rotating shaft.

4. the retaining pin is configured to be operable in both an unlocked state corresponding to a first angular orientation and corresponding clock position of the rotating shaft and a locked state corresponding to a second angular orientation and corresponding clock position of the rotating shaft; in the unlocked state, the locking projection is substantially concentric with the tubular outer shaft; 4. The retaining pin of claim 3, wherein in the locked state, the locking projection is eccentric relative to the tubular outer shaft such that at least a portion of the locking projection extends outside an outer circumference of the tubular outer shaft and is operable to lock the retaining pin in place by engagement of the locking projection with structure supporting the retaining pin.

5. The retaining pin of claim 1 , further comprising a rotation handle secured to the rotation shaft and configured such that rotation of the rotation handle facilitates rotation of the rotation shaft.

6. a plunger including a plunger shaft having a cam surface that interfaces with a follower surface of the rotatable shaft; 5. The retaining pin of claim 4, wherein said cam surface of said plunger shaft engages said follower surface of said rotating shaft, whereby depressing said plunger in a linear motion causes said rotating shaft to rotate.

7. 7. The retaining pin of claim 6, wherein the cam surface of the plunger shaft comprises a helical angled surface at an engagement end of the plunger shaft, and the follower surface of the rotatable shaft comprises a helical angled surface that engages with the helical angled surface of the cam surface of the plunger shaft.

8. one or more roller bearings supported by the tubular outer shaft; The retaining pin of claim 1 , wherein the rotating shaft rotatably engages the tubular outer shaft by rotatably engaging the one or more roller bearings supported by the tubular outer shaft.

9. the one or more roller bearings being a first sealed roller bearing disposed in a first opening of the tubular outer shaft; a second sealed roller bearing disposed in a second opening of the tubular outer shaft; the rotatable shaft is in rotatable engagement with the first and second sealed roller bearings; The retaining pin of claim 8 , wherein said tubular outer shaft is sealed from the external environment and foreign debris by said first and second sealed roller bearings.

10. The retaining pin of claim 6 , wherein said plunger is spring loaded.

11. 7. The retaining pin of claim 6, wherein a single depression and release of the plunger rotates the rotatable shaft a predetermined angle of rotation.

12. 12. The retaining pin of claim 11, wherein the predetermined angle of rotation caused by the single depression of the plunger facilitates rotation of the rotatable shaft from the first angular orientation associated with the unlocked state to the second angular orientation associated with the locked state.

13. 12. The retaining pin of claim 11, wherein the predetermined angle of rotation caused by the single depression of the plunger facilitates rotation of the rotatable shaft from the second angular orientation associated with the locked state to the first angular orientation associated with the unlocked state.

14. a positioning spring engaged with the rotatable shaft to facilitate rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the positioning spring; the rotatable shaft comprising one or more detent surfaces configured to receive one or more compliant lobes of the positioning spring to resist rotation of the rotatable shaft and retain the rotatable shaft in one or more clocked positions; at least one of the one or more detent surfaces corresponds to a first clock position of the rotatable shaft corresponding to the unlocked state; The retaining pin of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more detent faces corresponds to a second clocked position of the rotatable shaft that corresponds to the locked state.

15. the locking projection is a disk fixed eccentrically to the rotating shaft, in an unlocked position, the disk is substantially concentric with respect to the axis of the tubular outer shaft; The retaining pin of claim 4 , wherein in a locked position, the disk is eccentric relative to the axis of the tubular outer shaft.

16. the locking projection is a disk fixed eccentrically to the rotating shaft, in an unlocked position, an outer surface of the disk is substantially aligned with an outer surface of the tubular outer shaft; 5. The retaining pin of claim 4, wherein in a locked position, the outer surface of the disk is misaligned with respect to the outer surface of the tubular outer shaft, such that a portion of the disk protrudes above the outer surface of the tubular outer shaft.

17. 1. A method of constructing a retaining pin, comprising: configuring the retaining pin to include a tubular outer shaft; configuring the retaining pin to comprise a rotating shaft disposed within and rotatably engaging the tubular outer shaft, the rotating shaft comprising a locking projection secured to an end of the rotating shaft and operable to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft; The method, wherein the axis of the tubular outer shaft and the axis of the rotating shaft are eccentric.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising configuring the retaining pin to comprise a rotation handle, the rotation handle being secured to the rotation shaft and configured to facilitate rotation of the rotation shaft upon rotation of the rotation handle.

19. further comprising configuring the retaining pin to include a plunger with a cam surface that interfaces with a follower surface of the rotatable shaft; 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cam surface of the plunger engages the follower surface of the rotatable shaft, whereby depressing the plunger in a linear motion causes the rotatable shaft to rotate.

20. 1. A system comprising: a first structure having a hole formed therethrough; and a second structure having a hole formed therethrough; and A retaining pin, a tubular outer shaft; a rotating shaft disposed within and rotatably engaged with the tubular outer shaft, the rotating shaft including a locking projection secured to the rotating shaft and operable to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft; an axis of the tubular outer shaft and an axis of the rotating shaft are eccentric, and the locking projection is eccentric with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft; the first structure is configured to be coupled to the second structure by the retaining pin inserted through the hole in the first structure and the hole in the second structure, and the locking projection engages one or more surfaces of the first structure and the second structure.

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