Actuated Expanding Pin Assembly for Automated Joint Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current expanding pin systems require manual labor to lock and unlock mechanical joints, leading to inefficiencies and potential human error, particularly in applications like deployable aircraft wings where automated control is beneficial.
Innovation Solution
An expanding pin system with an actuation assembly that includes a pin driving assembly and a drive assembly, utilizing a sun gear and carrier to translate and rotate, allowing for automated locking and unlocking of mechanical joints without human intervention, using motors or hydraulic actuators to control the expanding pin's expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labor is used to insert and expand the expanding pin, then the expanding pin can be locked in the mechanical joint, but the process is cost and time inefficient and introduces human error
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding pin system performs its own locking and unlocking operations through automated actuation. The actuator assembly automatically translates the expanding pin into the mechanical joint and expands it, then automatically retracts and collapses it for unlocking, eliminating the need for manual intervention and associated errors while improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated actuator assembly that uses a motor or hydraulic actuator to drive the expanding pin. This substitution of manual labor with automated mechanical systems eliminates human error and improves productivity while maintaining reliable locking
2Ease of operation
If manual labor is used to collapse and retract the expanding pin, then the mechanical joint can be unlocked, but the process is cost and time inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly automatically performs the collapsing and retracting of the expanding pin without manual intervention. The system self-manages the entire unlocking sequence, reducing operational complexity and time loss while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly executes periodic cycles of translation and expansion for locking, followed by retraction and collapse for unlocking. This automated periodic operation eliminates manual repetition and significantly reduces the time required for unlocking operations
3Extent of automation
If an actuator assembly is added to automate the expanding pin, then automated locking and unlocking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it translates the expanding pin into the mechanical joint, expands the pin for locking, retracts the pin for unlocking, and collapses the pin for storage. By consolidating these multiple operations into a single multi-functional actuator, the patent achieves high automation while minimizing the increase in device complexity
4Productivity
If the expanding pin is automatically translated and expanded, then locking efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity of the pin driving assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin driving assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the expanding pin. It includes components such as a carrier, sun gear, and planetary gears that translate rotational motion from the actuator into the linear translation and expansion of the pin. This intermediary mechanism enables automated high-efficiency locking while managing structural complexity through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.