Adjustable Locking Pin for Fluid-Tight Mat Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular load-supporting surface systems face challenges in forming a tight connection between mats, particularly in preventing fluid leakage and efficient disposal of plastic liners, which are often non-reusable and bulky.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable locking pin system with an elongated main body and rotatable rotor, featuring an elastomeric seal and multiple locking positions, is used to securely connect mats and form a fluid-tight seal by compressing the seal between the mats' indentations, allowing for adjustable tightness and compatibility with different mat configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking pins are used to connect mats, then the connection can be formed, but the connection is not tight enough to prevent fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin incorporates a rotatable rotor that allows dynamic adjustment of the connection tightness. The rotor can be rotated to different positions to adjust the compression force on the elastomeric seal, enabling the connection to adapt to different mat configurations and achieve a tight fluid-proof seal while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin mechanism allows changing the compression parameter of the elastomeric seal through rotor rotation. By rotating the rotor, the compression force applied to the seal can be adjusted, transforming the connection from a loose fit to a tight fluid-proof seal, thereby resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and operational flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic liners are used below mats to capture liquids, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the liners become bulky waste that is difficult to dispose of
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the disposable plastic liner with a reusable elastomeric seal integrated into the locking pin mechanism. The elastomeric seal provides the necessary fluid leakage prevention without becoming bulky waste, as it can be reused across multiple mat connections throughout the system's lifecycle, thereby eliminating the waste disposal problem while maintaining harmful factor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding plastic liners after single use, the elastomeric seal is recovered and reused in subsequent mat connections. The seal remains attached to the locking pin and continues to provide sealing functionality across multiple assemblies and disassemblies, transforming a disposable solution into a reusable one that prevents waste accumulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable locking pins are used to allow disassembly, then the mats can be reused, but the connection may not be tight enough to assist in forming a fluid tight seal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function with the sealing function into a single integrated mechanism. The elastomeric seal is attached to the locking pin body, and when the pin is inserted and the rotor is rotated, both the locking engagement and the sealing compression occur simultaneously. This unified approach ensures that reusability through removable pins does not compromise the fluid tight seal, as both functions are achieved together in the same operational sequence.
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 adjustable locking pin system effectively secures mats together, preventing fluid ingress and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, while reducing the need for disposable liners by providing a reusable and adjustable solution for various surface conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric seal extends around the periphery of the enlarged head and is configured to form a fluid tight seal between the enlarged head and the indentation formed in the first mat
Implementation Method 2
The rotor includes a foot disposed at its lower end and which is movable therewith relative to the main body. The rotor is configured so that each 360° revolution of rotation thereof in one direction relative to the main body draws the foot closer to the bottom of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable locking pin for connecting at least first and second overlapping mats includes an elongated main body, an elastomeric seal extending around the periphery of an enlarged head of the main body and an elongated rotor threadably engaged in a bore of the main body. The rotor is rotatable through at least two 360 degree revolutions of rotation relative to the main body and includes a foot at its bottom end. The rotational adjustability of the rotor allows the first and second mats to be tightly held together.