Adjustable Locking Pin for Uneven Support Mats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support surface systems with locking pins fail to form a tight connection between mats of varying thickness, warpage, or uneven surfaces, and cannot engage misaligned locking pin holes effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable locking pin system with a rotatable foot that moves from an unlocked to a locked position, allowing the pin to be inserted into aligned holes and then moved closer to the lower end of the body, providing a secure connection even on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed locking pin is used to connect mats, then the connection is simple and quick, but it cannot accommodate mats of varying thickness, warpage, or uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin incorporates a dynamic foot component that can rotate between unlocked and locked positions, and move upward relative to the body. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the pin to adapt to varying mat thicknesses, warpage, and uneven surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin changes its effective length parameter by moving the foot upward relative to the body. This parameter change enables the pin to accommodate different mat thickness variations and surface conditions without requiring completely different pin designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standard locking pin is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot engage misaligned locking pin holes
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable foot mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability that enables engagement with misaligned holes. The foot can rotate to different positions and move upward to compensate for misalignment, achieving adaptability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If an adjustable locking pin with upwardly moveable foot is used, then a tight connection is achieved between uneven surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic foot mechanism that can rotate and move upward provides the necessary adjustment capability to achieve tight connections on uneven surfaces. This dynamic element allows the pin to maintain reliable contact and alignment while accommodating surface variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The upward movement of the foot changes the effective engagement parameters of the locking pin, allowing it to achieve tight connections despite variations in mat thickness and surface unevenness. This parameter adjustment ensures reliable locking while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking pin for connecting at least first and second adjacent mats of a support surface includes a body and at least one foot operatively connected to the body and configured to secure the locking pin to the mats. The foot is selectively movable from an unlocked position to at least one locked position and then, while in a locked position, selectively moveable upwardly relative to the body and the first and second mats.