Adjustable Roller Pin with Rotating Outer Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller pin designs for casement window locking mechanisms experience excessive friction and wear due to non-rotating end plates, leading to increased friction when multiple pins engage, and result in an unattractive appearance and increased clearance requirements due to non-circular end plates.
Innovation Solution
A roller pin design featuring a cylindrical inner pin with a rotating outer roller and a circular perimetrical flange that reduces friction by rotating with the roller, allowing for adjustable alignment and reduced clearance needs, with a conical outer surface and recessed tool opening for easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed end plate is used on the inner pin, then security is improved by preventing the keeper from being pulled over the end of the roller pin, but friction and wear increase because the fixed end plate slides directly against the keeper surface
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is segmented into two functional parts: a fixed mounting portion attached to the inner pin that provides security, and a rotating outer roller that reduces friction. The outer roller can rotate independently on the inner pin, allowing it to roll against the keeper surface while the fixed inner pin maintains the structural connection and security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system where the outer roller can rotate. This rotational movement converts sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly reducing wear and friction forces during the locking mechanism operation while the fixed inner pin maintains security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-circular end plate is used for adjustment, then adjustability is improved by allowing rotation of the inner pin, but appearance deteriorates and clearance requirements increase due to misaligned orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is designed with a circular shape instead of a non-circular polygonal shape. This circular geometry ensures that regardless of the rotation angle during adjustment, the outer roller maintains a consistent orientation and appearance. The circular shape eliminates the haphazard appearance caused by misaligned non-circular end plates while preserving the adjustability function through rotation of the inner pin.
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 solution significantly reduces friction and wear between the roller pin and keeper, provides a uniform and attractive appearance at all adjustment orientations, and requires less clearance, enhancing the operational efficiency and aesthetics of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The outer roller provides a low friction rolling contact between the inner hook portion of the keeper and the outer surface of the locking pin
Implementation Method 2
the conical outer surface at the second end of the inner pin that reduces friction by rotating with the roller
Data Source
AI summary
A roller pin of the type mounted on a tie bar that slides to drive the roller pin into engagement with a keeper of a casement window includes an inner pin and an outer roller. The outer roller includes an integral outer flange that is circular and spins with the outer roller to reduce friction during engagement with keeper. The inner pin includes an offset mounting pin at one end and is enlarged at the other end to hold the outer roller on the inner pin. The enlarged end of the inner pin is flush with the outer flange and is provided with a recessed opening that receives a tool, such as a screwdriver, to rotate the inner pin and adjust its position relative to the tie bar and a keeper. The invention is also directed to a tie bar and multiple roller pins in combination.