Angled Pin Shaft Securing Mechanism Reduces Lateral Slop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft securing mechanisms, such as the Hudson connector, suffer from significant slop and play in lateral and longitudinal directions due to the angle at which pins or bearings contact the shaft, making secure engagement and centering difficult, and require manual displacement of a plunger with one hand while holding the handle and shaft, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism employs angled pins and a sloped surface within the connector to securely hold the shaft, allowing it to be aligned and engaged without additional force, enabling secure engagement and centering with reduced play and eliminating the need for manual plunger displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cylindrical or spherical pins/bearings are used to contact the shaft at a point, then the mechanism can withstand high torque forces, but the shaft can move in lateral and longitudinal directions due to slop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical contact surface on the shaft that interfaces with the cylindrical pin/bearing. This curved-to-curved contact geometry transforms the point contact into a more stable surface contact, reducing slop while maintaining the ability to withstand torque forces. The spherical surface allows for self-centering while the pin provides the necessary mechanical strength.
2Ease of operation
If slots or recesses are formed larger than the pin/bearing to increase ease of engagement, then the shaft can be easily inserted, but the shaft can readily move relative to the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different parts of the engagement interface. The slot is enlarged for ease of insertion, but the critical contact region incorporates a spherical surface that provides precise positioning and minimizes movement. This local differentiation allows the slot to be generous for engagement while the contact surfaces maintain stability.
3Measurement precision
If a flat leading edge is used on the shaft to align with the connector, then the shaft can be centered, but manual displacement of the plunger is required which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical contact surface is pre-configured on the shaft to automatically guide the shaft into proper alignment and centering as it approaches the connector. This preliminary self-alignment action eliminates the need for manual plunger displacement, as the spherical geometry naturally directs the shaft to its correct position during insertion.
4Device complexity
If the pin contacts the shaft at a single point normal to the shaft axis, then the mechanism structure is simple, but the force exerted on the shaft is limited to that specific point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple cylindrical pin structure but modifies the contact geometry by adding a spherical surface on the shaft. This transforms the point contact into a small surface contact area, distributing the force while keeping the overall mechanism structure simple and unchanged.
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 provides a secure, low-slop engagement and easy alignment of the shaft within the handle, allowing single-handed operation by using angled pins and a sloped surface to guide the shaft into alignment, enhancing usability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
spring-biased bearings or pins 106 that extend and are located at least partially within the plunger 102
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft securing mechanism is provided that includes pins, bearings or other securing members that are biased inwardly at an angle with respect to the axis of the shaft being engaged by the mechanism. The angled orientation of the engagement of the pins with the shaft enables the pins to more securely hold the shaft relative to the handle without significant slop or play in the lateral or longitudinal directions. The mechanism also includes a tapered inner surface to increase the ease of alignment of the shaft with the mechanism, which allows the shaft to be engaged with the handle by only pressing and rotating the shaft into the mechanism within the handle.