Ball-Locking Quick Release Pin With Simplified Spindle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release pins have complex designs with numerous parts, making manufacturing difficult, increasing production costs, and complicating their use, which can lead to a shorter lifespan due to the complexity and potential failure of individual parts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified quick release pin design featuring a housing with ball members and a rotatable spindle, utilizing a torsion spring to control the radial position of the ball members between engaged and disengaged positions, reducing the number of parts and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing quick release pins use complex designs with numerous parts, then the locking functionality can be achieved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into a single integrated quick release pin structure. The body, locking mechanism, and release mechanism are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate parts that would require assembly. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the locking functionality through the integrated design of the ball members and cam-shaped features that work together within the unified structure.
2Reliability
If existing quick release pins use complex designs with numerous parts, then the locking functionality can be achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into a single integrated quick release pin structure. The body, locking mechanism, and release mechanism are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate parts that would require assembly. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the locking functionality through the integrated design of the ball members and cam-shaped features that work together within the unified structure.
3Reliability
If existing quick release pins use complex designs with numerous parts, then the locking functionality can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking and release functions from a complex multi-component system and implements them through a simplified mechanism. The cam-shaped features on the ball members work with corresponding features in the body to provide locking, while the release mechanism simply rotates the ball members to disengage. This extraction of core functions eliminates unnecessary complexity, making the device easier for technicians to operate while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
4Reliability
If existing quick release pins use complex designs with numerous parts, then the locking functionality can be achieved, but the lifespan decreases due to part failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into a single integrated quick release pin structure. The body, locking mechanism, and release mechanism are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate parts that would require assembly. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the locking functionality through the integrated design of the ball members and cam-shaped features that work together within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, robust design with fewer moving parts that are less prone to wear and failure. The integrated structure eliminates interfaces between separate parts where failures could occur, resulting in a more durable device with extended service life. The design prioritizes simplicity and reliability over complexity, creating a fastener that can withstand repeated use without degradation.
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 simplified design reduces production costs and assembly time while maintaining effective locking functionality, improving durability by minimizing the risk of part failure and simplifying technician use.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is attached to the housing and the spindle. The spring is a torsion spring that applies a force to the housing upon rotation of the spindle.
Implementation Method 2
The spring is a torsion spring that applies a force to the housing upon rotation of the spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release pin configured to be inserted into openings in one or more members. The quick release pin includes a first end 16 configured to be positioned on a first side of the one or more members, and a second end configured to positioned on an opposing side. The quick release pin is selectively movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, ball members are forced radially outward to increase a width to prevent removal. In the disengaged position, the ball members are configured to retract radially inward to allow for removal.