Bar Fence Assembly Pin Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barred grating assemblies suffer from aesthetic defects and mechanical weaknesses due to weld lines, which can be damaged by external forces, particularly in fence and gate applications.
Innovation Solution
The assembly uses a securing means such as a nail, screw, or pin with a thread or notch, and optionally a deformable element like an elastically deformable washer to lock the horizontal bar into the vertical bar, eliminating the need for welding and enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to join vertical bars and horizontal bars, then the bars are securely connected, but aesthetic defects and mechanical weaknesses are created due to weld lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful welding process from the assembly method and replaces it with a mechanical fastening system using a pin introduced through a hole in the horizontal bar. This eliminates the weld line that causes both aesthetic defects and mechanical weaknesses, while maintaining secure connection through the pin and blocking means.
2Shape
If a pin is introduced through a hole in the horizontal bar to secure it to the vertical bar, then welding is eliminated, but the pin may withdraw from the hole under vibrations and gravitational effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by introducing blocking means (such as threading on the pin or notches) that prevent the pin from withdrawing before vibrations and gravitational effects can cause loosening. The blocking means creates a mechanical interlock that counteracts the tendency of the pin to back out under operational stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a deformable element that is mounted in force against the inner surface of the vertical bar. This deformable element adapts dynamically to the stresses and vibrations, maintaining continuous contact and preventing pin withdrawal while allowing for movement and deformation under load.
3Reliability
If blocking means such as threading or notches are added to the pin, then pin withdrawal is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pin into functional zones: the shaft portion that fits through the hole, the blocking means (threading or notches) that prevent withdrawal, and the deformable element that provides additional securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple and modular.
4Reliability
If a deformable element is added to oppose pin withdrawal, then fastening reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the deformable element, specifically its elastic properties, to enable it to be mounted in force against the inner surface of the vertical bar. The deformable element is designed with appropriate material properties that allow it to deform during installation and then maintain constant contact pressure to prevent pin withdrawal.
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
This solution prevents the withdrawal of the securing means from the hole under stress and vibrations, ensuring the assembly's stability and aesthetics without the need for repainting, while allowing for effective damping of vibrations in mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
said locking means advantageously comprise a deformable element intended to be mounted in force against an inner surface of the vertical bar, so as to oppose the withdrawal of said pin from said hole
Implementation Method 2
the material of the washer coming to extend between the abutment and the inner surface of the vertical bar. At this stage, the elastically deformable material of the washer taking place between the abutment and the inner surface of the vertical bar performs two functions: a reaction function tending to retain the axis in a direction opposite to the direction of introduction of the axis; a function of damping the vibrations likely to be exerted on the axis via the surface of the vertical bar
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The assembly (100) has a horizontal bar or a runner (104) comprising an opening hole (110) with ends to be partially found inside a hollow vertical bar (102) after casing. An integration unit (106) has a blocking unit (114) and a longitudinal section that is supported on an inner surface of a wall of the vertical bar for exerting maintaining force (F) when the section is inserted in the hole. The maintaining force is generated upstream and downstream of the hole on the horizontal bar, where the force tends to flatten the horizontal bar in a bottom of a recess (116). An independent claim is also included for a tool for assembling an assembly for a bared grid.