Cable Actuated Pin Latching Mechanism with Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable actuated pin latching mechanisms for agricultural combines face issues such as cable weakening from repeated use and breakage due to excessive tension when freeing stuck pins, requiring inconvenient operator intervention and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A cable actuated pin latching mechanism with a curved cable and sheath assembly, featuring first and second biasing elements that maintain tension and apply a force to release stuck pins, allowing for safe unlatching without excessive cable tension and enabling the operator to address the issue from a different location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeated pushing forces are applied to the cable to force the latch pin into the receiver, then the latching function is achieved, but the cable weakens over time and may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable protection element (sheath) that surrounds the cable along its path from the actuator to the latch pin. This sheath cushions and distributes the compressive forces applied during latching operations, preventing direct stress concentration on the cable itself. The sheath absorbs the repeated pushing forces, thereby protecting the cable from weakening and breakage while maintaining reliable latching function.
2Ease of operation
If tensile forces are applied to the cable to free a stuck pin, then the pin may be released, but the cable exceeds its tensile strength and breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second biasing element (such as a spring) positioned between the latch pin and the cable. When the pin becomes stuck, this intermediary biasing element absorbs and limits the tensile forces transmitted to the cable. The second biasing element acts as a force mediator that protects the cable from exceeding its tensile strength while still providing sufficient force to free the stuck pin through the cable.
3Reliability
If the latch pin is forced into the receiver with repeated pushing, then latching is achieved, but the cable is subjected to compression that weakens it
Solution Approach 1:
The cable protection element (sheath) serves as an intermediary structure that surrounds and protects the cable during compressive loading. When the actuator pushes the cable to force the latch pin into the receiver, the sheath distributes these compressive forces along the cable's length rather than concentrating them at specific points. This intermediary protection maintains cable integrity while ensuring reliable latching.
4Strength
If a shear pin is used to protect the cable from breakage, then cable strength is protected, but the shear pin must be replaced and the latch pin still needs to be freed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cable protection element (sheath) that provides continuous, automatic protection to the cable without requiring replacement or additional components. The sheath is integrated into the latching mechanism and automatically cushions compressive forces and limits tensile forces throughout operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for replaceable shear pins while maintaining cable protection and enabling stuck pin release through the second biasing element.
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 mechanism reliably maintains cable tension during operation, prevents cable breakage by avoiding excessive tension, and allows for efficient unlatching of stuck pins, reducing downtime and operator inconvenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing element operatively disposed between a first fixture and the latch pin for yieldably exerting a first biasing force in the latching direction against the latch pin
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing element operatively disposed between a second fixture and the end portion of the sheath for yieldably exerting on the end portion of the sheath a biasing force in a direction away from the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A cable (38) actuated pin latching mechanism (20) adapted for releasably connecting a header (26) to a feeder (22) of an agricultural combine (24), which automatically maintains predetermined tension conditions on the cable (38) during normal latching and unlatching operation, and when an actuator (30) of the mechanism is held in an unlatch position with the latch pin (34) stuck or restrained, applies and maintains a tension force for releasing the pin, for instance, to enable a user to move to the operator cab (94) to operate lift, tilt and/or other controls, as required for freeing the pin (34).