Chain Connector Securing Pin With Misinstallation Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain connector securing pins fail to ensure correct installation and prevent reuse after incorrect installation, leading to potential failures and reduced availability.
Innovation Solution
A securing pin design featuring a base body with a through-hole, at least one spring ring, and two balls, where an annular groove on the base body includes bore holes for the balls, and a leg on the spring ring bends if inserted incorrectly, rendering the pin unusable if installed wrongly, ensuring correct installation recognition and preventing reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional securing pin is used, then the chain connector can be secured, but it cannot indicate correct installation and allows reuse after incorrect installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (color-coded markings or positioning features) on the securing pin and corresponding receptacle to indicate correct installation orientation. This allows operators to quickly identify proper installation without complex mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing pin incorporates asymmetric features such as a single leg on the spring ring that only fits in one orientation, and corresponding asymmetric receptacle features. This asymmetric design ensures correct installation is physically enforced while preventing incorrect installation, achieving high reliability without requiring complex detection systems.
2Reliability
If a securing pin without destruction feature is used, then it can be reused, but incorrect installation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the securing pin with a sacrificial spring ring leg that bends or breaks if inserted incorrectly, rendering the pin unusable for its intended purpose. This disposable approach ensures that only correctly installed pins remain functional, preventing reuse after incorrect installation while maintaining high reliability. The low cost of the pin allows for this single-use design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring ring leg is pre-configured in a straight state that will bend if forced into an incorrect orientation. This preliminary anti-action prevents incorrect installation by making the pin physically unusable before it can cause damage, ensuring installation correctness while accepting limited reusability.
3Reliability
If no installation indication is provided, then the device is simpler, but correct installation cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators such as color-coded markings, arrows, or geometric patterns on the securing pin and receptacle that align only when correctly installed. This provides clear visual confirmation of correct installation without requiring complex electronic or mechanical detection systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Asymmetric features on the securing pin (such as a single leg position) and corresponding asymmetric receptacle features provide inherent visual indication of correct orientation. The asymmetric design makes it obvious when the components are properly aligned, achieving reliable installation recognition without adding complex indication mechanisms.
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 ensures high availability and safety by clearly indicating correct or incorrect installation and preventing the reuse of the securing pin after incorrect installation, thus maintaining the integrity of the chain connector.
Implementation Method 1
the spring ring has at least one leg which extends in the longitudinal direction of the base body and which bends out of shape if the securing pin is inserted into the opening incorrectly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing pin (16) which, in order to secure two chain connector shackles (12, 14) of a chain connector (10) against becoming disengaged, can be inserted into an opening (28) formed by the two chain connector shackles (12, 14), comprising a base body (30) with a through-hole (32), at least one spring ring (34), at least two balls (36), and a securing member (38) inserted into the through-hole (32), wherein an annular groove (54) in which the spring ring is inserted (34) is provided in a lateral surface (59) of the base body (30), wherein the annular groove (54) is provided with two bore holes (66) which are aligned with the through-hole (32) and in which the balls (36) rest, and wherein the spring ring (34) has at least one leg (64) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the base body (30) and which bends out of shape if the securing pin (16) is inserted into the opening (28) incorrectly. The invention further relates to a chain connector (10) for connecting two chains formed from links and to a method for connecting two chains by means of a chain connector (10) and for securing the chain connector shackles (12, 14) of the chain connector (10) against becoming disengaged by means of a securing pin (16).