Clevis Hook Safety Latch With Biasing Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clevis type slip hooks face challenges in retaining chain links or cables within their slots, as the engagement mechanism may not effectively prevent debris or other materials from entering and inadvertently engaging the hook.
Innovation Solution
A clevis type hook with a rotatably attached latch mechanism, featuring a biasing spring and a boss-detent coupling, which can be locked using a latch cable, ensuring the slot remains closed and preventing unwanted access or debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clevis type slip hook with a pronounced and larger slot is used for engaging and holding chain, cable or similar elements, then the engagement capacity and versatility are improved, but the risk of debris or other materials entering the slot and inadvertently engaging the hook increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is segmented into two functional zones: an engagement zone for the chain/cable and a debris zone blocked by the latch member. The latch member acts as a partition that separates the beneficial engagement function from the harmful debris entry, allowing the slot to maintain its large opening for versatility while preventing harmful material entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member serves as an intermediary element between the slot opening and the internal engagement space. It mediates by selectively allowing chain links or cables to engage while blocking debris from entering, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining an open slot for versatility and preventing harmful factor entry.
2Reliability
If a safety latch mechanism is added to the clevis type hook to retain chain links or cables, then the retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to be rotatable about the shaft, providing dynamic operation. It can rotate between a closed position (blocking the slot) and an open position (allowing engagement). This dynamic capability enables reliable retention while maintaining operational simplicity, as the rotation mechanism is straightforward and requires minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing spring provides self-service by automatically returning the latch member to the closed position after engagement or opening operations. This eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, achieving reliable retention with minimal added complexity. The spring-loaded system self-regulates the latch position based on operational needs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the latch member is designed to fill the receiving slot when closed, then the debris prevention effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member's dimensional parameters are optimized to provide adequate overlap with the slot boundaries when closed, ensuring effective debris prevention. Rather than requiring precise fit, the design uses generous dimensional tolerances that ensure the latch member extends sufficiently beyond the slot edges to block debris while accommodating manufacturing variations.
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 reliable and simple latching mechanism that effectively retains chain links or cables within the hook, preventing debris from entering and ensuring secure engagement, applicable to various hook sizes and slot dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing spring is fitted on the shaft intermediate a lower arm of the clevis and a retention member at the lower end of the shaft. The biasing member or spring element thus biases the shaft in a manner which positions the latch or closure member, when appropriately oriented, to close the receiving slot of the hook.
Data Source
AI summary
A clevis type slip hook or grab hook includes a safety latch which is held in position by a biased pin that may be axially extended to move the latch between a latching and unlatching position to close or open the slot in the slip hook. The latch is comprised of a closure member in the form of a plate having an elongate edge that fits in the hook slot between the tip end and shank end of the hook.