Dual Clevis Pin Retainer Spring Assembly for Brake Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake systems for semi-trucks and trailers face challenges with the rotation of clevis pins relative to the clevis and the difficulty in installing and removing spring retainer pins due to their design and material, leading to issues with rust and manual dexterity requirements.

Innovation Solution

A dual clevis pin assembly with spring pins featuring offset hole and slot axes, and a kit including left and right-handed stainless steel clevis pins with machined slots for improved engagement and reduced manual effort, addressing the rotation and installation challenges while using rust-resistant materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional clevis pins with straight tails are used, then the structure is simple, but the pins rotate relative to the clevis and require high manual dexterity for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin engagement stabilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring pin uses a curved configuration that allows it to flex and rotate during installation, then springs back to lock the clevis pin in place. This dynamic behavior enables easy installation without requiring high manual dexterity while ensuring reliable pin engagement through the spring-loaded locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring pin acts as an intermediary element between the clevis pin and the clevis, providing a flexible connection that accommodates rotation and misalignment during installation while maintaining secure engagement during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional materials are used for spring retainer pins, then manufacturing is easier, but rust and corrosion occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverust resistanceVSAvoidmaterial processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring pin is constructed from stainless steel, a composite material that combines corrosion resistance with adequate formability. This material choice prevents rust and corrosion while still allowing the pin to be manufactured with the required curved geometry and spring properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the hole axis and slot axis are aligned, then manufacturing is simpler, but engagement reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidaxis offset requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring pin design intentionally creates asymmetry by offsetting the hole axis and slot axis by more than 45 degrees. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the spring pin can only engage in the correct orientation, improving engagement reliability while the offset is accommodated during the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11181140B1Dual clevis pin retainer spring assembly and kit

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 RING G JOSEPH

AI summary

A dual clevis pin retainer spring assembly and kit used to attach a brake rod clevis to the brake actuator lever and the push rod for an associated automatic slack adjuster. The pin used to attach the brake actuator lever to the clevis is configured to include an engagement slot to retain an associated retainer spring pin with the pin.