Compressible Pin Retainer Locking for Faster Rigging Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dragline bucket rigging equipment pinned connections experience wear and require frequent maintenance, involving the removal of welded retainers for inspection and repair, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pin and retainer assembly with a pin featuring multi-directional grooves and a retainer with compressible sections and mating features, allowing for quick coupling and decoupling of rigging components using a tool to align and rotate the retainer into locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welded retainers are used to secure pins in dragline bucket rigging equipment, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the maintenance time and operational downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently manipulated. Each segment can be rotated or positioned separately to engage with corresponding features on the pin, allowing for incremental assembly and disassembly rather than requiring complete removal of a single welded component
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a static welded configuration to a dynamic, movable structure that can be rotated into different positions. The pin features circumferential grooves that guide the retainer segments during rotation, enabling the connection to be quickly assembled and disassembled while maintaining secure engagement during operation
2Strength
If traditional pinned connections are used in dragline bucket rigging equipment, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the frequency of maintenance increases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is pre-formed with circumferential grooves and the retainer is pre-configured with matching segments before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the components to engage smoothly and securely in a single rotational motion, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential grooves on the pin and corresponding retainer segments are designed to self-align during the rotational engagement process. The geometry of the grooves guides the retainer into the correct position automatically, reducing the need for external alignment tools or skilled manual intervention during assembly and maintenance operations
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 enables faster assembly and disassembly of dragline bucket rigging equipment components, reducing maintenance time and increasing operational efficiency by simplifying the coupling process.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible section is composed of a resilient material
Data Source
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AI summary
A retainer (300) for fastening a pin (200) in a pinned connection (550) is disclosed. The retainer (300) includes an annular first plate (301) having a plurality of first mating features (311) extending inwards from the annular first plate (301). The retainer (300) also includes an annular compressible section (303) adjacent the annular first plate (301). The annular compressible section (303) may be coaxialiy aligned to the annular first plate (301). The retainer (300) may also include an annular second plate (302) adjacent the compressible section (303) opposite the annular first plate (301). The annular second plate (302) may be coaxialiy aligned to the annular first plate (301) and the annular compressible section (303).