Dragline Pin Locking Device for Secure Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dragline pin connections are difficult to install and maintain, with welded connections being time-consuming and bolted connections prone to wear, making them inefficient for securing pivot connections under heavy loads.

Innovation Solution

A dragline pin locking device featuring a lock block with a through opening and a transversely intersecting bore, secured by a lock pin that passes through the pin's grooved end, allowing for quick installation and secure retention while allowing for relative rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If welded connections are used to retain pins, then the pin connection is secure and durable, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires skilled labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin connection securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical locking system consisting of a lock block and lock pin. The lock pin passes through a bore in the lock block to mechanically secure the dragline pin, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining connection security and significantly reducing installation time and skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If bolted connections are used to retain pins, then installation is quicker and easier, but the exposed bolts are prone to wear and tear during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconnection durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vulnerable bolted connection elements (exposed bolts) from the system and replaces them with a protected mechanical locking mechanism. The lock pin is contained within the lock block structure, which encloses the locking mechanism and protects it from environmental wear and tear while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional retaining methods are used, then pin connections can be secured, but the quality assessment and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin retentionVSAvoidquality assessment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical locking system is designed to be self-evident in its functional state. The lock pin's position within the bore and its engagement with the lock block provide visible and tangible indicators of proper installation and connection integrity, eliminating the need for complex quality assessment procedures or specialized inspection equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9163378B2Pin retainer for dragline pins

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 2MT MINING PROD

AI summary

A locking device that connects to a grooved end of a dragline pin includes a lock block and a lock pin. The lock block has a through opening sized to receive the end of the pin. There is a bore formed in the lock block and transversely intersecting the through opening which is dimensioned to receive the lock pin. The lock pin is configured to pass through a portion of the grooved end of a received dragline pin received in the through opening to lock the dragline pin and any attached dragline component.