Adjustable Eccentric Pin-Lock Structure for Automatic Misalignment Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pin-lock connection structures face challenges in efficiently adjusting for eccentricity between components due to limited space for fitting the pin head into the eccentric sleeve, requiring repeated adjustments to achieve a secure fit.

Innovation Solution

A connection structure with a floating sleeve that moves radially to automatically correct deviations as the pin head is inserted, utilizing a guide head and latch mechanism for secure locking, allowing for adjustable eccentricity without manual alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pin head is closely fitted with the eccentric sleeve in the lock cylinder, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for adjustment and repeated adjustments required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The floating sleeve automatically adjusts itself during the insertion process. As the pin head is inserted into the lock cylinder, the floating sleeve moves along the radial direction under the guide action of the guide head, and the deviation is automatically corrected. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual repeated adjustments while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The floating sleeve is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can move along the radial direction of the lock cylinder during insertion, allowing dynamic adaptation to eccentricity. This dynamic capability enables automatic correction of misalignment without requiring manual intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the eccentric sleeve is used, then the adaptability to eccentricity is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to repeated adjustments required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to eccentricityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating sleeve performs self-adjustment during the insertion process. As the pin head enters the lock cylinder, the floating sleeve automatically moves radially and corrects deviation under the guide action of the guide head. This eliminates the need for manual repeated adjustments, maintaining high adaptability to eccentricity while significantly improving assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The guide head is designed with a guiding surface that预先 (in advance) guides the floating sleeve during insertion. This preliminary guiding action ensures that the floating sleeve is correctly positioned before the pin head reaches the locking position, preventing the need for repeated adjustments and improving assembly productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the floating sleeve is made movable along the radial direction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock cylinder is segmented into a fixed outer cylinder and a movable inner floating sleeve. This segmentation allows the floating sleeve to move independently along the radial direction under the guide action of the guide head, facilitating easy insertion and automatic deviation correction. The segmented structure achieves operational simplicity without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4400731B1Automatic adjustable eccentric connecting structure
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 DENG JIANTAO
  • EP4400731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4400731B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4400731B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connection structure with automatic adjustable eccentricity, including a locking portion and a pin portion respectively arranged on two components. An adjusting portion is arranged between the locking portion and the pin portion. The locking portion includes a lock cylinder open toward the pin portion, a supporting sleeve threadedly arranged at an open end of the lock cylinder, a floating sleeve movably arranged on the supporting sleeve, and a latch mechanism arranged on the floating sleeve. The floating sleeve is movable along a radial direction of the lock cylinder. The pin portion includes a pin cylinder and a pin head. The pin cylinder is open toward the locking portion. The pin head includes a thread end threadedly connected with an open end of the pin cylinder and a pin end fixed on the thread end. An outer periphery of an upper part of the pin end is provided with an annular groove. Once the pin end is extended upwardly out of the supporting sleeve and the floating sleeve, the annular groove is fitted and fixed with the latch mechanism. The adjusting portion is sleeved on the pin end and is arranged to control a depth of the pin head inserted into the lock cylinder. The other end of the lock cylinder and the other end of the pin cylinder are respectively provided with a connecting member.