Elongated Cam Pin Geometry for High-Load Suspension Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for suspended loads, such as lumber bin floors, face issues with slippage of cable clamps at higher loads, leading to wear and potential failure, requiring frequent inspection and replacement, and increasing costs due to the need for higher-grade materials to prevent deformation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an elongated cam pin with a specific ratio of half-round portion diameter to center-to-center spacing, allowing increased clamping force without increasing stroke length, maintaining a compact size and preventing deformation of internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the stroke length of the actuator is increased to increase clamping force, then the clamping force is improved, but the overall size of the locking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the cam pin, specifically the spacing between half-round portions and their diameter, to optimize the mechanical advantage ratio. This allows the same clamping force to be achieved with a shorter actuator stroke, thereby reducing the overall size of the locking system while maintaining high clamping force capability.
2Force
If the spacing between half-round portions is increased to increase clamping force, then the clamping force is improved, but the internal components may deform due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the spacing between half-round portions to a specific range that balances two competing requirements: sufficient spacing to generate adequate clamping force through mechanical advantage, and limited spacing to prevent excessive force that would cause deformation of internal components. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between force generation and component strength.
3Strength
If higher-grade metal components are used to prevent deformation, then the strength is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the cam pin geometry parameters, the invention reduces the peak forces transmitted to internal components during operation. This allows the use of standard-grade metal components instead of higher-grade materials, thereby preventing deformation while reducing manufacturing cost.
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 enhances the locking system's ability to handle high loads safely and efficiently, reducing the need for frequent replacements and material upgrades, while maintaining a compact size and ensuring occupational safety.
Implementation Method 1
Some prior art systems employ clamps for mechanically gripping a metal cable. Some exemplary prior art clamping systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,995,339 issued 8 Aug. 1961 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,410,525 issued 12 Nov. 1968 which are hereby incorporated by reference. Such clamping systems employ a plurality of cam pins each comprising first and second laterally offset half-round portions.
Implementation Method 2
The clamp surfaces may slip relative to the cable, particularly at higher loads. This causes wear of the clamping components and may eventually result in complete failure of the locking system
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated cam pin for use in a clamping assembly, the pin comprising a first half-round portion and a second half-round portion laterally offset from the first half-round portion, wherein the centers of the first and second half-round portions are spaced-apart a distance S along a diametral center line of the pin, wherein each of the half-round portions has a radius R and a diameter D equal to 2R, and wherein the ratio D/S is between approximately 2 and approximately 3. In one embodiment the ratio D/S is approximately 2.3. In some embodiments rotation of the cam pin within the clamping assembly is actuated by a shaft having a relatively short stroke length. In some embodiments the cam pin is rotatable within the clamping assembly through an arc of up to approximately 40°. In some embodiments the actuating shaft is movable within the housing of a compact locking apparatus to cause the clamping assembly to releasably engage a restraint cable in a self-gripping fashion. In some embodiments the locking apparatus may be used in a locking system designed to safely lock a suspended load at a desired location relative to the cable. In some embodiments the cable is at least one inch in diameter and the diameter D of each of the half-round pins is approximately 1.75 times the diameter of the cable. In some embodiments the suspended load may comprise a bin floor and any supported lumber travelling between loading and discharge positions in a lumber sorting apparatus.