Endgate Latch Pin Retention via Inclined Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch pin retaining systems for trailer endgates fail to secure the latch pin in place during vehicle motion and vibrations, causing it to bounce or disengage from the retaining tubes.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a latch pin featuring a main shaft and a projection, and receiving members with an inclined annular groove and slot that utilize gravity to prevent the latch pin from exiting, providing a self-locking and self-indexing mechanism to maintain the pin in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latch pin retaining system with two retaining tubes is used, then the latch pin can be inserted and held in place, but the latch pin can bounce or launch out of the retaining tubes when the vehicle hits bumps or potholes due to impact and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined annular groove is pre-configured to create a gravitational force component that acts opposite to the direction of potential pin ejection. This preliminary anti-action counterbalances the harmful effects of impact and vibration before they can cause the pin to disengage, effectively preventing the bounce-out problem without adding active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the retaining structure by introducing an inclined annular groove with a specific angle. This parameter change transforms the gravitational force into a component that acts along the groove's inclination, creating a self-retaining effect that adapts to dynamic conditions during vehicle motion.
2Reliability
If the first receiving member includes an inclined annular groove oriented to impede the latch pin projection from exiting, then the latch pin is prevented from disengagement during vibration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining function is segmented into two independent components: the inclined annular groove for preventing ejection and the slot for enabling insertion and removal. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with the other, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex locking mechanism to prevent pin removal, the invention inverts the approach by using gravity and the inclined groove to naturally retain the pin, while the simple slot allows easy insertion and removal. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while achieving the desired retention effect.
3Ease of operation
If the first receiving member includes an upper annular inclined surface with a slot to receive the latch pin projection, then gravity urges the latch pin projection toward the slot for easy insertion, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The upper annular inclined surface utilizes gravity to automatically guide the latch pin projection into the slot during insertion, and to urge the projection away from the slot during removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving ease of operation through simple gravitational assistance.
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
The assembly effectively prevents inadvertent disengagement of the latch pin during vibrations, ensuring the endgate remains securely closed and allowing easy manual removal when needed.
Implementation Method 1
the inclined annular groove is oriented so that when the first receiving member is in a generally upright position and the latch pin projection is disposed in the annular groove, gravity will impede the latch pin projection from exiting the annular groove
Implementation Method 2
the upper annular inclined surface generally has a width greater than the spacing between the latch pin projection and main shaft and is oriented so that when the latch pin is inserted into the receiving members with the latch pin projection resting on the upper annular inclined surface, gravity urges the latch pin projection towards the slot
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly is provided for a holding a vehicle endgate in a closed position. The assembly includes a latch pin having a main shaft disposed generally along an axis and a projection that is spaced apart from and projects toward the main shaft axis. A first receiving member is connected to one of a vehicle frame and the endgate and has a hole for receiving the latch pin main shaft. A second receiving member is connected to the other of the frame and the endgate and has a hole for receiving the latch pin main shaft. The first receiving hole and the second receiving member hole are in alignment when the endgate is in the closed position. The first receiving member includes an inclined annular groove for receiving the latch pin projection. When the latch pin projection is disposed in the annular groove, gravity will impede the latch pin projection from exiting the groove.