Expansion Sleeve Fastener for Universal Hinge Pin Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge pins for modular waste containers are not universally usable with different sized receiving sleeves, require specialized tools for removal, and are difficult to manufacture efficiently and cost-effectively, leading to increased effort and risk of damage during on-site exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising an expansion sleeve with longitudinal slots and an expansion pin with rib elements, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools, and manufactured through injection molding or 3D printing, suitable for various sizes and reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hinge pins are made as solid body components with diameter synchronized to receiving sleeve inner diameter, then adequate connection can be realized, but different sized hinge pins are needed for different applications increasing effort and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin is divided into two separate components: an expansion pin and an expansion sleeve. The expansion pin is inserted into the receiving sleeve first, then the expansion sleeve is forced over the pin, causing the pin to expand and lock within the sleeve. This segmentation allows a single standardized hinge pin design to work with multiple receiving sleeve sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion pin changes its diameter parameter through the expansion process. Initially, the pin has a smaller diameter that allows easy insertion into the receiving sleeve. When the expansion sleeve is forced over the pin, the pin expands to a larger diameter, creating a form-fitting connection. This parameter change enables universal compatibility while maintaining strong connections.
2Strength
If hinge pins are hammered into receiving sleeve to generate form-fitting connection, then secure connection is achieved, but specialized tools are required for removal increasing time and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional approach hammers the pin into the sleeve for installation and requires special tools for removal. This invention inverts the approach: the expansion sleeve is forced over the pin during installation, and the same expansion mechanism enables easy removal by reversing the expansion force. This eliminates the need for specialized removal tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion pin and sleeve mechanism is self-installing and self-removable. During installation, forcing the expansion sleeve over the pin causes the pin to expand and lock automatically without specialized tools. For removal, applying reverse force to the expansion mechanism causes the pin to contract and release, allowing easy extraction without special tools or injury risk.
3Strength
If hinge pin diameter is made slightly larger than receiving sleeve inner diameter for form-fitting connection, then adequate connection is realized, but hinge pin cannot be pushed into receiving sleeve easily
Solution Approach 1:
The connection process is segmented into two stages: first, the expansion pin is inserted into the receiving sleeve with minimal resistance; second, the expansion sleeve is forced over the pin, causing the pin to expand and create the form-fitting connection. This segmentation separates the insertion phase from the locking phase, making installation easier while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion pin is prepared in advance with a smaller diameter than the final locked state. This preliminary state allows easy insertion into the receiving sleeve. Once inserted, the expansion sleeve is forced over the pin, transforming it into the locked state with form-fitting connection. The preliminary action of using a smaller initial diameter facilitates easy installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If expansion pin is completely encapsulated with injection moulding as described in EP 2 182 223 A2, then manufacturing is achieved, but complex multi-step manufacturing process is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely encapsulating the expansion pin with injection moulding, the invention extracts the pin from the molded sleeve structure. The expansion pin is inserted into a pre-formed expansion sleeve that has longitudinal slots, allowing the pin to expand. This extraction simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the complex multi-step process of partial encapsulation and separate pin insertion, while maintaining the expansion mechanism functionality.
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 fastening device provides a secure, adaptable connection for different sized applications, reducing manufacturing time and cost while facilitating easy re-use and minimizing damage during installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
the or each rib element is provided for exerting a pressure force on an inner surface of the sleeve body, when the expansion pin gets inserted into the receiving space of the sleeve body
Implementation Method 2
The expansion pin is pushed through the receiving space of the expansion sleeve, such that the expansion pin expands the expansion sleeve
Implementation Method 3
The expansion pin, which is provided as a drive-in pin, is pushed into the receiving space of the expansion sleeve, in particular by means of an impact force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fastening device (10), said fastening device (10) comprising an expansion sleeve (11) having an, in particular cylindrical, elongated hollow sleeve body (13), wherein the sleeve body (13) comprises one or more, preferably four, longitudinal slots (15), which are provided spatially spaced from one another in the sleeve body (13), an elongated expansion pin (12) being provided as a drive-in pin, wherein the sleeve body (13) defines a receiving space (24), which is provided for receiving and guiding the expansion pin (12) being inserted into the sleeve body (13). In order that the fastening device (10) is universally useable for different sized applications, and wherein, at the same time the fastening device (10) can get manufactured easily and cost-effectively, it is provided according to the present invention, that the elongated expansion pin (12) comprises a longitudinal profile element (28), that the elongated expansion pin (12) comprises at least one, in particular longitudinal, rib element (32) protruding outwardly from an outer surface of the longitudinal profile element (28), and that the rib element (32) is provided for exerting a pressure force on an inner surface (35) of the sleeve body (13), when the expansion pin (12) gets inserted into the receiving space (24) of the sleeve body (13). In particular, the elongated expansion pin (12) and the sleeve body (13) are connected to one another via a material bridge (34), said material bridge (34) connecting the expansion pin (12) with the sleeve body (13).