Frame Lock With Follower Pin Cradle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing frame members in a raised position, such as conveyor decks or machine covers, often require inconvenient locking pins or powered actuators that can fail during power outages, posing safety risks and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a follower arm and follower pin system that guides the pin along a predefined closed path, using guide surfaces and a cradle to secure the frame member in place without continuous power, ensuring stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking pins or powered actuators are used to secure frame members in a raised position, then the frame member can be held securely, but the system requires continuous power or manual intervention and poses safety risks during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system automatically engages and disengages based on the movement of the second frame member through the follower arm mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous power or manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the motion of the frame member to trigger the locking and unlocking actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower arm is pre-configured with guide surfaces that direct the follower pin into the cradle position before the frame member reaches its final raised position. This preliminary engagement ensures the frame member is secured in advance, preventing accidental movement even if power is lost during the final positioning phase.
2Extent of automation
If powered actuators are used for locking, then the locking function can be automated, but the system becomes vulnerable to failure during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces powered actuators with a purely mechanical follower arm and follower pin system that uses the movement of the frame member itself to trigger the locking action. This mechanical substitution eliminates dependency on external power sources while maintaining automated locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the position and movement of the second frame member. The follower arm pivots and the follower pin moves along predefined paths to engage or disengage the cradle, creating a responsive system that adapts to frame member movement without requiring power.
3Reliability
If manual locking pins are used, then the system can be simple and reliable, but the operation becomes inconvenient and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual intervention by using the movement of the second frame member to automatically drive the follower pin along its predefined path and into the cradle. The mechanism serves itself by converting the frame member's motion into the locking action, removing the need for operators to manually insert or manipulate locking pins.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking system is designed to be fail-safe during power outages, then worker safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The follower arm and guide surfaces are configured to engage the follower pin in the cradle position before the second frame member completes its movement to the raised position. This preliminary locking action ensures that even if power is lost during the final phase of movement, the frame member is already secured, preventing it from falling and protecting workers below.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle structure provides a mechanical cushion or support position for the follower pin that prevents the frame member from dropping if power is lost. The cradle acts as a fail-safe position that catches the follower pin and maintains the frame member in a secure state, cushioning against the harmful effect of uncontrolled falling.
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 locking device securely holds frame members in a raised position without power, preventing accidental movement and ensuring worker safety, even during power disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
guide surfaces are provided on the first frame member that are configured to guide movement of the follower pin during the movement of the second frame member
Implementation Method 2
follower arm having a first end portion and a second end portion and a follower pin, the first end portion being pivotably connected to the second frame member for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A frame system include first and second frame members and a locking system for locking the second member against movement in a first direction relative to the first member. The locking system includes a follower arm pivotably connected to the second member and a follower pin on the follower arm. The first member has guide surfaces configured to guide movement of the pin and a cradle for receiving the pin. The pin and the guide surfaces are configured such that moving the second frame member moves the follower pin along a predefined closed path that includes the cradle, and the cradle and follower arm are configured such that when the follower pin is in the cradle, movement of the second member in the first direction is prevented until the second member is moved in the second direction to remove the pin from the cradle.