Helical Mat Fastener Locking Pin for Misalignment and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for mats suffer from non-adjustable locking pins that fail to maintain a tight connection due to misalignment, wear, and environmental expansion, leading to separation under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device system with a housing and pin mechanism featuring a helical channel and locking mechanism, allowing adjustable fit and secure attachment through a rotating pin that engages with helical shelves to align and lock mats together, using materials like carbon steel or stainless steel for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-adjustable locking pin is used to connect mats, then the structure is simple, but the connection becomes loose over time due to misalignment and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is replaced with an adjustable mechanism that can dynamically adapt to misalignment. The pin body can be rotated and adjusted to different positions, allowing it to compensate for hole misalignment and maintain reliable connection between mats throughout the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters of the locking mechanism are made adjustable. The pin can be positioned at different angles and depths, changing its geometric parameters to match the actual alignment of holes in the mats, thereby maintaining optimal connection stability under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If an adjustable locking pin is used to accommodate misalignment, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is divided into functional segments: a pin body for adjustment, a locking component for securing position, and a shaft for insertion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a self-locking feature where the pin automatically secures itself in the adjusted position through a locking component that engages with the pin body, eliminating the need for additional complex locking devices or procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If solid plastic or metal locking pins are used, then manufacturing is simple, but environmental expansion and contraction cause mats to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin uses a flexible or elastically deformable body that can expand and contract with temperature changes without causing the mats to separate. This flexibility allows the pin to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining continuous contact and connection between the mats.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism employs composite construction combining materials with different thermal expansion properties, or a flexible outer layer with a rigid core, to balance structural integrity with thermal adaptability, preventing separation under varying environmental conditions.
4Ease of operation
If the locking pin body wears over time, then ease of operation is maintained, but the pin rotates out of position allowing mats to come apart
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically maintains the pin's positional stability through a self-locking feature that engages when the pin is rotated into position. This self-service locking action prevents the pin from rotating out of position due to wear, while still allowing easy rotation during intentional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin incorporates cam surfaces or curved geometric features that provide inherent stability and resistance to unintended rotation. The curved geometry creates mechanical interference that prevents the pin from rotating out of position, while still allowing controlled rotation when force is applied during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device system for connection at least a first and a second overlapping mats placed on the ground wherein the first mat is aligned over at least one connecting hole of the second mat, the fastening device system comprising, a housing having a first half and a second half wherein the first half and second half are attached together forming the housing. A pin having a foot disposed at the lower end thereof and a shaft having a helical shelf that engages the helical channel of the housing. The pin is configured so that when it rotates 90° in one direction to the housing the pin draws the foot closer to bottom of housing and provides at least one locking position of the foot and locking the foot in place.