Hinged Split Nut Clamp for Shackle Bolt Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shackle securing mechanisms require the use of power tools for installation and removal, involve threading of components, and can lead to over-tightening, with the shackle bolt being rigidly locked in place, making them difficult to disassemble and prone to axial load issues.
Innovation Solution
A hinged split nut two-piece clamp assembly is used to secure the shackle bolt without threads, allowing easy installation and removal using small hand tools, with a retainer pin and lock pin mechanism to prevent axial load and secure the bolt in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw pin type or bolt type anchor with threaded nut is used to secure the shackle bolt, then the shackle bolt is rigidly locked in place, but the securing mechanism requires power tools for installation and removal, and is difficult to disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into two separate clamp members (first clamp member and second clamp member) that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each clamp member to be installed and removed separately using small hand tools, eliminating the need for power tools while maintaining secure locking through the distributed clamping action across multiple components including the first and second nuts and cotter pins.
2Strength
If threaded components are used to secure the shackle bolt, then the joint is strong, but threading can lead to over-tightening and the bolt becomes rigidly locked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded connection components (threads, nuts engaging with threads) from the shackle bolt securing mechanism. Instead, it uses a non-threaded clamp assembly with first and second clamp members that apply clamping force through friction and mechanical constraint rather than threaded engagement, thereby preventing over-tightening damage while maintaining joint strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of connection from threaded engagement to non-threaded clamping. The first and second clamp members apply distributed clamping force through normal contact surfaces rather than screw threads, transforming the mechanism from rigid threaded locking to flexible friction-based clamping that prevents over-tightening while maintaining adequate holding strength.
3Reliability
If a threaded nut is used to secure the shackle bolt, then the bolt is locked in place, but the securing mechanism requires threading which complicates installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into two separate clamp members (first clamp member and second clamp member) that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each clamp member to be installed and removed separately using small hand tools, eliminating the need for power tools while maintaining secure locking through the distributed clamping action across multiple components including the first and second nuts and cotter pins.
4Productivity
If power tools are used for installation and removal of the securing mechanism, then fast installation is achieved, but the requirement for power tools increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to be self-servicing through its spring-loaded mechanism. The spring automatically applies clamping force when the clamp members are positioned, and the cotter pins with retaining clips provide automatic retention without requiring additional tools or complex assembly procedures. This allows rapid installation and removal using only small hand tools while maintaining secure locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing mechanism for a shackle having a pair of opposed legs with an opening at one end of each of the pair of opposed legs to form a pair of opposed openings. The securing mechanism includes a shackle bolt having a head at one end and a circumferential groove near an opposed end wherein the shackle bolt is received through the pair of opposed openings in the shackle. A two piece hinged clamp assembly is received in the circumferential groove in order to retain the shackle bolt in the shackle. A retainer pin is received in an opening in the two piece clamp assembly to hold the two piece clamp assembly in a closed position. A retainer clip surrounds the retainer pin. A lock pin through the two piece clamp assembly retains the retainer pin in the two piece clamp.