Lift Arm Pin Anti-Rotation Geometry for Yoke Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive lift systems lack integrated anti-rotation features in their pin-yoke coupling, leading to potential misalignment and reduced structural integrity, which can result in wear and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a D-shaped through hole and projection with flattened and circumferentially extending surfaces in the yoke and pin, respectively, to prevent rotational movement between the pin and yoke, ensuring secure coupling and alignment during vehicle lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional round pin is used in the yoke coupling, then the assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pin can rotate relative to the yoke causing misalignment and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed with an asymmetric D-shaped cross-section featuring a flattened portion and a circumferential portion, while the yoke contains a corresponding D-shaped opening. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement of the pin within the yoke, ensuring consistent alignment and eliminating wear caused by rotation, while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for both components.
2Reliability
If the pin is designed with anti-rotation features, then rotational movement is prevented and alignment is maintained, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation feature is achieved through the D-shaped asymmetric cross-section of the pin, which can be manufactured using standard forming processes. The flattened portion and circumferential portion are created as integral features during pin fabrication, and the corresponding D-shaped opening in the yoke is formed through standard machining or forming operations, keeping manufacturing complexity minimal while ensuring reliable anti-rotation functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the pin allows rotation, then the assembly process is simpler, but wear increases and maintenance needs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric D-shaped pin design maintains simple assembly procedures as the pin is inserted into the corresponding D-shaped opening in the yoke in a single orientation. The anti-rotation geometry ensures that once assembled, the pin cannot rotate, thereby preventing wear and eliminating the need for frequent maintenance or replacement, while the assembly process remains straightforward and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift assembly including a lifting structure, a lifting arm, a yoke structure fixed to the lifting structure, a pin pivotally coupling the lifting arm with the yoke structure, and an integrated anti-rotational assembly associated with both the yoke structure and the pin. The lifting structure can actuate relative to the ground between a lowered position and a raised position. The lifting arm is configured to actuate with the lifting structure between the lowered position and the raised position. The integrated anti-rotational assembly can inhibit rotation of the pin relative to the yoke structure about the longitudinal axis of the pin.