Locking Pin Assembly for Abrasive Wear and Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pins used in earth working applications, such as mining equipment, wear quickly due to abrasive environments, leading to frequent replacements and increased operational expenses from downtime for inspection and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A pin assembly design featuring a pin with a reduced dimension head and a lock mechanism that prevents rotation and axial movement, allowing for efficient installation and removal, reducing wear on the lock and extending the service life of the pin and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pin design is used in abrasive environments, then the pin can perform its joining function, but the pin and components wear quickly requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is segmented into two distinct parts: a head portion with reduced dimension and a body portion with full diameter. The head receives rotational forces while the body transmits axial loads, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function and wear pattern
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pin have different dimensional properties - the head has reduced dimension in the radial direction to fit within the slot and resist rotation, while the body maintains full diameter for strength. This local variation in geometry optimizes performance at each location
2Reliability
If the lock is used to retain the pin, then axial movement is prevented, but the lock experiences high stress and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational restraint function is extracted from the lock and assigned to the pin head-slot interface. The lock is left with only the axial retention function, significantly reducing its stress and wear while maintaining pin security
Solution Approach 2:
The pin head acts as an intermediary element between the rotational forces and the pin body. It receives rotational forces within the slot and transfers them to the body, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the lock
3Ease of operation
If the pin head has reduced dimension, then rotation is resisted and installation is easier, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin head has asymmetric dimensions - reduced radially to fit within the slot width, but maintains full length axially. This asymmetric geometry allows the head to be retained by the slot in the radial direction while remaining accessible for axial insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The pin head serves multiple functions: it resists rotation by fitting within the slot, provides a bearing surface for load transfer, and maintains alignment during installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components
Data Source
AI summary
A pin for pivotally connecting two components together is received in aligned openings of the two components. One end of the pin has a head of reduced dimension to be received in a correspondingly-shaped opening in one of the components. Axial movement of the pin in the openings is limited by a lock that engages the head of the pin.