Spline Sleeve Locking Pin for Tool-Less Cable Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locking elongate elements, such as cables, in a specific rotational position require specialized tooling, which is not practical for applications like aircraft rigging where quick and tool-less adjustment is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An anti-rotational locking apparatus comprising a sleeve with a spline profile, a housing with aligned openings, and a quick release pin that allows for manual locking and unlocking of the cable without requiring specific tooling, enabling one-handed operation and adjustment of cable length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art locking methods are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but specialized tooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device enables the user to lock and unlock the cable using only the hand-operated lever mechanism, without requiring any external specialized tools. The device serves itself by incorporating all necessary locking components (lever, cam, spring, detent) into a single integrated unit that can be operated directly by the user's hand
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be universally applicable to various cable sizes and configurations while maintaining the same tool-less operation principle. The adjustable lever arm and universal mounting brackets allow the same device to serve multiple functions and applications without requiring different specialized tools
2Reliability
If prior art locking methods are used, then secure locking is achieved, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic unlocking process where the lever can be quickly manipulated by hand to disengage the cam from the detent. This dynamic operation allows rapid adjustment without the time-consuming process of removing specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the cam when the lever is released, providing immediate locking action without requiring any additional steps or tools. The preliminary positioning of the detent ensures that locking occurs automatically as part of the normal operation
3Ease of operation
If manual locking is enabled, then ease of operation improves, but locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions (lever operation, cam engagement, spring loading, detent positioning) are merged into a single integrated mechanism that operates through one hand-controlled lever. This consolidation reduces the apparent complexity by combining what could be separate components into a unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The locking components are nested within each other in a compact arrangement where the detent is positioned within the cam path, the spring is contained within the housing, and the lever operates through the entire assembly. This nested configuration minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining all necessary functions
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-rotational locking apparatus for locking an elongate rotatable element in a particular rotational position with respect to a housing include: a sleeve having an internal profile for slidably receiving therethrough a rotatable elongate element having a portion with an external profile configured to positively engage with the internal profile of the sleeve; a housing; and a locking pin. The sleeve has a flange with a first opening therein and the housing has a second opening therein, the locking pin being insertable in the openings. The flange is arranged for slidable alignment with the second opening in the housing such that when the openings are aligned, the locking pin may be inserted in the openings to lock the flange to the housing and thereby prevent rotation of the flange and of an elongate element extending therethrough and engaged therewith with respect to the housing.