Semi-Trailer Locking Pin Mechanism With Dual-Spring Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking pin mechanisms for transport semi-trailers are complex and difficult to operate, requiring multiple people due to issues with pin alignment and stiffness, making it challenging to adjust the wheelbase while ensuring compliance with cargo load and axle-load regulations.
Innovation Solution
A locking pin mechanism featuring bolt assemblies with inner and outer springs, where the inner spring pulls the bolt out of a locating hole and the outer spring inserts it, allowing independent operation and reducing the required force for adjustment, enabling single-person operation and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking pin mechanism with pressure springs and linkages is used, then the pins can be pressed into locating plate holes, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple people due to alignment difficulties and high stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin mechanism is segmented into multiple independent bolt assemblies, each with its own inner and outer springs. This allows each bolt to be pulled out and inserted independently, eliminating the need for coordinated multi-person operation while maintaining reliable locking through the combined action of all bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring stiffness parameters are optimized to reduce the force required for operation. The inner spring has lower stiffness to facilitate easy pull-out, while the outer spring provides sufficient insertion force. This parameter optimization enables single-person operation while maintaining reliable locking.
2Reliability
If high-stiffness springs are used to ensure reliable locking, then the locking force is sufficient, but the required operating force becomes too high for single-person operation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is segmented into inner and outer springs with different stiffness characteristics. The inner spring provides gentle pull-out force, while the outer spring provides strong insertion force. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high locking reliability without requiring excessive operating force.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional single-spring design is inverted into a dual-spring system where the inner spring facilitates easy removal and the outer spring ensures secure insertion. This inversion of the spring function distribution reduces operating force requirements while maintaining locking reliability.
3Device complexity
If all pins are connected through a common linkage system, then the structure is compact, but the operation of one pin affects all other pins requiring coordinated multi-person operation
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is segmented into independent bolt assemblies, each capable of independent operation. While the overall structure remains compact through the use of a common slewing arm and shaft, each bolt assembly operates independently, allowing single-person operation without the need for coordinated multi-person effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The common slewing arm and shaft serve multiple functions by controlling all bolt assemblies simultaneously, while the independent spring systems allow each bolt to operate independently. This multi-functionality maintains structural compactness while enabling operational independence.
4Manufacturing precision
If the pin alignment tolerance is tight to ensure proper locking, then the locking precision is high, but the pins frequently get stuck requiring forced vehicle movement to realign
Solution Approach 1:
The spring stiffness parameters are changed to create a more tolerant alignment system. The lower-stiffness inner spring allows the bolt to be pulled out even with slight misalignment, reducing the frequency of getting stuck while maintaining high locking precision through the outer spring's insertion force.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism simplifies the operation by requiring less force and allowing independent action of each bolt, enhancing operability and reliability, even when obstacles are encountered during adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
the inner spring pulls the bolt out of a locating hole
Implementation Method 2
the outer spring inserts it
Data Source
AI summary
A locking pin mechanism for a transport semi-trailer, the locking pin mechanism is used for locking longitudinally extending members of a frame of a transport semi-trailer together with a trailer body movably arranged on the longitudinally extending members. The locking pin mechanism comprises at least two bolt assemblies and a linkage assembly for driving the at least two bolt assemblies. The bolt assembly comprises a bolt, an inner spring, a sliding sleeve, an outer spring and a bracket. The sliding sleeve at an end away from its sliding sleeve end-plate is connected with the linkage assembly; the linkage assembly can be pulled such that the sliding sleeve of the bolt assembly is compresses the inner and outer springs to force the bolt to be pulled out from a locating hole under an action of an elastic force of the inner spring; and after the linkage assembly is released, the bolt can be inserted into the locating hole under the action of the elastic force of the outer spring. The locking pin mechanism of the invention provides an improved operability, an excellent reliability and a convenience in operation.