Quick Release Locking Pin with Segmented Head and Biasing Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release fastening systems, such as shackles, face challenges in manufacturing complexity, user difficulty, and the risk of misplaced locking pins, which can lead to incomplete securing of objects.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with first and second legs forming a perimeter, featuring a keyway and shoulders to prevent the locking pin from separating, combined with a biasing member that ensures the pin remains securely in place through various positions, allowing for quick and secure object attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to ensure retention of the locking pin, then the locking pin retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is segmented into distinct functional zones: a enlarged head portion for retention, a shaft portion for movement, and a key portion for engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, ensuring reliable retention while maintaining simplicity in the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The key portion of the locking pin acts as an intermediary element that engages with the keyway in the connecting member. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable retention through positive engagement without requiring complex locking mechanisms, as the key-keyway interface serves as a simple yet effective retention system.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to ensure retention of the locking pin, then the locking pin retention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin design incorporates a biasing member that automatically returns the pin to its engaged position after opening. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual repositioning operations, as the pin automatically resets itself, maintaining simple user operation while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is designed to be movable between engaged and opened positions, with the biasing member providing dynamic automatic return to the engaged position. This dynamic design allows users to easily open the pin when needed while ensuring it automatically returns to its secure position, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the locking pin opening is made small to prevent separation, then the locking pin retention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to clogging risk
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is segmented with an enlarged head portion that contains the opening, while the shaft portion extends through the legs. This segmentation allows the opening to be positioned in the head where it can be adequately sized for easy operation, while the shaft provides the necessary structural integrity for retention, resolving the contradiction between opening size and retention reliability.
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
Enables rapid and secure attachment and detachment of objects with reduced risk of pin loss, simplifying the manufacturing process and user operation while ensuring the locking pin remains inseparable from the housing.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is included that biases the locking pin such that the key seats against the first leg proximal end when the locking pin is at the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Locking devices as well as methods of their manufacture and use are disclosed. One locking device includes first and second legs operatively coupled together to form a perimeter substantially uninterrupted from a proximal end of the first leg to a proximal end of the second leg. The proximal ends are separated by an opening, and each proximal end respectively defines a passage. A keyway extends from the first leg passage, and first and second shoulders are adjacent the keyway. A receiving area extends from the second leg passage. A locking pin passes through the second leg passage and is movable between an open position, a closed position, and an intermediate position. The locking pin has a key and a stop that prevent the locking pin from passing entirely through the second leg passage. A biasing member biases the locking pin in various ways.