Locking positioning pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems, such as clevis pins and spring-loaded pins, are inefficient, prone to loss or damage, and allow undesirable play between components, making them unsuitable for precise indexing and positioning of components in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A locking positioning pin assembly comprising a shaft, nut, and knob, where the nut is threadably engaged with the shaft and rotatable to move between closed and open positions, allowing the plunger to engage or disengage from receiver cutouts, providing secure fixation and adjustable positioning between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clevis pin and cotter pin are used for positioning components, then the components can be fixed relative to one another, but the installation process becomes slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking positioning pin assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a shaft for insertion through apertures, a plunger for engagement with receiver cutouts, and a nut-knob mechanism for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick installation while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cotter pin from the traditional clevis pin system. By using a self-contained locking mechanism integrated into the pin assembly itself, the separate cotter pin is no longer needed, simplifying the installation process and reducing the number of steps required to secure components.
2Reliability
If a clevis pin and cotter pin are used for positioning components, then the components can be fixed relative to one another, but the cotter pin becomes prone to loss or damage through repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function previously performed by a separate cotter pin is merged into the pin assembly itself through the integrated plunger and nut-knob mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the separate cotter pin component that was prone to loss and damage, while maintaining secure fixation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking positioning pin assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient. The plunger and nut-knob mechanism work together to automatically lock the pin in place without requiring a separate cotter pin, making the system more durable and easier to maintain through repeated use.
3Reliability
If a clevis pin and cotter pin are used for positioning components, then the components can be fixed relative to one another, but undesirable play or movement occurs between the components
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver cutouts are strategically positioned at specific locations along the shaft, and the plunger is designed to engage precisely with these cutouts. This local precision engagement eliminates play and movement between components, ensuring accurate positioning while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed with receiver cutouts pre-positioned at specific locations, and the plunger is pre-configured to engage with these cutouts. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the components are assembled, the plunger automatically engages with the receiver cutouts to eliminate play and prevent unwanted movement, achieving precise positioning from the outset.
4Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded pin is used for positioning components, then the components can be easily adjusted, but the pin is susceptible to accidental withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking positioning pin assembly incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the plunger can be easily engaged and disengaged through rotation of the nut and knob. This allows for simple adjustment while preventing accidental withdrawal, as the locked position secures the plunger in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut and knob serve as intermediary elements between the user and the plunger mechanism. By rotating the nut and knob, the user can easily control the plunger's engagement and disengagement without directly manipulating the plunger itself, simplifying adjustment while maintaining secure locking to prevent accidental withdrawal.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking positioning pin assembly comprising a shaft extending between opposing first and second ends, a nut threadably engaged with the shaft and rotatable to thread along the shaft between a closed position relatively closer to the first end of the shaft and an open position relatively closer to the second end of the shaft, a knob having a plunger, the knob rotatable about the shaft to cause rotation of the nut. When the nut is in the open position, the knob is translatable to allow the plunger to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When the nut is in the closed position, the plunger is in an engaged position and is prevented from translating relative to the nut and the shaft due to abutment of the knob with one or more features of the nut.