Mining Chain Drive Pin Retention Against Shear Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mining chains frequently fail due to breakage of drive pins at the connection between links, leading to significant downtime and loss of productivity, as existing retention systems are prone to shearing or breaking under lateral forces.

Innovation Solution

A drive pin retention system using a rubber sandwich pin or steel spring pin that provides positive retention by being flush with the retainer, preventing sliding out and reducing the risk of damage, along with alternative embodiments like threaded pins and retainer rings for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If dowel pins are used to retain drive pins, then the retention system is simple in structure, but the drive pins are prone to shearing or breaking under lateral forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention system structureVSAvoiddrive pin retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is divided into multiple independent retention elements (first and second retention elements) that are positioned at different locations on the retainer. This segmentation allows each element to independently resist lateral forces, preventing any single point of failure from causing complete retention failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention elements are designed to protrude beyond the retainer surface in advance, creating a mechanical interference fit that prevents the drive pin from sliding out before lateral forces can cause failure. This preliminary positioning action ensures the drive pin is secured against lateral movement before operational forces are applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the retainer is positioned close to the tool bit, then the chain link strength is improved, but the retention system becomes more vulnerable to contact with mining material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain link strengthVSAvoidcontact with mining material

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system uses multiple retention elements distributed at different positions on the retainer. This segmentation allows the retainer to maintain structural integrity and retention function even if one element is damaged by contact with mining material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention elements are designed with protruding features that extend beyond the retainer surface, creating a protective barrier that absorbs or deflects contact forces from mining material before they can reach critical structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the retainer protrudes beyond the drive pin end, then the drive pin is retained, but the protruding retainer is vulnerable to damage from lateral forces and mining material contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive pin retentionVSAvoidlateral forces and material contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is designed with multiple retention elements positioned at different locations rather than a single protruding structure. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stresses and reduces the vulnerability of any single protruding element to damage from lateral forces or mining material contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10982540B2Mining pin retention system

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 ITR AMERICA LLC

AI summary

An improved drive pin retention system for mining chains is disclosed, including several embodiments. The drive pin retention system further decreases the chance that the chain can break due to sheared dowel pins.