Pin Locking Fixture Wedge Mechanism

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-stage fluid control sequence (low pressure air, high pressure air, vacuum) from the prior art ball mechanism. Instead, it uses a simplified single-stage pressurized fluid system acting directly on a wedge, which in turn actuates magnets to lock pins, thereby removing unnecessary operational steps while maintaining the pin locking function.

The patent replaces the complex pneumatic-mechanical ball mechanism with a hybrid system combining pressurized fluid acting on a wedge and magnetic fields. The wedge converts fluid pressure into mechanical motion that positions magnets, which then lock the pins through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex sequential fluid control.

The patent introduces a wedge as an intermediary mechanical element between the pressurized fluid and the magnets. The wedge amplifies the fluid pressure into increased mechanical force that pushes the magnets against the pins, thereby generating sufficient locking force to maintain pin positions when board elements are placed upon them.

The patent changes the force parameter by using a wedge mechanism that converts fluid pressure into amplified mechanical force. This allows the system to generate higher locking forces on the pins compared to the direct ball mechanism, ensuring reliable pin position maintenance under load.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the wedge and magnets within the fixture structure. When pressurized fluid is applied, the pre-positioned components immediately actuate to lock or unlock pins without requiring sequential fluid pressure stages, thereby reducing operational time and increasing productivity.

The patent eliminates periodic multi-stage fluid action and replaces it with a single-stage pressurized fluid application that achieves both setting and resetting functions through simple presence or absence of pressure, thereby reducing the time required for fixture operation cycles.