Pin-securing washer for assembly pin retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly pin retention methods, such as cotter pins and lock washers, are often insufficient in securing assembly pins within joints under shear loads, leading to potential dislodgment and increased assembly complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A pin-securing washer with multiple fastener apertures on one surface and a securing surface on the other, designed to distribute fastener loads and securely trap assembly pins within pin apertures, eliminating the need for additional retention mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retention methods (cotter pins, lock washers) are used to secure assembly pins, then the assembly pin can be trapped within the joint, but the device complexity increases and the cost increases due to additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washer and the retention mechanism into a single integrated pin-securing washer component. The washer includes a first surface for load distribution and a second surface with features (such as a protrusion or depression) that directly engage with the assembly pin, eliminating the need for separate cotter pins, lock washers, or clips. This merging reduces part count and assembly complexity while maintaining reliable pin retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin-securing washer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes the fastener load across the joint interface (traditional washer function) and secures the assembly pin within the pin aperture (retention function). This multi-functionality is achieved through the dual-surface design where the first surface contacts the fastener and the second surface engages the pin, allowing one component to replace multiple traditional components.
2Reliability
If additional parts are added to trap or secure the assembly pin, then the pin retention is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function into the washer itself, creating a single-component solution that eliminates the need for additional retention parts. The pin-securing washer is manufactured as one integrated piece with the retention features (protrusions, depressions, or other engagement structures) formed directly on the washer body, reducing manufacturing steps and material costs compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin-securing washer serves dual purposes: load distribution and pin retention. By designing the washer with a first surface for fastener contact and a second surface with pin-engagement features, the single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple parts (washer plus retention mechanism), thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while improving pin security.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for pin retention, then the retention mechanism can be designed specifically for securing, but the assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washer and retention mechanism into a single pre-assembled component that is installed in one step. The pin-securing washer is positioned and fastened simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate installation steps for retaining clips, cotter pins, or lock washers. This reduces assembly time and labor while maintaining reliable pin retention through the integrated retention features on the washer's second surface.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple washer is used without retention features, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the assembly pin can work out of the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The pin-securing washer is designed with dual functionality: the first surface provides load distribution like a traditional washer, while the second surface includes retention features (such as protrusions, depressions, or engagement structures) that secure the assembly pin. This multi-functional design allows the same component to perform both load-bearing and retention functions, maintaining manufacturing simplicity relative to multi-component solutions while ensuring reliable pin retention.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a first structure having a first pin aperture and at least one first fastener aperture adjacent the first pin aperture and a second structure to attached to the first structure having a second pin aperture and at least one second fastener aperture adjacent the second pin aperture. At least one fastener is configured to pass through the first and second fastener apertures and attach the first structure to the second structure. An assembly pin passes through the first and second pin apertures and is trapped within the first and second pin apertures. A pin-securing washer having a fastener surface defining at least one fastener aperture and a pin-securing surface to secure the assembly pin within the pin apertures. The at least one fastener passes through the at least one fastener aperture of the pin-securing washer.