Axially Aligned Spring-Biased Locking Pins for Plow Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plow assemblies for vehicles lack a reliable and easy-to-use locking mechanism for secure attachment and detachment, making them cumbersome to connect and disconnect, and susceptible to damage from external objects.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring axially-aligned, spring-biased locking pins with a linkage system that allows for simultaneous extension and retraction, enabling quick attachment and detachment with minimal operator effort and internal positioning to reduce damage risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism with spring-biased locking pins is used, then the ease of operation for attachment and detachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are spring-biased to automatically extend and engage with the receiver plates when the plow assembly is attached to the push bar assembly, eliminating the need for manual insertion. The system serves itself by using the spring force to maintain continuous engagement pressure, reducing operator effort while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking pins are combined into a single integrated locking mechanism assembly that operates simultaneously. The linkage connects all locking pins so that one operational action engages or disengages all pins together, simplifying the user interface while maintaining multiple locking points for security
2Reliability
If multiple locking pins are used for secure attachment, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking pins that are distributed at different locations along the interface between the plow assembly and push bar assembly. Each pin provides an independent locking function, and the segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual pin component simple
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it connects all locking pins, transmits the operational force to extend or retract them simultaneously, and provides a mechanical advantage to overcome spring bias. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each pin, thereby reducing overall complexity despite multiple pins
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking mechanism is positioned internally to reduce damage risk, then the protection from external damage is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins and linkage mechanism are nested within the structure of the plow assembly and push bar assembly, with the locking pins positioned inside the receiver plates when engaged. This nesting protects the locking components from external damage while the linkage extends outward to provide an accessible operational interface for the operator
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
The mechanism allows for easy and secure connection and disconnection of the plow assembly to a vehicle, reducing the risk of damage and requiring minimal operator effort, while maintaining the plow in an attached position effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of axially-aligned, spaced-apart locking pins biased outwardly away from each other along a first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for a plow comprising a push beam attachable to a front of a vehicle. The push beam has at least one outwardly-extending plate at each end thereof. Each plate has an aperture extending therethrough. A support frame is provided that is attachable to the back side of a plow assembly. The support frame has two spaced-apart plates extending therefrom, each of the plates having an aperture therethrough. The plates are dimensioned to be positioned adjacent the plates on the push beam with the apertures in the plates being aligned. A locking assembly is provided for locking the support frame to the push beam. The locking assembly is comprised of a pair of axially aligned pins biased outwardly away from each other. Each of the pins has an inner end and an outer end. A linkage connects the inner ends of the pins. The linkage has a first position wherein the pins are retracted toward each other along the axis, and a second position wherein the pins extend outwardly away from each other along the axis.