Removable Deck Fitting with Clutch Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deck fittings are permanently welded to platforms, leading to unsightly protrusions, tripping hazards, and potential corrosion due to exposure to elements, necessitating a solution for secure, removable, and tool-free anchoring of tie-down equipment.
Innovation Solution
A removable locking apparatus with a shaft body, rotatably coupled socket, and clutch mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment from a base apparatus, featuring a locking collar and o-ring seals to prevent water ingress and enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deck fittings are permanently welded to the platform, then secure anchoring is achieved, but tripping hazards and unsightly protrusions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The deck fitting is divided into two separate components: a base plate that remains permanently mounted to the platform, and a removable locking apparatus that can be detached when not in use. This segmentation allows the anchoring function to be maintained while eliminating the tripping hazard of permanent protruding loop structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking apparatus transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic removable component. The clutch mechanism enables the locking apparatus to be easily attached and detached, allowing it to be present only when needed for securing loads, thus eliminating the constant tripping hazard while maintaining secure anchoring when required.
2Reliability
If conventional loop-shaped deck fittings are used, then secure tie-down anchoring is achieved, but corrosion from exposure to elements occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the permanent base plate from the removable locking apparatus, the portion most exposed to corrosive elements (the locking apparatus with its moving parts) can be easily removed and replaced, while the base plate remains protected by the building's structure. This reduces overall corrosion impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable locking apparatus can be discarded (removed) when not in use or when corrosion affects it, and a replacement can be installed without replacing the entire deck fitting system. This extends the service life of the system and reduces corrosion-related failures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If removable deck fittings are used, then tripping hazards are eliminated, but secure anchoring reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is pre-installed and permanently secured to the platform during construction, providing a reliable anchored foundation. The removable locking apparatus is then attached to this pre-prepared base, ensuring that the anchoring system maintains its reliability while allowing the protruding components to be removed when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic loop-shaped protrusion is extracted from the permanent structure and made removable. The essential anchoring function remains in the permanently mounted base plate, while the extracted locking mechanism can be detached to eliminate tripping hazards when securing loads is not required.
4Reliability
If sophisticated tools or machinery are used for installation, then secure mounting is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is designed to be operated manually without requiring sophisticated tools or machinery. The user can easily attach and detach the locking apparatus by hand-operating the clutch mechanism, making the system self-servicing and greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure mounting through the robust base plate connection.
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 system provides a secure, aesthetically pleasing, and corrosion-resistant solution for anchoring tie-down equipment, eliminating tripping hazards and allowing for easy installation and removal without tools, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing moisture ingress.
Implementation Method 1
o-ring seals to prevent water ingress and enhance structural integrity
Implementation Method 2
a spring may be coupled between the clutch mechanism and the upper portion of the shaft body such that the spring is in a decompressed state when the clutch mechanism is in the first position, and in a compressed state when the clutch mechanism is in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A removable locking apparatus includes a shaft body having an upper portion configured to receive tie-down equipment. A shaft socket is rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the shaft body, and a plurality of locking members are housed within the shaft socket. The locking members are configured to extend laterally from the shaft socket when the shaft body is rotated in a first direction relative to the shaft socket, and retract into the shaft socket when the shaft body is rotated in a second direction relative to the shaft socket. A clutch mechanism is coupled to the shaft socket and configured to slideably engage the shaft body. When disengaged, the clutch mechanism enables the plurality of locking members to extend or retract from the shaft socket. When engaged, the clutch mechanism prevents the plurality of locking members from extending and retracting from the shaft socket.