Spring-Biased Retracting Load Pins for Integrated Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securement devices, such as shackles, lack efficient mechanisms for securely connecting system components without the need for separate connectors, leading to increased weight and complexity in systems that move or suspend equipment or people.
Innovation Solution
A securement device with retracting pins, featuring load pins and track pins within a yoke, secured by lock pins and biased by spring members, allowing for secure connection and easy detachment of system components without additional connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shackles and separate connectors are used, then securement function is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shackle body and connector functions into a single integrated securement device. The load pin assembly integrates both the shackle function (holding the yoke) and the connector function (connecting to system components), eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining securement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The load pin is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a shackle component (securing the yoke) and a connector (attaching to system components). This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, reducing complexity without compromising the securement function
2Reliability
If traditional shackles and separate connectors are used, then securement function is achieved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the shackle and connector into a single integrated load pin assembly, the patent eliminates the weight of separate connector components. The combined design uses one set of materials and structural elements rather than multiple separate components, directly reducing system weight while maintaining the securement function
3Reliability
If load pins are secured with lock pins and springs, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded lock pin mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the load pin. When the load pin is inserted, the spring automatically pushes the lock pin into the locked position; when the load pin is removed, the lock pin automatically releases. This self-acting mechanism provides secure connection without requiring complex manual locking procedures or additional control systems
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
Simplifies system connections, reduces weight, and enables more complex arrangements by integrating connector functions into the components themselves, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the load pin in a locked position
Data Source
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AI summary
A securement device is disclosed to aid in the movement or suspension of equipment or people through the air or along inclined surfaces using rope, cable, wire, or similar component and associated lifting, winching, lowering devices, mechanical advantage systems or manual power by retaining a system component (175) between a yoke (125) and a load pin (120) using a load pin assembly (115). The load pin (120) is biased into a locked position through the use of a biasing member (155) but may be moved from a locked position to a retracted position by journaling a lock pin (170) through a lock slot (160). Some embodiments restrict movement of the load pin (120) using a track pin (140) and a track slot (145), while other embodiments use the interaction of a lock ring (424) and a keyed recess (428) formed in the yoke (425). The securement device may be incorporated as part of a rigging plate (100).