Rotatable Pin Connector for Secure Sheet Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors lack a reliable mechanism for secure and efficient attachment of sheets to posts, particularly in applications requiring single-handed installation and secure locking, especially in temporary fencing systems.
Innovation Solution
A connector comprising a hollow barrel with parallel channels, a rotatable pin with a wedge-shaped head that blocks or clears the channels, and a hook that rotates with the pin to secure strands within the channels, combined with a coiled spring for axial support, allowing for easy installation and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional connector design is used, then the structure is simple, but the attachment security and locking reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a barrel with channels for receiving strands, a rotatable pin with head that can block or clear the channels, and a hook that engages the pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed to be rotatable between unactuated and actuated positions, transforming a static connector into a dynamic one. This dynamic capability enables the pin to switch between blocking and clearing the channels, providing secure locking when needed while allowing easy installation when the pin is in the unactuated position.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added, then the attachment reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows for self-service operation where the hook automatically engages with the pin when the connector is assembled. The spring provides automatic engagement force, and the rotatable pin can be actuated by simple rotational motion, enabling single-handed installation without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable pin mechanism provides a simple dynamic action (rotation) that switches the connector between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic feature maintains ease of operation by requiring only simple rotational motion while achieving secure locking when the pin is in the actuated position.
3Productivity
If a rotatable pin mechanism is added, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into modular components (barrel, pin, hook, spring), the design achieves improved productivity through efficient assembly while keeping each component relatively simple in structure. The modular nature allows for easy manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking element when in the actuated position, provides a engagement surface for the hook, and can be rotated to switch between locked and unlocked states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is formed from a hollow barrel, an elongate pin and a hook. A pair of parallel channels are formed in one end of the barrel. The pin has an enlarged head and an attached shaft that extends through both the barrel and the base of the hook. The pin and the hook rotate as a unit. Such rotation causes the head of the pin to either block or open the channels. Two parallel strands of a sheet of infill material are received in the channels while open, and the pin rotated until the head blocks the channels, thereby capturing the strands. This rotation concurrently brings a concave portion of the hook into a position aligned with and facing a nearby post. A nut is tightened on the end of the shaft in order to firmly join the connector, sheet and post.