Segmented Finned Dowel Pin for Secure Fit Without Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dowel pins vary in sizing, leading to ineffective retention or damage during use due to being too small or too large, causing misalignment or splitting of members.
Innovation Solution
A dowel pin design featuring a shaft with multiple sections of varying dimensions, fins extending radially, and a channel along its length, optimized for a snug fit without damaging the members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dowel pin is made too small, then it can be easily inserted into the hole, but it may not be effectively retained in the holes or may not adequately retain or align the members
Solution Approach 1:
The dowel pin is divided into multiple shaft sections with varying dimensions along its length. Each section has different fin configurations, allowing the dowel to provide easy insertion at some sections while providing strong retention at others through expanded fin structures that engage with the hole walls.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the dowel pin have locally optimized properties. Some sections have larger fins for expansion and retention, while other sections have smaller dimensions for easier insertion. The fin dimensions vary along the length to create zones of different functional characteristics within a single dowel pin.
2Reliability
If a dowel pin is made too large, then it may provide strong retention in the holes, but it may cause the member to split around the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The dowel pin is divided into multiple shaft sections with varying dimensions along its length. Each section has different fin configurations, allowing the dowel to provide easy insertion at some sections while providing strong retention at others through expanded fin structures that engage with the hole walls.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the dowel pin have locally optimized properties. Some sections have larger fins for expansion and retention, while other sections have smaller dimensions for easier insertion. The fin dimensions vary along the length to create zones of different functional characteristics within a single dowel pin.
3Ease of manufacture
If a dowel pin has uniform dimensions throughout, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot optimize snug fit without causing damage to the adjoining members
Solution Approach 1:
The dowel pin is divided into multiple shaft sections with varying dimensions along its length. Each section has different fin configurations, allowing the dowel to provide easy insertion at some sections while providing strong retention at others through expanded fin structures that engage with the hole walls.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the dowel pin have locally optimized properties. Some sections have larger fins for expansion and retention, while other sections have smaller dimensions for easier insertion. The fin dimensions vary along the length to create zones of different functional characteristics within a single dowel pin.
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
Enhances securement and retention of abutting bodies by providing a customizable fit that minimizes damage and maximizes frictional engagement.
Implementation Method 1
maximizes frictional engagement
Implementation Method 2
at least one channel extending through a plurality of the one or more fins
Data Source
AI summary
A dowel pin is disclosed. The dowel pin has a central shaft, one or more fins, and at least one channel. The shaft includes a plurality of shaft sections having similar or different height and width dimensions. The one or more fins each have a fin length and a fin height, and extend outward from the shaft around discrete perimeters of the shaft. The one or more fins are spaced incrementally along the length of the shaft with even and uneven spacing. The at least one channel extends approximately an entire length of the shaft.