Self-Adjusting Hook Assembly for Vibration-Tolerant Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hook assemblies require manual adjustment for secure fastening and do not guarantee intimate contact between the hook and pin, necessitating frequent attention and adjustment, especially in environments with vibrations and limited access.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting hanger pin apparatus with a pin body, spring, and bell mechanism that allows for automatic adjustment between open, closed-preloaded, and closed-loaded states, ensuring intimate contact and secure latching without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment is used for hook assemblies, then the hook can be positioned to engage with the pin, but frequent attention and adjustment are required to maintain secure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism with a spring-loaded bell that automatically compensates for position variations and maintains intimate contact with the pin without requiring manual intervention. The spring force continuously pushes the bell against the pin, allowing the system to self-correct during vibrations or position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic self-adjusting position through the spring mechanism. The bell can move along the rod member's longitudinal axis, allowing continuous adaptation to vibration and position changes while maintaining secure engagement with the pin.
2Reliability
If fixed pin and hook connections are used, then the structure is simple, but intimate contact between hook and pin is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded bell automatically maintains intimate contact with the pin by exerting continuous spring force, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates to ensure reliable engagement through the spring's elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the positional parameter of the bell along the rod member's longitudinal axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the contact position between the hook and pin to maintain intimate contact under varying conditions.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment is required for multiple hook assemblies, then uniform hook force distribution can be achieved, but frequent attention is needed to maintain uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
Each hook assembly's spring-loaded bell independently self-adjusts to maintain optimal engagement with its respective pin, automatically ensuring uniform force distribution across multiple assemblies without requiring coordinated manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic spring mechanism allows each bell to independently adapt its position to maintain uniform force distribution across multiple hook assemblies, eliminating the need for frequent manual re-adjustment to maintain uniformity.
4Ease of operation
If access panels or openings are required for manual adjustments, then the hook assembly can be accessed, but access is limited and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The self-adjusting spring mechanism eliminates the need for manual access to adjustment components, as the bell automatically adjusts itself without requiring operators to access the hook assembly through panels or openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is extracted from the hook assembly's external interface, allowing the self-adjusting mechanism to operate internally without requiring external access panels or openings for manual intervention.
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 self-adjusting mechanism maintains intimate contact between the hook and pin, reducing the need for manual adjustments and accommodating vibrations, while allowing flexible positioning without requiring external access for adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring concentric with the rod member of the pin body along a portion of the rod length rearward of the second housing end
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting hook assembly is disclosed. The hook assembly comprises a hanger pin apparatus fixed to a first structure and a hook fixed to a second structure. The hanger pin apparatus comprises a keeper that is selectively moveable, relative to a housing. A spring is at least partially enclosed by a bell, and rearward of the housing on along a rod length of a rod member of the keeper. The spring is compressed or expanded to co-move the keeper and the bell, relative to the housing. The hanger pin apparatus is changeable between, and inclusive of, an open state and a closed-loaded state. When in the open state, the spring applies a spring force in a first direction such that the bell is spaced apart from the housing along a rod length of the rod member of the keeper. When in the closed-loaded state, a hook force is applied in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, such that the bell is in contact with the housing along the rod length of the rod member of the keeper.