Self-Locking Shackle Pin Sleeve for Safer Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shackles require additional safety measures, such as safety chains, to secure the shackle pin, and the process of connecting and disconnecting them can be complex and hazardous, especially in lifting operations.

Innovation Solution

A shackle lock with a housing, at least one locking body, and a displaceable sleeve that automatically engages and disengages with a peripheral locking groove on the shackle pin, providing a self-locking mechanism that simplifies the locking process and enhances safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional shackle pin is used without additional locking mechanisms, then the shackle structure is simple, but the shackle pin cannot be securely locked and requires additional safety chains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshackle structureVSAvoidshackle pin security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking body is integrated into the shackle pin structure, combining the pin and locking functions into a single unified component. The locking body features a groove that engages with the shackle body to provide automatic locking, eliminating the need for separate safety chains while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shackle pin with integrated locking body provides self-locking functionality through the engagement between the groove in the locking body and the shackle body. This self-service mechanism automatically secures the pin without requiring external locking devices or additional safety measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional locking mechanisms like locking pins or nuts are added to the shackle pin, then the shackle pin security is improved, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshackle pin securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding separate locking pins or nuts, the invention merges the locking functionality directly into the shackle pin through the integrated locking body with its engagement groove. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining secure locking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated locking body provides automatic self-locking through the engagement groove that naturally interfaces with the shackle body. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual locking operations with separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional shackle pin locking methods are used, then the structure remains simple, but the operation process becomes hazardous and requires safety chains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshackle structureVSAvoidoperational hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic locking mechanism through the engagement groove provides self-service security that prevents accidental disengagement during operation. This eliminates the need for additional safety chains and reduces operational hazards by ensuring the pin remains securely locked without requiring extra safety measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated locking body with engagement groove provides beforehand security by automatically locking the pin in place before any hazardous operation can occur. This preventive locking mechanism cushions against potential operational hazards by ensuring the pin cannot accidentally disengage during lifting or handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of operation

If the shackle pin is made releasable for operational flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases and safety chains are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshackle pin accessibilityVSAvoidshackle pin security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking body is merged with the shackle pin to provide integrated locking and releasing functionality. The groove in the locking body engages with the shackle body for automatic locking, while the integrated design allows for controlled releasing when needed, balancing accessibility with security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shackle pin with integrated locking body provides self-service locking that maintains reliability while allowing operational flexibility. The automatic engagement groove ensures secure locking during operation, but the integrated design permits controlled releasing when operational flexibility is required, without needing external safety chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12215758B2Shackle lock and shackle comprising said shackle lock

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 HYLESTAD SOLUTIONS AS

AI summary

A shackle lock for positioning on a shackle body, the shackle lock has a housing, at least one locking body and a sleeve which is displaceable in an axial direction of the housing. The housing is adapted for connection to the shackle body and is arranged to house a first end of a shackle pin. The at least one locking body is arranged to engage with a locking groove at the first end of the shackle pin. The sleeve, in a locking position, is arranged to keep the at least one locking body in the groove, and, in a releasing position, is arranged to release the at least one locking body from the groove. A shackle in which a shackle lock is arranged on an outside of the first end of the shackle body is described as well.