Spring-Latched Safety Shackle for Fast Secure Pin Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shackles require cumbersome and time-consuming processes for fastening and unfastening, and are prone to safety risks due to vibrations causing the shackle pin to release.
Innovation Solution
A safety shackle with a shackle body, shackle pin, and first safety hook mechanism, where the shackle pin is automatically and safely fixed to the shackle body using a locking groove and safety hooks, allowing for quick and convenient release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional shackle pin is screw-coupled to the shackle body, then the connection is secure, but the fastening and unfastening process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle pin is divided into a main body and separate locking components (locking balls or latches) that can independently engage with locking grooves. This segmentation allows the pin to be quickly secured or released by simply moving the locking components, eliminating the need for time-consuming screwing or threading operations while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking geometry of the locking grooves and balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the shackle pin in place through spring-loaded locking balls or latches that self-engage with the locking grooves when the pin is inserted. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual fastening operations, significantly reducing fastening time while ensuring reliable connection through automatic engagement.
2Productivity
If the shackle pin is quickly inserted through the shackle body, then fastening speed is improved, but the risk of accidental release due to vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking balls or latches are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the locking grooves immediately when the shackle pin is inserted. This preliminary action ensures that the pin is locked in place before any vibrational forces can act on it, preventing accidental release while maintaining quick fastening speed. The springs are pre-tensioned to ensure immediate engagement without requiring additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring-loaded locking mechanisms are incorporated to provide cushioning and absorption of vibrational forces that might otherwise cause pin release. The springs act as shock absorbers, maintaining constant contact pressure between the locking components and the pin, thereby preventing disengagement under vibrational stress while allowing rapid insertion.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is added, then safety against accidental release is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into a unified structure where locking balls or latches are incorporated directly into the shackle pin body or shackle body housing. The springs, locking grooves, and locking components are merged into a compact assembly that operates as a single integrated unit, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining safety against accidental release through the interlocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with universal applicability where the same basic structure (locking grooves, balls, or latches with springs) can be used across different shackle sizes and applications. This multi-functional design allows a single component type to serve both locking and anti-release functions, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate specialized components for each function.
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 safety shackle improves convenience and safety by enabling rapid and secure fastening and unfastening of the shackle pin, reducing the risk of accidental release due to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a first safety hook spring which is disposed between the first safety hooks and applies an elastic force to the first safety hooks in directions in which the first fixing latches are inserted into the locking groove
Data Source
AI summary
A safety shackle comprising a first safety hook mechanism including a pair of first safety hooks having first fixing latches which are inserted into or separated from a locking groove of a first pin end portion positioned in a first through hole of a first body end portion as first hook bodies are coupled to the first body end portion by first hinge shafts and rotated in a state in which the first safety hooks are symmetrical with each other and partially inserted into a first hook mounting hole of the first body end portion, and a first safety hook spring which is disposed between the first safety hooks and applies an elastic force to the first safety hooks in directions in which the first fixing latches are inserted into the locking groove.