Spring-Loaded Locking Pin for Telescopic Support Prop Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic support prop locking pin designs are prone to inadvertent unlocking, leading to unintended retraction of the upper member into the lower member, which poses safety concerns and instability issues.
Innovation Solution
A locking pin design featuring a cap with a spring that engages the exterior of the lower leg part, requiring a spring force to be overcome for unlocking, preventing accidental telescopic movement by ensuring the locking pin remains securely engaged until intentionally released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking pin design is used (as in GB 1,148,656), then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the locking pin can be inadvertently displaced into the unlocked position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cap applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the locking pin from being inadvertently displaced. The spring is pre-loaded to exert a force that opposes any unintended movement of the locking pin, thereby preventing accidental unlocking before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap with spring is installed on the locking pin in advance to provide protective action. The spring is pre-positioned to engage with the lower leg part, creating a preliminary restraint system that actively prevents inadvertent displacement of the locking pin during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If a retaining clip is used to hold the locking pin (as in GB 1,148,656), then the ease of operation is improved for pin retention, but the reliability worsens because the locking pin can still be separated from the telescopic support prop
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking pin retention function with the unlocking protection function into a single integrated cap assembly. The cap combines the retaining clip that holds the pin during operation with the spring-loaded mechanism that prevents inadvertent displacement, creating a unified solution that addresses both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary component between the locking pin and the external environment. It mediates the interaction by providing both retention (holding the pin in place during normal use) and protection (preventing accidental displacement through spring force), thereby securing the locking pin's attachment to the telescopic support prop.
3Ease of operation
If the locking pin can be freely moved to unlocked position, then the ease of operation is improved for intentional unlocking, but the safety deteriorates due to risk of inadvertent unlocking and unintended collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cap applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent inadvertent unlocking. The spring is pre-loaded to exert sufficient force to block unintended displacement of the locking pin, while still allowing intentional unlocking when adequate force is applied by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static retention system to a dynamic spring-loaded system. The spring provides a variable restraining force that adapts to operational needs: it strongly resists inadvertent movement during normal operation but allows controlled displacement when intentional unlocking is required, balancing safety with operational flexibility.
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 spring-loaded cap design enhances the stability and safety of the telescopic support prop by preventing inadvertent unlocking and ensuring the locking pin remains engaged until intentionally released, thus avoiding unintended collapse or retraction.
Implementation Method 1
The spring provided on the locking pin is arranged such that the unlocking of the locking pin requires overcoming a spring force provided by the spring. The spring is engaged by the exterior of the lower leg part so that the spring elastically bends outwards when the locking pin is moved transversely into the unlocked position.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a telescopic support prop, which has a leg with a lower leg part and an upper leg part. The upper leg part has a plurality of vertically spaced through holes. A locking pin is releasably connected to one of the vertically spaced through holes of the upper leg part. A cap is connected to the locking pin, the cap having a fastening sleeve put over an end of the locking pin, the cap further having a spring for bearing against the exterior of the lower leg part.