Spring-Biased Pin Lock Fastener for Vibration Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locking fasteners, such as nylon locking nuts and Loctite screws, are not reliable in high-vibration environments and can loosen over time due to vibrations, and are not easily reusable without damaging the fastener or altering its construction integrity.
Innovation Solution
A pin lock fastener system that includes a fastener component with a pin and an elastic element, such as a torsion spring, which applies a biasing force to maintain the pin in a locked position, preventing rotation and loosening, and can be actuated to a retracted position for easy installation and removal without damaging the fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking fasteners are designed to prevent loosening, then security against loosening is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pin acts as an intermediary locking element that can be independently actuated by the actuator cap. This intermediary mechanism allows the fastener to be locked securely to the member while providing a simple rotational interface for controlled unlocking and removal, preventing damage during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased pin automatically engages with the retention feature on the member upon installation, creating self-locking behavior that secures the fastener without requiring additional locking steps. During removal, the actuator cap simply needs to be rotated to disengage the pin, allowing the fastener to service itself by maintaining its locked state
2Productivity
If fasteners are made reusable, then productivity is improved through repeated installation and removal, but reliability deteriorates due to damage or alteration of construction integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The pin and actuator cap provide a dynamic locking system that can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged without permanent deformation. The spring maintains consistent biasing force through multiple cycles, and the retention feature on the member is designed to accommodate repeated pin engagement, preserving construction integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature on the member creates a complementary interface that mirrors the pin geometry. This copying approach ensures that the locking relationship is replicated with precise geometry, allowing repeated installation and removal without wear or damage to either the fastener or the member
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 pin lock fastener effectively maintains the locked position even in high-vibration environments and can be repeatedly installed and removed without damage, ensuring secure fastening and preventing loosening, unlike traditional locking fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element supported by the fastener component and operable to apply a biasing force to the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A pin lock fastener comprises a fastener component (e.g., bolt or nut) having an aperture formed through an outer surface of the fastener component, and a pin supported by the fastener component and slidable through the aperture. The pin can comprise a locking end portion to interface/lock with a pin lock feature of a fastener receiver structure. The pin lock fastener can comprise an actuator cap rotatably coupled to the fastener component, and a torsion spring can have a first end coupled to the fastener component and a second end coupled to the actuator cap. The pin can be secured to the torsion spring that applies a biasing force to the pin in a normal locked position to restrict rotation of the fastener component relative to the fastener receiver structure secured to the fastener component. The pin lock fastener can be repeatedly used. Associated fastened assemblies and methods are provided.