Expanding Pin Assembly With Sun Gear Actuation for Joint Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current expanding pin systems require manual labor to lock and unlock mechanical joints, leading to inefficiencies and potential human error, particularly in applications like deployable aircraft wings where automated control is beneficial.
Innovation Solution
An expanding pin system with an actuation assembly that includes a pin driving assembly and a drive assembly, utilizing a sun gear and carrier to translate and rotate, allowing for automated locking and unlocking of mechanical joints without human intervention, using motors or hydraulic actuators for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labor is used to insert and expand the expanding pin, then the mechanical joint can be locked, but the process is cost and time inefficient and introduces human error
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding pin system uses an integrated cam lock mechanism that automatically locks when the pin is inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking action through the cam mechanism, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated actuation system that uses a motor or hydraulic actuator to drive the expanding pin through a lead screw or rack and pinion mechanism. This substitution eliminates human error and improves efficiency while maintaining reliable locking.
2Ease of operation
If manual labor is used to collapse and retract the expanding pin, then the mechanical joint can be unlocked, but the process is cost and time inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding pin system uses an integrated cam lock mechanism that automatically unlocks when the pin is retracted, eliminating the need for manual unlocking operations. The retraction motion automatically triggers the cam mechanism to release the locked position, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual unlocking operations with an automated actuation system that uses a motor or hydraulic actuator to drive the expanding pin back through the lead screw or rack and pinion mechanism. This substitution eliminates manual intervention and reduces unlocking time while maintaining ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If an actuation assembly with pin driving assembly is used, then automated locking and unlocking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock the mechanical joint, unlock the mechanical joint, and potentially provide positioning functions. By integrating these functions into a single assembly with a motor or hydraulic actuator, lead screw or rack and pinion mechanism, and expanding pin with cam lock, the patent achieves high automation while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding pin system uses a nested structure where the expanding pin is housed within a cavity in the first component, and the actuation assembly is integrated within the same space. The cam lock mechanism is nested within the pin structure itself, allowing automated functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.