Swivel Device Axial Load Transfer Lateral Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swivel devices fail to effectively transfer axial tension loads while preventing the transfer of non-axial bending or lateral loads, leading to structural inefficiencies and potential failure modes.
Innovation Solution
A high-strength swivel device design that allows rotation between structural elements while preventing lateral load transfer, featuring a one-piece collar for assembly, oblong clevis pins for enhanced strength, and chain link seats to securely attach anchor chains, maximizing the strength-to-weight ratio and using high-strength materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional swivel device is used to enable rotation between structural elements, then rotation is achieved, but axial tension loads are not effectively transferred and non-axial bending or lateral loads are transferred causing structural inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel device is segmented into distinct functional components: a swivel body for rotation, a swivel chain connector with clevis for load transfer, and a collar for constraint. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the clevis and pin handle axial loads while the swivel body enables rotation, preventing lateral load transfer to the rotating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The clevis pin acts as an intermediary element between the swivel body and the chain connector. It specifically transfers axial tension loads from the chain to the swivel body while its configuration prevents non-axial bending or lateral loads from being transferred, thereby protecting the swivel mechanism from harmful lateral forces.
2Strength
If high-strength materials are used to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar integrates multiple functions into a single component: it clamps the swivel body to the swivel chain connector, captures the clevis pin in place, and provides a unified fastening mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly, even while using high-strength materials throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to be installed in a preliminary action that secures both the swivel body connection and the clevis pin simultaneously. This preliminary fastening approach simplifies the overall assembly process by reducing the number of discrete steps required to assemble the high-strength components.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-strength swivel device for transferring axial tension load while avoiding transfer of side loads may comprise a swivel chain connector having a swivel chain connector head and a swivel chain connector clevis, a clevis pin for capturing the terminal link of a chain within said swivel chain connector clevis; a swivel body comprising a first swivel body half and a second swivel body half, said swivel body designed and configured to capture said swivel chain connector head within the swivel device such that the swivel chain connector head may rotate within, and transfer axial loads through the swivel device; a collar for capturing the first and second swivel body halves, the swivel chain connector and the clevis pin into a structural subassembly; and a connection flange designed and configured to enable attachment of an anchor to the swivel device.