Tensioner Lock Projection Design to Prevent Pin Ejection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tensioners for engines are prone to eject loose pins during installation, posing a safety risk and potential interference with engine components, and existing solutions are either expensive or inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A tensioner lock mechanism with a projection and biasing member that moves between locking and release positions, using a locking feature to prevent the tensioner arm from moving past a limit position, ensuring safe and secure installation by maintaining the tensioner in a pre-tensioned state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loose pin is used to hold the tensioner in a pre-tensioned state during installation, then the tensioner can be easily installed, but the pin may be suddenly ejected at high speed, posing a safety risk and potentially interfering with other engine components
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is divided into two separate parts: a first projection part that remains attached to the tensioner arm, and a second projection part that can engage with the locking feature. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to function securely while preventing complete separation or ejection of the locking component.
Solution Approach 2:
The second projection part is inserted into a recess in the first projection part, creating a nested structure. This nesting ensures that the projection parts remain connected and cannot be completely ejected, while still allowing the projection to move between locked and released states for installation and operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent pin ejection, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the movement of the tensioner arm itself. When the tensioner arm moves into the locked position, the projection automatically engages with the locking feature without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or control systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a locked position (where it engages the locking feature) and a released position. This dynamic design enables the mechanism to adapt to different operational states without requiring complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the projection can be completely withdrawn for easy repositioning, then ease of operation is improved, but the projection may be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The second projection part is nested within a recess in the first projection part, creating a connected structure that prevents complete withdrawal. This nested design allows the projection to move freely for repositioning while ensuring that the two parts remain attached and cannot be lost separately.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the projection into two connected parts with a recess, the design allows controlled movement and repositioning capability while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation enables the projection to be manipulated for installation and adjustment while the connection between parts prevents loss.
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 tensioner lock mechanism provides a safe and cost-effective solution by preventing the ejection of pins during installation, ensuring secure engagement of the tensioner arm, and allowing easy repositioning without the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioner arm biasing member that is positioned to bias the tensioner arm in a free arm direction
Implementation Method 2
a projection biasing member that is positioned to urge the projection towards the release position
Implementation Method 3
urging of the tensioner arm in the free arm direction by the tensioner arm biasing member causes a locking force to be applied by the locking feature on the projection to hold the projection in the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a tensioner is provided for an endless drive arrangement. The tensioner includes a base, an arm movably mounted to the base, and which has a pulley thereon for engagement with a belt. The tensioner further includes an arm biasing member to bias the arm in a free arm direction, and a tensioner lock, including a locking feature on one of the arm and the base, and a projection that is movably mounted to the other of the arm and the base, and is movable between a locking position and a release position. The projection includes first and second parts. The second part is engageable with the locking feature. The first part has a first projection-withdrawal limit surface thereon that is engageable with a second projection-withdrawal limit surface on the other of the arm and the base to prevent complete withdrawal of the projection.