Through-Pin Axle Assembly for One-Sided Mounting Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locking a shaft or axle into mounting cheeks require access to both ends for tightening, which is impractical in confined spaces and can lead to excessive wear or fracture due to improper nut tightening.
Innovation Solution
A through pin assembly with a channel and expansion sleeves, where a locking device engages the sleeves to secure the axle into mounting cheeks using only one accessible end, utilizing a tension washer and threaded pin to expand the sleeves into the cheeks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nuts are used to lock the axle into mounting cheeks, then the axle can be secured, but access to both ends of the axle is required for tightening which is difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into a pin component and a separate locking component that can be operated independently from one end of the axle, eliminating the need to access both ends for tightening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pin and the mounting cheeks, transferring the locking force through the pin body without requiring direct access to the mounting nuts at both ends
2Reliability
If nuts are tightened excessively to prevent play, then the axle is securely locked, but the attachment of mounting cheeks may be jeopardized
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism allows for dynamic adjustment and distribution of locking forces through the pin body, preventing excessive concentrated forces on the mounting cheeks while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component enables control over the tightening parameters, distributing the clamping force evenly along the pin to achieve reliable locking without exceeding the strength limits of the mounting cheek attachments
3Strength
If nuts are tightened insufficiently to protect mounting cheeks, then the mounting cheeks are protected, but excessive play and fracture may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device provides dynamic force distribution through the pin structure, ensuring sufficient locking force is applied to prevent play and fracture while monitoring to avoid excessive forces that could compromise mounting cheeks
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component design incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to sense when adequate locking force has been applied, ensuring reliable axle securing without exceeding safe force limits on the mounting cheeks
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
Enables secure locking and stabilization of the machine member with only one end of the axle accessible, reducing wear and fracture risks while maintaining ease of installation in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device engages the pair of expansion sleeves causing the expansion sleeves to expand into the mounting cheeks to secure the axle when a first end of the locking device is adjusted
Implementation Method 2
tightening the tensioning device causes the tension washer member and the locking end member to engage the expansion sleeves causing the expansion sleeves to expand and be pressed into a pair of mounting cheeks
Data Source
AI summary
A through pin assembly for securing an axle into a pair of mounting cheeks and to stabilize a machine member is disclosed. The pin assembly has an axle having a pair of end members formed on each end of the axle. A channel is formed through the axle and runs a length of the axle. The channel consists of a threaded area of the channel at the first end for use when removing the assembly; a hexagon, octagon or otherwise shaped area at the second end to interlock with the threaded part of the locking end member; two grooves in the channel, one at each end, as a seat for gaskets to seal off a grease or oil chamber for distribution to the bearing. A bearing is mounted on a central section of the axle. A pair of expansion sleeves is provided wherein one of the pair of expansion sleeves is positioned over each of the end member of the axle. A locking device is inserted into the channel. The locking device engages the pair of expansion sleeves causing the expansion sleeves to expand into a pair of mounting cheeks and stabilizing the machine member to secure the axle when a first end of the locking device is adjusted.