Through Pin Axle Locking via Expansion Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locking a shaft or axle into mounting cheeks require access to both ends for nut tightening, which is impractical in confined spaces and can lead to excessive wear or play due to improper 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 a single accessible end, featuring a pin with threaded ends and a tension washer 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 both ends of the axle must be accessible for tightening which is difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a pin component and expansion sleeve components that can be installed separately through one end of the axle, eliminating the need to access both ends for tightening operations
Solution Approach 2:
Expansion sleeves act as intermediary elements between the pin and the mounting cheeks, transmitting the locking force from the pin through the sleeves to secure the axle in place without requiring direct access to both ends
2Reliability
If nuts are tightened excessively to prevent play, then the axle is secured firmly, but the mounting cheek attachment may be jeopardized
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion sleeves provide a dynamic locking mechanism where the force is distributed progressively as the sleeves expand against the mounting cheeks, allowing for secure locking without excessive concentrated force that could damage the attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes controlled expansion of the sleeves to change the physical parameters of the locking interface, achieving reliable security through gradual expansion rather than excessive tightening force
3Strength
If nuts are tightened insufficiently to protect mounting cheek attachment, then the mounting cheek is protected, but excessive play and wear occur on the axle
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion sleeves provide a dynamic response that continues to expand until full contact and security is achieved, ensuring reliable axle security without requiring excessive initial tightening force that could compromise the mounting cheek attachment
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 a machine member with only one end of the axle accessible, reducing wear and play while maintaining ease of installation and adjustment.
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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
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.