Actuated Joint Structure for Strong Yet Releasable Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint structures that use screws or fasteners to combine objects fail to allow for easy movement or separation, limiting their practical application.
Innovation Solution
A joint structure comprising a body part and an actuating piece with movable joint parts that can perform vertical, lateral, or rotational movements, facilitated by elastic elements and rod parts, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly using a pick-up tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws or fasteners are used to combine objects, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure is divided into a body part and an actuating piece that can move relative to each other. The actuating piece is further segmented into a rod part and a joint part, allowing independent movement and function. This segmentation enables the connection to be strong when needed but easily separated by actuating the piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating piece is designed to move dynamically between different positions (first position for connection, second position for separation). The rod part can move along the longitudinal axis, and the joint part can rotate, providing dynamic control over the connection state. This dynamic design allows the joint to transition between locked and unlocked states easily.
2Ease of operation
If movable joint parts are added to enable separation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the actuating piece: it serves as both the actuation mechanism (rod part moving along the axis) and the joint mechanism (joint part with lateral movement and rotation). The elastic element also serves dual purposes by providing both the locking force and the return force for separation. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically provides the locking force when the actuating piece is in the first position, and automatically returns the actuating piece to the first position when released. The joint structure itself provides the lateral movement constraint and rotational constraint without needing additional complex mechanisms. This self-service design reduces the need for external control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movement capabilities (vertical, lateral, rotational) are provided, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating piece is designed as a universal joint mechanism that can perform vertical movement (rod part sliding), lateral movement (joint part moving sideways), and rotational movement (joint part rotating). This single multi-functional component can adapt to different connection requirements and object orientations, making the joint structure versatile for various applications without needing multiple specialized mechanisms.
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 seamless combination and separation of objects, enhancing flexibility and usability in applications requiring adjustable connections.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element is configured to push the actuating piece towards the body part
Data Source
AI summary
A joint structure, a joint module and a method of assembling a joint structure on an object are introduced. The joint structure includes a body part and an actuating piece. The actuating piece combines movably with the body part, the actuating piece has a first joint part, the first joint part is located outside of the body part, the first joint part can carry out a vertical movement, lateral movement or rotational movement. Accordingly, the body part of the disclosure can go with the actuating piece or the first joint part, and combine to the first object and the second object, or disengage from the first object and the second object for achieving the effect of combining or separating at least two objects.