Connection joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with special needs often require customized seating solutions with extensive adjustment possibilities, but existing mechanisms are limited, leading to discomfort and high costs due to the need for custom-made chairs, which are not always feasible or optimal.
Innovation Solution
A connection member with a slidable base, conical cavity, and spherical parts that allow for adjustable and tiltable positioning, using a washer and threaded bolt to create a versatile and rigid connection between the seating surface and support structure, enabling unlimited adjustment possibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard adjustment mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited and cannot meet special needs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism employs dynamic components including a slidable base member that moves along a guide rail, a spherical member that rotates within a conical cavity, and a tilt mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom. These dynamic elements enable continuous adjustment of position and angle to accommodate various user needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a base member for vertical adjustment, a spherical member for rotational movement, a tilt mechanism for angular adjustment, and a locking mechanism for securing positions. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted, providing versatile adaptability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through functional decomposition
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made chairs are manufactured, then the adaptability is improved for special needs, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can accommodate various user needs through adjustment rather than requiring custom manufacturing. The same base structure with adjustable components serves multiple functions: vertical positioning, tilt adjustment, and rotational movement, eliminating the need for expensive custom-made chairs while providing adequate support for special needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If more adjustment possibilities are added, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic components that provide continuous adjustment ranges: a slidable base for vertical movement, a spherical member for rotational adjustment, and a tilt mechanism for angular variation. These dynamic elements achieve extensive adjustability through motion rather than requiring multiple discrete components, increasing adaptability while controlling structural complexity
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
This solution provides a flexible and adjustable connection that enhances user comfort by allowing for precise positioning and tilt adjustments, ensuring a secure and durable connection, suitable for various applications, including chairs and wheelchairs.
Implementation Method 1
a washer (6) having at least one conical section (61) providing expansion means arranged at least partly inside said first slidable member (2) in the vicinity of the slits (25) adjacent the second end (23), where said conical section (61) is able to urge the first slidable member's portion provided with slits (25) outwards and expand beyond the circumference of the cylindrical section
Implementation Method 2
a first partly shaped spherical member (3), having a spherical part with an inner and an outer surface, said spherical part's outer surface adapted to be at least partly inserted in the conically shaped cavity of the first slidable member
Implementation Method 3
A first locking member (8) having an outer surface adapted to engage said inner surface of the first partly spherical member (3), and a threaded aperture, said threaded aperture is threadily engaged to; a threaded bolt (7), said bolt having a thread in one end engaging the thread of the locking member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable connection joint has a partially shaped spherical member attached to a first member to be adjusted with respect to a second member. A slidable base member slides in a bushing which is attached to the second member. A bolt extends through a washer that spreads a slotted end of the slidable base member against the bushing. Tightening the bolt pulls a locking member against an inside of the partially spherically shaped member and pulls it against a conical cavity on an end of the slidable member. Tightening the bolt concurrently locks the slidable member in the bushing and locks a position of the partially shaped cylindrical member in the conical cavity at the end of the slidable member.