Adjustable Spherical Joint with Radial Expansion Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball joints require complex structural precision and multiple components to block or release movement, leading to potential jamming issues and imprecise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adjustable ball joint design featuring a spherical element with radial notches and an insert with a threaded portion, using a locking nut to achieve radial expansion and secure blocking, allowing for easy adjustment and stable connection between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blocking means (perforated cap with threaded ring nut) are used to prevent/allow movement of the ball joint, then the joint can be blocked or released, but the structural complexity increases and the seats require extreme precision to avoid jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the blocking function from a separate cap component and integrates it directly into the spherical element through radial notches. This eliminates the need for a separate perforated cap and threaded ring nut assembly, reducing structural complexity while maintaining blocking reliability through the radial expansion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is positioned inside the spherical element, and the radial notches are formed within the spherical element's structure. This nested arrangement allows the blocking mechanism to be contained within the spherical element itself, eliminating external blocking components and reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional blocking means with multiple components are used, then the joint can be blocked or released, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spherical element, blocking mechanism, and adjustment features into a single integrated component. The radial notches and insert are incorporated directly into the spherical element, eliminating the need for separate cap and ring nut components while maintaining full adjustability through the radial expansion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical element serves multiple functions: it provides the spherical connection surface, contains the blocking mechanism through radial notches, and allows adjustment via the insert. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate blocking components, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining adaptability
3Measurement precision
If seats are made extremely precise to avoid jamming, then the joint positioning is accurate, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the interaction parameters between the ball joint and seat by introducing radial expansion capability. The spherical element can expand radially to engage with the seat, which reduces the sensitivity to seat precision requirements while maintaining accurate positioning through the controlled expansion mechanism
4Device complexity
If a simplified design with fewer components is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the blocking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the spherical geometry of the spherical element to create effective blocking. The radial notches allow the spherical element to expand and engage with the curved surface of the seat, providing reliable blocking through geometric interlocking rather than relying on multiple mechanical components
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 design ensures a stable, secure, and easy-to-actuate connection between components, reducing complexity and preventing jamming while allowing for precise positioning and easy modification of the joint's configuration.
Implementation Method 1
blocking means (8) suitable for obtaining a radial expansion of the spherical element (2), thereby placing the outer surface of the spherical element (2) in abutment against the inner surface of the seat (3)
Implementation Method 2
The locking nut (11), when screwed onto the threaded insert (4), is suitable for advancing the insert (4) radially inside the spherical element (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ball joint (200), associable with a first and a second component for their connection in an adjustable position, comprising a spherical element (202), at least partially housable in a hollow housing seat (203) of said first component, an insert (204), connected to such a spherical element (202) and removably associable with such a second component, wherein the spherical element (202) comprises a substantially cylindrical central portion (202'), interposed between two substantially spherical cap shaped portions (20211) arranged with respect to one another so that each circular base of each substantially spherical cap shaped portion (202") matches a respective base of such a substantially cylindrical portion (202').