Adjustable Angular Positioning Joint with Helical Groove Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint mechanisms between two members with adjustable angular positioning are complex, difficult to quickly lock and unlock, and require many turns to secure, leading to high manufacturing costs and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A joint mechanism featuring a first and second toothed disc with a locking sleeve and drive means including a helical groove and radial pin, allowing for rapid angular locking by pivoting the sleeve, which axially displaces to thrust one disc against a compression spring, ensuring secure engagement with minimal turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms with multiple components (nuts, levers, handwheels) are used, then the joint can be locked, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The locking sleeve integrates the functions of pre-tightening (via first helical groove) and final locking (via second helical groove with button) into one component, eliminating the need for separate nuts, levers, and handwheels found in traditional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as both the pre-tightening mechanism (through its interaction with the first helical groove) and the final locking mechanism (through its interaction with the second helical groove and button). This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining reliable locking.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanisms requiring numerous rotations are used, then the discs can be brought together, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses helical grooves (curved paths) on the locking sleeve to convert rotational motion into axial displacement. The curved geometry of the helical grooves allows the radial pins to translate rotation into linear movement that brings the toothed discs together, achieving reliable locking with minimal rotation (30°-60°) rather than numerous full rotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the locking action from a one-dimensional rotational process (multiple turns) into a two-dimensional process combining rotation and axial displacement. The helical grooves create a path that simultaneously involves rotational and axial movements, enabling rapid engagement while maintaining secure locking.
3Reliability
If complex cam profiles or threaded shafts are used, then the toothed discs can be engaged, but the manufacturing cost increases due to complex shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into simple, standardized components: a cylindrical locking sleeve with helical grooves, radial pins, and a button. These segmented, simple geometries are much easier to manufacture than complex cam profiles or threaded shafts, while still achieving reliable disc engagement through the coordinated action of these simple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating complex cam profiles or threaded shafts, the patent uses replicated simple features (helical grooves and radial pins) that can be easily manufactured using standard machining processes. The helical grooves are simple spiral channels that can be produced with conventional milling or turning operations, significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to complex cam shaping.
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 quick and simple locking and unlocking of two pivoting members in various angular positions, reducing operational complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring secure engagement with fewer turns.
Implementation Method 1
a first compression spring (18) being disposed between the discs so as to separate them from each other
Implementation Method 2
the drive means comprise at least a first helical groove (21) carried by the axis and in which a radial pin (22) integral with the sleeve travels, the rotation of the sleeve causing the pin to move in the first groove and resulting in axial displacement of the sleeve
Implementation Method 3
a second compression spring (29) is positioned between the button (24) and the sleeve (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a joint with adjustable angular positioning about an axis (10) between a first member (5a) and a second member (5b), the joint comprising at least one first toothed disc (11) rotationally fixed to the first member (5a) and at least one second toothed disc (14) rotationally fixed to the second member (5b), the discs being positioned relative to each other so as to cooperate by engaging their teeth (16) in order to angularly lock one member relative to the other. This joint includes a first compression spring (18) disposed between the discs (11, 14) so as to separate them from each other, and a locking sleeve (20) positioned above one of the discs and pivoting about the axis (10).The joint includes drive means (21,22) between the sleeve (20) and the axis (10) such that the pivoting of the sleeve (20) causes the axial displacement of the sleeve and the push of one disc (11) towards the other disc (14) against the action of the first spring (18).