Articulated Arm Joint With Spring-Loaded Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated arm assemblies for sports and recreational equipment are difficult to fold for storage, require complex deployment, and lack stability in angular positions, limiting their versatility and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An articulation assembly that secures a mobile arm around a fixed arm in a perpendicular plane, allowing positioning at predefined angles using a semi-cylindrical joint body with recessed zones and a spring-loaded locking mechanism, enabling easy folding, deployment, and secure angular positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional articulated arm assemblies are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the assemblies are difficult to fold for storage and require complex deployment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm assembly is divided into modular segments (fixed arm, mobile arm, end pieces) that can be independently positioned and locked. Each segment can be folded independently using the articulation assembly, allowing simple step-by-step folding and deployment without complex coordinated movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism automatically engages with the semi-cylindrical wall at predefined angular positions, enabling the arms to self-lock without manual intervention. This self-servicing mechanism simplifies both folding and deployment operations, as the locking and unlocking actions are inherent to the mechanical design rather than requiring complex external control systems.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then angular positioning is achieved, but stability in angular positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded to provide continuous elastic force that pushes the locking member against the semi-cylindrical wall. This pre-cushioned mechanical bias ensures that the locking member remains firmly engaged with the wall surface at all predefined angular positions, providing stable positioning without requiring additional active control or adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulated arm assemblies are made versatile for multiple applications, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation assembly design with standardized components (articulation body, end pieces, spring-loaded locking mechanism) creates a universal joint that can be applied across various articulated arm configurations and applications. The semi-cylindrical wall with multiple predefined angular positions allows the same basic mechanism to serve multiple functions while maintaining structural integrity through its robust mechanical locking design.
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 easy assembly and disassembly, stable angular positioning, and compact storage of articulated arm sets, suitable for various sports and recreational applications, such as goal cages, nets, and tables, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
comprising at least one housing receiving a spring-like element mounted to push back a locking member in a recessed zone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
Figure 8~13
AI summary
The assembly (1) has end pieces (4A, 4B) secured to a mobile arm and including housings (27a, 27b) to receive helical springs (29a, 29b, 29' a, 29' b), push a blocking element to grooves (8A, 8B) and block the arm in angular position. The element has an outer surface to roll the element on semi-cylindrical side faces (6a, 6b) of a central articulation body (2) during swinging the arm to pass the arm from a position to an angular position close to a passage. The springs are retracted before achieving a blocking position to push the element into the grooves. An independent claim is also included for an articulated arm assembly.