Articulated Arm Toggle Lever Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articulated arms are cumbersome to adjust, requiring both hands and are prone to asymmetrical force distribution and sensitivity to dust or moisture due to their locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An articulated arm design featuring a toggle lever mechanism that generates a locking force via a piston-like component, allowing for one-handed adjustment and reliable locking, with a segmented structure to isolate each articulation point for easier positioning and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central locking wheel or lever screw is used to lock all three joints, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment becomes complex requiring both hands and force distribution becomes asymmetrical
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into individual locking units, with each joint having its own toggle lever mechanism. This allows each joint to be locked and adjusted independently, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle lever mechanism provides dynamic locking where the locking force is automatically adjusted based on the position and load. The mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states through a snap-action, enabling easy one-handed operation while distributing force symmetrically across each joint
2Device complexity
If a central locking wheel or lever screw is used, then the structure is simple, but the mechanism becomes sensitive to dust or moisture
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking mechanism into separate toggle lever units for each joint, the exposure to dust and moisture is minimized. Each compact locking unit can be better sealed and protected, improving reliability in harsh environments while keeping the overall structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle lever mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-lubricating, reducing the need for maintenance and making it less susceptible to degradation from dust and moisture. The symmetric force distribution also prevents premature wear
3Reliability
If the same force acts on all three joints, then the locking is uniform, but asymmetrical force distribution develops over time
Solution Approach 1:
Each joint has its own independent toggle lever mechanism that applies locking force locally and symmetrically to that specific joint. This segmentation ensures that each joint experiences uniform force distribution independently, preventing the development of asymmetrical force patterns over time
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 ergonomic and reliable adjustment of the articulated arm with one hand, maintaining the locked position effectively while reducing sensitivity to external factors like dust and moisture.
Implementation Method 1
The toggle lever mechanism is designed to generate a locking force (F) which acts on the surface of the second joint element (18) in the direction of a surface normal to the surface... so that the joint (20) is held in a stationary position as a result of friction
Implementation Method 2
The two levers (22a, 22b) of the toggle lever mechanism (22) are longer than the distance available between the two pivot points (24a, 24b), so that a displacement of the common hinge (24c) leads to a static overdetermination, as a result of which the locking force (F) on the surface of the second joint element (18)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The articulated arm (10) has a first segment (12) and a second segment (14), where the first segment is connected with a first joint element (16), and the second segment is connected with a second joint element (18). The first and second joint elements are engaged such that they form a hinge (20). The second joint element has a surface with partially constant radius of curvature. The first segment has a knee lever mechanism (22), which is adapted to apply a locking force on the surface of the second joint element in a direction of a surface normal. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a method for manufacturing articulated arm; and (2) a method for operating an articulated arm.