Modular Ball-Joint Connection Locking for Variable Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for spacecraft equipment require a large number of specific elements to accommodate different angular orientations, leading to high production and implementation costs due to the need for customized solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular connecting device featuring a spherical ball joint and a hollow housing with a locking element made of hardened material, allowing for adaptable angular positioning and locking without pre-determined specificities, manufactured using additive layer manufacturing (ALM) techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized connecting elements are used for each pair of parts with different orientations, then the angular orientation requirement is met, but the production cost and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized connecting device that can serve multiple pairs of parts with different angular orientations. The ball joint mechanism enables this universal component to adapt to various orientation requirements without needing customized elements for each pair, thereby reducing production and implementation costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the ball joint mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of angular orientation. The connecting device can dynamically adapt to different angular positions during assembly and operation, providing the necessary adaptability for various part orientations while using a standardized design that reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standardized connecting device is used for all pairs of parts, then production cost is reduced, but the ability to meet specific angular orientation requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the standardized connecting device to adjust to various angular orientations as needed. This dynamic capability ensures that a single standardized design can meet diverse angular orientation requirements across different part pairs without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the connecting device to vary its angular orientation parameter. The ball joint enables the device to change its orientation angle to match the specific requirements of different part pairs, maintaining versatility while using a standardized, cost-effective design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple customized connecting elements are produced and stored, then specific angular orientation requirements can be met, but inventory complexity and implementation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connecting device with ball joint serves as a universal solution that can replace multiple customized elements. By using this single adaptable component, the system reduces the quantity of different connecting elements needed in inventory while still covering all required angular orientation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic ball joint mechanism allows one standardized element to perform the function of multiple static customized elements. This dynamic adaptability reduces inventory requirements by enabling a single component type to be used across various applications that previously required different specialized components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customized connecting elements are designed for each application, then precise angular orientation is achieved, but assembly complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connecting device simplifies assembly operations by providing a universal interface that works across different applications. The ball joint mechanism offers built-in adaptability, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures required by customized elements while maintaining precise angular orientation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic ball joint mechanism simplifies assembly by allowing automatic adaptation to the required angular orientation. This reduces assembly complexity compared to installing pre-configured customized elements, as the standardized device can be installed once and then adjusted to the needed orientation without complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for providing a lockable modular connection between two parts, said device comprising a first element for connecting to one (E1) of the parts and a second element for connecting to the other (E2) part. The first element comprises a rod (2) secured to a ball joint (3). The second element comprises a housing (4) containing the ball joint (3). The device has an inner space (5) between an inner face (8) of the housing and a peripheral face (7) of the ball joint, and a locking element (6) arranged between the housing (4) and the ball joint (3). Motifs (10, 15) are arranged on the peripheral face of the ball joint and/or on the inner face of the housing. The locking element consists of a hardened material that fills the entire inner space and with regard to which the motifs form abutments in order to hold the ball joint in a fixed position in the housing.