Ball Joint Assembly with Quick-Release Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices, including ball and seat configurations, limit the user's ability to optimally position objects for work due to cumbersome operation and potential damage, as they require complex screw jack arrangements and repositioning for adjustments, restricting rotational and tilting movements.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint assembly with a stem that allows 360-degree rotation and 180-degree tilting, featuring a quick release handle for easy locking and unlocking, and a mechanism with a round nut for fine adjustments, enabling versatile positioning of work holding devices like rifle cradles and archery bows without the need for complex reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw jack arrangement is used to clamp objects between plates, then the object can be securely held, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming requiring multiple turns to position and reset
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the clamping function into two independent mechanisms: a ball-and-socket joint for positioning and a separate quick-release clamp for securing. This segmentation allows the positioning to be adjusted freely while the clamping remains simple and rapid, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball-and-socket joint is designed to preliminarily position the object in the desired orientation before the quick-release clamp is engaged. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for repeated tightening and loosening of the main clamping mechanism, saving time and improving operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If traditional vises are used to clamp objects, then the object can be held firmly, but the user cannot optimally position the object for work and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-and-socket joint introduces dynamic positioning capability, allowing the attached work holder to be oriented in multiple directions (360-degree rotation and 180-degree tilting) while maintaining firm holding through the separate quick-release clamp. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between firm holding and positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball-and-socket joint serves multiple functions: it enables rotational movement, tilting movement, and various angular positioning, all while maintaining secure attachment. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple traditional vises with fixed orientations, enhancing adaptability without sacrificing firm holding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ball and seat configurations are used for positioning, then rotation is enabled, but adjustment and resetting require complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adjustment function from the clamping mechanism. The ball-and-socket joint handles all rotational and tilting adjustments independently, while the quick-release clamp handles only the securing function. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating complex combined mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between rotational capability and mechanism complexity.
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
Facilitates easy and precise positioning of objects, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational convenience by allowing full rotational and tilting movements with a single lever operation, enabling secure clamping and easy adjustment without complex repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm with a screw jack arrangement for locking or unlocking the ball
Implementation Method 2
a lever-operated screw jack for easy locking and unlocking
Implementation Method 3
a spring-loaded plunger for maintaining contact between the ball and the rotating member
Implementation Method 4
a set screw for preventing loosening of the round nut
Data Source
AI summary
A ball joint assembly that is a movable mount for a work holding device for holding an item, such as a rifle or pistol, where the ball joint assembly is for seating on, or mounting onto, a table top, bench, or like surface. The ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that rests on a plunger top end of a jacking screw that is turned in a round nut by a lever arm, and the ball joint assembly is fitted into the housing. Turning of the lever arm that is fitted through a housing lateral slot extends the plunger top into the ball, lifting the ball to lock it against a housing top concave surface, and which ball includes a stem extending through the housing top to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked, and the ball stem end includes a tool mounting for connection to the work holding devices.