Universal Ball Joint Brake Mechanism for Wear-Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal ball joint mechanisms for gunstocks are prone to separation due to wear, affecting positioning accuracy and service life, as they lack effective positioning structures and are complex to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A universal ball joint adjusting mechanism with a movably connected adjuster and brake system, where the brake applies pressure to the ball joint using a cambered surface and rolling element, ensuring stable positioning and easy adjustment, even with wear, through surface-to-surface contact and friction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple limiting components (second through hole, gasket, positioning bump) are provided to position the universal ball joint, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to wear of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-component positioning structure (second through hole, gasket, positioning bump) and replaces it with a simplified single-component limiting structure. The limiting component is integrated into the connecting member with a limiting surface that directly contacts the universal ball joint, removing unnecessary components while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting component on the connecting member serves multiple functions: it positions the universal ball joint, limits rotation, and provides a wear-resistant contact surface. This multi-functional design replaces the separate functions previously performed by multiple components (positioning bump for positioning, gasket for sealing, through hole for alignment), simplifying the overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple limiting components are used to position the universal ball joint, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability worsens due to wear of limiting components over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gasket and positioning bump components that were prone to wear and degradation, keeping only the essential limiting surface on the connecting member. This reduction in component count directly improves reliability by eliminating wear points while maintaining positioning accuracy through the optimized limiting surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting surface on the connecting member is designed with enhanced material properties and surface treatment to provide superior wear resistance. The use of high-strength, wear-resistant materials for the limiting component ensures long-term reliability and maintains positioning accuracy throughout the service life of the gunstock.
3Measurement precision
If the brake applies pressure to the ball joint through a cambered surface, then positioning accuracy is maintained under load, but device complexity increases due to additional brake components
Solution Approach 1:
The brake employs a cambered (curved) surface instead of a flat surface to apply pressure to the ball joint. This curved surface design provides optimal contact geometry that maintains positioning accuracy under various load conditions while allowing for a more compact and integrated brake structure, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system is integrated with the existing adjuster mechanism, combining the braking function with the adjustment mechanism. The brake components are merged with the adjuster housing and moving parts, eliminating the need for separate, standalone brake assemblies and reducing overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the brake can move in the first direction to apply pressure to the ball joint, then ease of operation is improved for one-handed adjustment, but device complexity increases due to movable brake mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The brake is designed with dynamic, movable components that can shift position in the first direction to engage or disengage the braking action on the ball joint. This dynamic design allows for easy one-handed operation where the user can quickly apply or release the brake by moving the control element, while the movable mechanism is integrated into the adjuster housing to minimize overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded or gravity-assisted movement, where the brake automatically engages or disengages based on the position of the adjuster. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex actuation mechanisms while providing easy one-handed operation.
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
The mechanism maintains positioning accuracy and prevents separation of the ball joint from the gunstock, facilitating one-handed operation and extending service life by distributing wear evenly and reducing friction forces.
Implementation Method 1
the braking member has a cambered surface, and the cambered surface is configured to apply pressure to the ball joint
Implementation Method 2
the brake further includes a rolling element and a braking unit; and the rolling element is arranged inside the adjuster and located between the braking member and the braking unit
Data Source
AI summary
A universal ball joint adjusting mechanism and adjusting method thereof are provided. The universal ball joint adjusting mechanism includes a ball joint, an adjuster, and a brake. The ball joint is arranged inside the adjuster, and the adjuster is movably connected to the ball joint. An end of the brake is arranged in the adjuster, and can move in a first direction to apply pressure to the ball joint or be away from the ball joint. The ball joint has a large volume, and thus the adjuster is more stable during load bearing adjustment. In addition, an outer surface of the ball joint is in surface-to-surface contact with an inner surface of the adjuster.