Ball Joint Hinge Assembly with Clamping Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint arrangements for positioning components are complex, difficult to assemble, and can only absorb limited clamping forces.
Innovation Solution
A joint arrangement featuring a clamping body with a cylindrical receptacle and multiple shells with ball sockets that allow the joint ball to be pivoted and fixed, enabling high friction and holding forces through a simple and easy-to-assemble design, using a pivotable lever for actuation and a securing element to prevent shell displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a joint arrangement uses a large number of individual parts (tripod head with ball joint, locking pin, housing), then the positioning capability is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and the structure becomes difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual parts (housing, ball socket, locking mechanism) into an integrated clamping body with a receptacle. The clamping body houses the ball socket and clamping means as unified components, eliminating the need for separate housing and locking pin assemblies, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the joint arrangement into two main functional components: the clamping body (containing receptacle, ball socket, and clamping means) and the joint ball assembly. This segmentation allows for simpler assembly by treating these as two primary units rather than multiple small parts
2Ease of manufacture
If a joint arrangement uses a simple clamping structure, then the assembly is easy, but the clamping force absorption capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping body incorporates a receptacle with a specific geometric shape designed to accommodate and concentrate clamping forces. The ball socket is positioned and shaped to optimize force distribution, allowing the simple clamping structure to absorb high clamping forces through strategic local design features rather than requiring a complex overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The joint ball and ball socket utilize spherical geometry to distribute clamping forces evenly across the contact surface. This curved interface allows the simple clamping body structure to effectively absorb high forces by leveraging the mechanical advantages of spherical contact rather than requiring complex reinforcement
3Strength
If the clamping body has a complex geometry to adapt to spherical joint ball, then the holding forces are high, but the manufacturing and assembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the spherical adaptation function into a distinct ball socket component within the receptacle, while the clamping body itself maintains a simple cylindrical geometry. This segmentation allows the complex spherical interface to be manufactured separately and assembled into the simple clamping body structure, combining manufacturing ease with high holding forces
Solution Approach 2:
The ball socket acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the simple cylindrical receptacle and the spherical joint ball. This intermediary component provides the necessary spherical geometry for high holding forces while allowing the clamping body to maintain its simple manufacturable shape
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 solution allows for easy assembly and high holding forces, enabling precise positioning of components with the ability to absorb significant clamping forces, suitable for applications like scaffolding and optical device mounts.
Implementation Method 1
This enables a simple structure and high friction and holding forces in the fixed position via the clamp.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A joint arrangement (1) for positioning components comprises a ball joint (2) that can be connected to a first component via fasteners, and a clamping device that can be fixed to the ball joint (2) and connected to a second component via fasteners. The clamping device has a clamping body (3) that can be compressed via clamping means (7, 7') and on which a receptacle (8) is formed. In the receptacle (8), at least one shell (7, 7') with a ball socket (70) for receiving a section of the ball joint (2) is arranged, which can be pressed against the ball joint (2) via the clamping body (3). This allows the joint arrangement to be easily assembled and provides high holding forces.