Ball Mount Clamping Mechanism for Slip-Resistant Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball mounts used in applications with external loads, such as cameras and sensors, face issues of pivoting or slipping due to increased rotational force, leading to potential failure of the supporting mounts or clamps.
Innovation Solution
A clamping mechanism with a flexible first-end portion and a less flexible second-end portion, allowing for secure attachment to a mounting base while maintaining adjustability, featuring a contoured surface to cradle the ball mount and through holes for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the clamping mechanism uses a uniform thickness design, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the clamping force and stability under external loads are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism employs varying thickness throughout its structure, with the first end portion being thinner than the second end portion. This local quality variation optimizes the distribution of clamping force, concentrating material where needed (second end portion) to enhance strength and stability under external loads, while reducing material where less strength is required (first end portion).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of thickness along the length of the clamping mechanism. The thickness parameter varies from the first end portion to the second end portion, creating a gradient structure that optimizes both clamping force and structural integrity without requiring a completely complex design.
2Reliability
If the ball mount is secured in a fixed position, then the stability and precision are improved, but the adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to transition between dynamic (adjustable) and static (fixed) states. During installation, the mechanism allows adjustment of the ball mount to various positions. Once positioned, the clamping force locks the ball mount in place, providing stability. The mechanism thus adapts its degree of freedom based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured surface is pre-configured to cradle the ball mount body portion, and the varying thickness design is pre-engineered to provide optimal clamping force distribution. When the clamping mechanism is installed, these preliminary design features immediately engage to secure the ball mount in the desired position with appropriate stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first-end portion has greater bend allowance, then the adjustability and flexibility are improved, but the structural rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism employs varying thickness throughout its structure, with the first end portion being thinner than the second end portion. This local quality variation optimizes the distribution of clamping force, concentrating material where needed (second end portion) to enhance strength and stability under external loads, while reducing material where less strength is required (first end portion).
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into distinct portions with different thickness characteristics. The first end portion (thinner) provides flexibility for adjustment, while the second end portion (thicker) provides structural rigidity. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
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 provides a strong clamping force to secure the ball mount in exact positions without increasing material costs, preventing pivoting or slipping, and maintaining adjustability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible section (156) configured to bend toward the mounting base (130) and/or the ball mount assembly (200)
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping mechanism configured to be attachable to a mounting base and to support a ball mount between the clamping mechanism and the mounting base. The clamping mechanism comprising a first-end portion configured to be attached to the mounting base, the first-end portion including a tab, a flexible section, a first bottom surface that extends in a first plane, and a first through hole extending through the tab and the first bottom surface; a second-end portion configured such that a bend allowance of the second-end portion is less than a bend allowance of the first-end portion, the second-end portion including a second bottom surface that extends in a second plane, and a second through hole extending through the second bottom surface; and a contoured surface configured to cradle a body portion of the ball mount.