Two-Part Ball-and-Socket Joint for Secure Cable-Through Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support mechanisms for electronic equipment like tablet computers in public spaces often struggle with secure, tamper-resistant, and adjustable mounting solutions that accommodate cables with large connectors, limiting flexibility and ease of maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A two-part ball and socket joint design that allows cables with connectors to pass through, providing secure and adjustable mounting while enabling rotation and pivoting of electronic devices, with features like preload and adjustable stiffness to support various orientations and weights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a single-part ball member with a drilled passage is used, then the joint size is small, but cables with large connectors cannot pass through

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint sizeVSAvoidcable passage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ball member is divided into two separate portions (first portion and second portion) that can be assembled around the cable. This segmentation allows the cable with large connector to pass through the opening between the portions while the portions are joined together, resolving the contradiction between small joint size and cable passage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the ball and socket joint is made secure and tamper-resistant, then device security is improved, but cable replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoidcable replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The two-part ball member design allows the portions to be separated for cable access while maintaining security when assembled. The segments can be disassembled for maintenance purposes while providing tamper-resistant mounting when properly assembled, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two portions of the ball member act as intermediaries that can be separated to allow cable replacement while maintaining secure mounting. The portions facilitate both security during operation and ease of maintenance when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the joint allows rotation and pivoting for multiple orientations, then device flexibility is improved, but joint complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice orientation flexibilityVSAvoidjoint structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ball and socket joint design inherently provides rotation and pivoting capabilities through its spherical geometry. The ball member can rotate within the socket and pivot at various angles, providing multiple orientations without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11162527B2Ball and socket joint for device enclosure

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 GCX CORP

AI summary

One example of a ball and socket joint for a device enclosure includes a ball member configured to facilitate connection to an electronic equipment. The ball member includes a first portion, and a second portion configured to mate with the first portion to form a passage to pass one or more cables for connection to the electronic equipment. The ball and socket joint also comprises a socket comprising a hollow portion configured to receive the ball member.