Ball-and-Socket Mechanical Joint for Compact Multi-Axis Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical joints used in offshore energy applications are large, expensive, and difficult to handle, and they fail to efficiently articulate a first member relative to a second member about two non-parallel axes while transmitting loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical joint comprising a support member with an aperture and socket, and an arm with a ball that can rotate about a longitudinal axis and two perpendicular axes, allowing for articulated connection and load transmission, along with a process involving a tool to apply torque for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical joints (u-joints, chain mooring leg assemblies) are used to connect members and allow articulation about two non-parallel axes, then load transmission and articulation functionality are achieved, but the joints become large, expensive, and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical joint is divided into separate components: a support member with an aperture and socket, and an arm with a ball. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly, disassembly, and handling compared to traditional integrated mechanical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball is nested within the socket of the support member, and the arm extends through the aperture. This nested configuration allows the joint to achieve complex articulation functionality while maintaining a compact overall size, reducing the space and effort required for handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical joints are used to provide articulated connection, then articulation about two non-parallel axes is achieved, but the size and cost of the joint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The use of a ball (spherical shape) engaged within a socket provides natural articulation about multiple axes. The spherical geometry inherently enables rotation about two non-parallel axes while maintaining a compact form factor, avoiding the need for larger traditional mechanical joint structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball-and-socket configuration provides universal articulation capability, allowing the arm to rotate about the longitudinal axis and simultaneously rotate about two perpendicular axes passing through the ball's center point. This multi-axis rotation capability is achieved within a compact volume through the versatile ball-and-socket mechanism.
3Strength
If traditional mechanical joints are used for load transmission, then load carrying capacity is achieved, but the weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is extracted through the aperture of the support member, allowing the load-bearing function to be separated from the articulation function. This extraction enables the joint to transmit loads effectively while reducing the overall weight and complexity compared to traditional mechanical joints that combine both functions in a single heavy structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical joints and processes for using same. The mechanical joint can be configured to provide an articulated connection between a first member and a second member. In some embodiments, the mechanical joint can include a support member and an arm. The support member can define an aperture therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof. The arm can include a ball disposed on a first end thereof that can be engaged within and supported by the socket defined by the support member. A second end of the arm can extend through the aperture of the support member such that the arm can rotate relative to the support member about a longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially rotate about two axes that pass through a center point of the ball that are perpendicular to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the arm.