Ball-and-Socket Joint Assembly with Controlled Rotation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal ball-and-socket mounting apparatuses lack optimal resistance to circumferential rotation, allowing for either excessive or insufficient flexibility depending on the sizing of the balls and sockets.
Innovation Solution
A ball-and-socket joint assembly with upper and lower couplers and link sections, where the radius of the socket sections is between 85%-96% of the ball radius, providing controlled resistance to rotation through a specific circular line of contact and moment distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the ball radius is made larger relative to the socket radius, then the resistance to circumferential rotation increases, but the flexibility and range of motion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the ratio between ball radius and socket radius within the range of 0.85-0.96. This specific parameter range optimizes the balance between resistance to circumferential rotation and flexibility, resolving the technical contradiction by finding the optimal numerical relationship between these two geometric parameters.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the socket radius is made smaller relative to the ball radius, then the mounting apparatus becomes more stable, but the ease of operation and adjustment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing the socket radius as 85%-96% of the ball radius. This parameter relationship ensures that the socket is sufficiently large to allow easy insertion and adjustment of the ball, while still providing adequate geometric constraint for stability during operation.
3Device complexity
If the ball-and-socket joint uses a standard sizing ratio, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision required increases to achieve optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a parameter range (85%-96% ratio of socket radius to ball radius) rather than a single fixed value. This approach balances device simplicity with manufacturing precision requirements, allowing for acceptable tolerances while still achieving the optimal performance balance between stability and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball-and-socket joint assembly includes a stationary object, a movable object, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus has first and second rigid link sections, each link section having an upper socket section and a lower socket section, so that an upper receiving space is defined by the two upper socket sections and a lower receiving space is defined by the two lower socket sections. The assembly further includes an upper coupler having an upper ball that is received for rotation inside the upper receiving space, with the movable object secured to the upper coupler, and a lower coupler having a lower ball that is received for rotation inside the lower receiving space, with the stationary object secured to the lower coupler. A link member secures the link sections together with the upper ball retained inside the upper receiving space, and with the lower ball retained inside the lower receiving space.