Ball-and-Socket Joint With Pin-Groove Rotation Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball and socket joints allow unrestricted rotary motion, which can lead to human error and improper positioning of sensors, especially in applications requiring precise orientation like 2D or 3D space scanning, necessitating a solution to restrict rotation about specific axes while maintaining freedom of movement in other directions.
Innovation Solution
A ball and socket joint design featuring a pin and groove arrangement that prevents rotation about an axis parallel to the groove's plane, allowing rotation about other axes, with optional integration of a shaft and attachment surface for sensors, and an optional locking mechanism to secure the ball in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball and socket joint allows unrestricted rotary motion, then freedom of movement is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation freedom is segmented into independent axes: the ball can rotate freely about the vertical axis (azimuth) and tilt axis, but rotation about the horizontal axis parallel to the groove is restricted by the pin-groove mechanism. This segmentation allows selective freedom and constraint on different rotational degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin and groove act as an intermediary mechanism between the ball and socket. The pin engages with the groove to prevent rotation about the horizontal axis, while still allowing the ball to rotate about other axes. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for freedom of movement and the need for positioning precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If a ball and socket joint restricts rotation about specific axes, then positioning precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint is applied locally rather than globally. The pin-groove mechanism only restricts rotation about the specific horizontal axis parallel to the groove, while leaving rotation about the vertical axis and tilt axis unrestricted. This local quality approach maintains adaptability in directions where freedom is needed while achieving precision where required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the ball in position, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing pin-groove structure. The same pin that prevents rotation about the horizontal axis also serves as part of the locking mechanism when engaged with the groove. This merging avoids adding separate locking components and keeps the device complexity low while achieving stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball and socket joint, including a pin located on either the socket or the ball and a groove located on the other of the socket or ball, the pin configured to engage the groove and translate along the length of the groove when the ball is located in the socket. An attachment surface for attaching a device to the ball and socket joint is also provided, and the pin and groove are arranged to prevent rotation of the ball about an axis that is parallel to the plane of the groove and extends through the attachment surface when the ball is located in the socket. A ball and socket joint includes a locking nut, the locking nut including a partly circular internal cross section and a second flat surface.