Ball-and-Socket Mounting Geometry for Rotational Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball-and-socket mounting apparatuses lack optimal resistance to rotational movements, allowing for either excessive or insufficient flexibility depending on the sizing of the balls and sockets, which affects their utility in supporting movable objects at variable angular orientations.
Innovation Solution
A ball-and-socket joint assembly with link sections and couplers where the radius of the socket sections is 85%-96% of the ball radius, providing enhanced resistance to rotational movements by maximizing the distance between the ball's centerline and the circular line of contact, thus optimizing the apparatus's ability to securely support objects at various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the radius of socket sections is made smaller relative to the ball radius, then the flexibility and range of motion is improved, but the resistance to circumferential rotation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the radius ratio between socket sections and balls within the range of 85%-96%. This specific parameter range optimizes the balance between flexibility and rotational resistance, resolving the contradiction by finding the optimal dimensional relationship that satisfies both requirements simultaneously.
2Strength
If the radius of socket sections is made larger relative to the ball radius, then the resistance to circumferential rotation is improved, but the flexibility and range of motion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing the optimal parameter range where the socket radius is 85%-96% of the ball radius. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient rotational resistance while preserving adequate flexibility and range of motion, preventing either extreme from dominating the system behavior.
3Strength
If the distance between the centerline of the ball and the contact points is increased, then the resistance to circumferential rotation is improved, but the structural compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric configuration where the socket sections contact the ball at optimized locations. This local contact geometry optimization achieves high rotational resistance without requiring overall structural enlargement, maintaining compactness while enhancing the critical contact region's functional performance.
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.