Cardan Joint Assembly With Integrated Locking to Reduce Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic joint arrangements with locking devices are complex, prone to failure, and expensive to produce, with existing mopping device designs lacking robustness and incorporating unnecessary components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified joint arrangement where the locking means or latching recess of the second joint piece directly interacts with the first joint piece, eliminating intermediate components, and featuring a stable structure with parallel vertical walls and a resiliently prestressed locking mechanism for easy handling and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking devices are used in joint arrangements, then the locking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means and latching recess are integrated directly into the joint pieces themselves, eliminating the need for separate locking devices. The locking means on the second joint piece directly engages with the latching recess in the first joint piece, merging the locking function into the structural components rather than adding separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes intermediate connecting elements that were previously necessary between the first and second joint pieces. By having the locking means reach through the first joint part directly to interact with the latching recess, unnecessary intermediate components are extracted from the system, simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If traditional locking devices with intermediate components are used, then the locking mechanism is established, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the joint pieces themselves through integrated locking means and latching recesses, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This reduces the total part count and assembly steps, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the locking mechanism's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified locking structure uses fewer materials and less complex processing, making the joint arrangement more cost-effective to manufacture. The direct engagement between locking means and latching recess requires less precision and fewer manufacturing steps compared to traditional locking devices with multiple intermediate components.
3Device complexity
If wire bracket designs are used for the first joint piece, then the structure is simplified, but the robustness decreases for cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The first joint piece uses a composite structure combining vertical wall parts for structural strength with integrated locking features for functionality. This composite design provides both the robustness needed for cleaning operations and the simplified structure desired, avoiding the need to choose between wire bracket simplicity and robust construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical wall parts are provided with specific local features including the latching recess and reinforcement structures at critical locations. This local quality enhancement provides strength where needed for cleaning operations while maintaining overall structural simplicity, rather than requiring the entire structure to be robust throughout.
4Ease of operation
If the locking means is made resiliently prestressed, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed with resilient prestressing that changes its physical state between locked and unlocked positions. This parameter change allows automatic engagement and disengagement through simple force application, improving ease of operation. The prestressing parameter is built into the component design rather than requiring complex external mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently prestressed locking means automatically engages with the latching recess when the joint pieces are assembled and can be released by applying force in the direction of the prestress. The system serves itself by using the prestress force to maintain locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, offsetting the slight manufacturing complexity with operational simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a cost-effective, fault-resistant joint arrangement suitable for various components, including cleaning devices, offering high stability and versatility with easy locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (37) is accommodated in the cavity (36). The locking means (39) is pressed against the sleeve (38) by the compression spring (37)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 3
AI summary
The assembly (20) has a cardan joint (21) with joint pieces (22, 23) pivoting around respective pivot axes (25, 26). One of the joint pieces is attached to holder parts (11, 12). The other joint piece includes a locking unit or detent recess at ends facing the holder parts. The holder parts engage into the locking unit or detent recess in a locking position. The former joint piece passes through the locking unit or detent recess. A locking unit's region facing the detent recess is rounded and designed in a ball shape. A sleeve is provided in a hollow space in the locking unit.