Collapsible Joint With Non-Circular Tip And Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible structures lack efficient joint mechanisms that allow for secure assembly and easy collapse, particularly in sporting goals and other applications where stability and compact storage are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The development of a joint assembly featuring a mating member with a non-circular tip section and a receiving member with a hollow truncated cone socket section, combined with a flexible connector and a slider, which provides a snap fit and resistance or non-locking taper fit to secure the joint in both assembled and collapsed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional rigid joint mechanism is used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of collapse and compact storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can adapt between two stable states: an assembled configuration where the tip section is received within the socket section providing structural stability, and a collapsed configuration where the tip section is withdrawn allowing compact storage. The flexible member enables this dynamic transition while maintaining connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint is divided into separable components including a tip section, socket section, and flexible member that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to be assembled by inserting the tip section into the socket section and collapsed by withdrawing it, while the flexible member maintains connectivity throughout the transition.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member functions as a flexible connection element that maintains structural integrity while allowing movement between assembled and collapsed configurations. This flexible connection provides both ease of assembly through simple insertion and withdrawal motions and sufficient strength to maintain structural integrity when assembled.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then reliability of assembled configuration is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the geometric relationship between the tip section and socket section. When the tip section is inserted into the socket section, the non-circular cross-section provides inherent positioning and retention without requiring additional locking components, thereby achieving reliability while minimizing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Joint assemblies for collapsible structures include a mating member and a receiving member connected together by a flexible member. The receiving member includes a socket section having a lumen with an internal surface and a longitudinal slot. The mating member includes a tip section that, at a first end thereof, has a non-circular cross-section that provides at least two points of contact with the internal surface of the socket section when the tip section is positioned within the lumen of the socket section. The joint assemblies include a slider that has an internal diameter that varies along the length of the slider to retain the tip section of the mating member within the lumen of the receiving member.