Coupling Joint Shank Curvature Limits Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball and socket joint assemblies in piling hammers allow excessive rotational movement, leading to piston rod failure due to transmitted tensile stresses from impact, resulting in frequent breakdowns and reduced equipment lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A coupling joint design featuring a cylindrical stud head with rounded ends and a shank having a longitudinal curvature, encapsulated within a socket with a horizontal feather key to prevent excessive rotation, allowing limited angular movement and incorporating a shock-absorbing elastomeric member to reduce mechanical wear and impact transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ball and socket joint assembly is used to allow rotational movement, then the flexibility and adaptability of the piling hammer are improved, but the piston rod becomes vulnerable to breakage due to transmitted tensile stresses from impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the degree of freedom parameter from multiple rotational directions to a single controlled direction. The stud is designed with a curved junction that permits movement only in one specific direction while restricting rotation in other directions, thereby maintaining adaptability for counterbalancing tensile stresses while protecting the piston rod from multi-directional impact forces
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the stud with curved junction for controlled movement, the socket for structural support, and the elastomeric material for shock absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the stud handles directional movement, the socket provides structural integrity, and the elastomeric material absorbs impact energy
2Adaptability or versatility
If ample freedom of movement is provided to counterbalance transmitted tensile stresses, then the adaptability of the piling hammer is improved, but the piston rod fails more easily during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the movement parameter from unrestricted multi-directional rotation to controlled single-direction movement. The curved junction geometry inherently limits the range of motion to one direction, providing just enough freedom to counterbalance tensile stresses while preventing excessive movement that would compromise piston rod strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful impact forces into beneficial shock absorption by incorporating elastomeric material. The elastomeric component absorbs the impact energy from hammer strikes, transforming the harmful tensile stresses into contained deformation within the elastomeric material, thereby protecting the piston rod from failure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a ball and socket joint with elastomeric material is used to absorb shock, then the impact resistance is improved, but the rotational movement vulnerability remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement parameter from unrestricted rotation to controlled single-direction movement through the curved junction design. This geometric constraint works in conjunction with the elastomeric material to provide both impact absorption and movement control, eliminating the vulnerability to rotational breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly uses composite construction combining rigid components (stud, socket) with elastomeric material. The rigid parts provide structural integrity and movement control, while the elastomeric material provides shock absorption. This composite approach achieves both impact resistance and joint durability simultaneously
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 coupling joint significantly reduces the risk of piston rod damage and extends the lifespan of piling hammers by limiting rotational movement and absorbing shock, while facilitating easy installation and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a shock-absorbing elastomeric member to reduce mechanical wear and impact transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a coupling joint. The coupling joint herein comprising a Stud capable to tilt when subjected to impact comprising a cylindrical stud head (101) comprising an upper rounded end (103), a lower rounded end (105) and a cavity within' the cylindrical stud head (101); and a shank (107) having an elongated cylindrical body with an upper portion (107a) and a lower portion (107b), a junction (107c) between the upper portion (107a) and the lower portion (107b) having a longitudinal curvature, the lower portion (107b) being encapsulated within the cavity of the cylindrical stud head (101); and a socket (109) having a centre opening (113) adapted to lock the cylindrical stud head (101) in place within an inner surface of socket (109), leaving a gap (111) between the junction (107c) of the shank (107) and the centre opening (113) of the socket (109), allowing movement of the upper rounded end (103) and lower rounded end (105) of the cylindrical stud head (101) with the inner surface of the socket (109).