Double Ball-and-Socket Capsule Joint for Five-Axis Mirror Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double ball and socket joints in automotive inspection mirrors provide limited motion range and require complex assembly methods, such as nuts and bolts, which can be cumbersome and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A double ball and socket joint composed of two capsule portions with integrated ball extensions, allowing for snap-fit engagement and enabling rotation about five axes, including independent rotation of each ball and relative rotation of the capsule portions, providing infinite combinations of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two parallel plates with interior partially spherical depressions are used to hold balls, then the joint structure is simplified, but the assembly becomes complex requiring nuts and bolts to compress plates against balls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate parallel plates into a single capsule structure with two hollow interior sections. This integration eliminates the need for separate plates and their associated fastening hardware (nuts and bolts), thereby simplifying the overall joint structure while simultaneously simplifying the assembly process by allowing the capsule to be assembled as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule structure contains two balls within its hollow interior sections, with each ball nested within its respective hollow section. This nesting arrangement allows the balls to be retained within the capsule without requiring external compression plates and fasteners, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and assembly ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single ball and socket joint is used, then the structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into two independent ball-and-socket components (first ball with first and second sockets, second ball with third and fourth sockets) contained within the capsule. Each ball can rotate independently within its hollow interior section, enabling multi-directional movement and significantly expanding the range of motion compared to a single ball joint, while the segmented design is managed within a unified capsule structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure incorporates dynamic elements by allowing the capsule itself to rotate relative to the mirror bezel in addition to the balls rotating within the capsule. This multiple-level rotational capability provides infinite combinations of motion, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure.
3Reliability
If nuts and bolts are used to assemble the joint, then the connection is secure, but the assembly method is cumbersome and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule integrates the functions of multiple separate components (plates, balls, retention mechanisms) into a single assembly unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening operations with nuts and bolts, making the assembly process simpler and more straightforward while maintaining secure connections through the integrated capsule design that retains balls within its hollow sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A double ball and socket joint is formed of a two-piece capsule. Each piece of the capsule carries a ball and extension combination that operates rotationally within a socket. The extensions exit the capsule through void spaces at both distal ends of the capsule. The two pieces of the capsule are preferably in snap-fit engagement. The result is that the double ball and socket joint of the present invention provides infinite combinations of rotation about five axes of rotation: a first and a second axis of rotation about the first ball, a third and a fourth axis of rotation about the second ball, and a fifth axis of rotation is provided when the two pieces of the capsule are rotated relative to one another.