Floating Joint Locking Mechanism Nested in Spherical Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating supporting devices require additional space for locking mechanisms in both vertical and horizontal directions, making them less compact.
Innovation Solution
A floating joint with a locking mechanism integrated within a spherical bearing, utilizing an inner cylinder, intermediate cylinder, and elastic member to control the swingability of a movable base relative to a fixed base, allowing for compact design by positioning step parts along the axial direction of the cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided in an external part of a spherical guiding part, then the locking function is achieved, but the space requirement increases in both vertical and horizontal directions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the spherical bearing structure. The locking pin is received in a recess of the spherical bearing, and the locking cam is positioned within the spherical bearing's internal space. This nesting arrangement allows the locking function to be achieved without increasing the external dimensions of the spherical guiding part, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing serves multiple functions: it provides the spherical guiding function for swingable support and simultaneously houses the locking mechanism. By making the spherical bearing a multi-functional component that integrates both guiding and locking features, the patent eliminates the need for separate external locking structures, thus reducing space requirements while maintaining locking reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If a locking mechanism is integrated within the spherical bearing, then the space requirement is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking pin, a locking cam, and a spring. Each component has a specific function - the pin engages with the recess to lock, the cam converts rotational motion to linear motion for pin actuation, and the spring provides the necessary force. This segmentation allows for a compact design while maintaining manageable structural complexity through clear functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism employs dynamic elements including a spring-loaded pin and a cam that converts rotational motion to linear motion. The spring provides dynamic force storage and release, while the cam mechanism enables controlled engagement and disengagement of the locking pin through rotational movement. These dynamic principles allow compact packaging of the locking function while managing structural complexity through well-established mechanical principles.
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 enables a space-saving floating joint that effectively locks and unlocks the movable base, maintaining compactness while allowing for controlled movement and swingability, enhancing the efficiency of devices like workpiece conveyance robots.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (such as intermediate cylinder biasing spring 34 described later) that couples the intermediate cylinder and the movable base
Implementation Method 2
a spherical bearing (such as spherical bearing 51 described later) having a spherical surface (such as spherical surface 511 described later), and a spherical washer part (such as spherical washer part 52 described later) that slidably supports the spherical surface
Data Source
AI summary
A space-saving floating joint including a locking mechanism that locks a swing of a movable base with respect to a fixed base is provided. A floating joint includes: a fixed base; a movable base; a floating mechanism that floatingly supports the movable base swingably with respect to the fixed base; and a locking mechanism that fixes the movable base in a state of not being swingable with respect to the fixed base. The floating mechanism includes a spherical bearing having a spherical surface, and a spherical washer part that supports the spherical surface slidably. The locking mechanism is provided in an inner part of the spherical bearing.