Friction Joint Structure for Lamp Head Positioning and Electrical Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joint structures for connecting members that allow pivotal motion lack integrated electrical connections and preset frictional resistance, making it difficult to maintain adjusted positions and rotate components smoothly.

Innovation Solution

A joint structure with a plug part for electrical connections, friction-setting parts to provide preset rotational resistance, and screws to secure components without contributing to friction, allowing 360-degree rotation and maintaining pivotal positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a joint structure allows pivotal motion between members, then flexibility and adjustability are improved, but maintaining the adjusted position becomes difficult due to lack of frictional resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidposition maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating a friction element with adjustable frictional resistance. The friction element's parameters (friction coefficient, contact pressure) are changed to provide sufficient resistance to maintain the adjusted position of the lamp head while still allowing manual repositioning. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing the friction parameter to balance ease of adjustment with position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The joint structure implements dynamics by allowing the friction element to engage and disengage dynamically during operation. When the user adjusts the lamp head, the friction element temporarily slips to allow movement, then engages to maintain the new position. This dynamic behavior enables both easy adjustment and reliable position maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical connections are added to the joint structure, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical joint structure. The electrical connector is integrated into the joint assembly, combining mechanical connection and electrical connection into a single unified structure. This reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanical and electrical connection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint structure achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously providing mechanical pivotal motion, position maintenance through friction, and electrical power transmission. The single joint assembly performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If frictional resistance is increased to maintain position, then position stability is improved, but rotation smoothness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidrotation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the friction element's parameters (friction coefficient, contact area, normal force) to achieve the right balance. The parameters are tuned so that the friction force is sufficient to hold the lamp head at adjusted positions against gravity, yet not so high as to prevent smooth manual repositioning. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between position stability and rotation smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables easy adjustment and secure maintenance of pivotal positions with integrated electrical connections and smooth rotation, applicable in devices like lamps, while minimizing frictional interference.

Implementation Method 1

at least one side part having the ability to generate frictional rotational resistance to keep the at least one plug part in a predetermined position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least one electrical contact between the at least one side part and the at least one holding structure of the at least one joint part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8992055B2Joint structure, components and processes
Publication Date: 2015.03.31 KONCEPT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US8992055B2 patent drawing
  • US8992055B2 patent drawing
  • US8992055B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An independent friction joint structure including: at least one plug part having a connection to a device, the device comprising a lamp head; at least one joint part holding the at least one plug part in place, the at least one joint part having at least one holding structure; at least one side part having the ability to generate frictional rotational resistance to keep the at least one plug part in a predetermined position; at least one electrical contact between the at least one side part and the at least one holding structure of the at least one joint part; and at least one screw to fit all the components of the independent friction joint structure together.