Gimbal Knob Assembly for Clamping on Non-Parallel Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping mechanisms fail to securely attach objects to surfaces with non-parallel arrangements due to angular misalignment between the primary axis of securement and the surface normal, preventing the use of threaded connections.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal knob assembly with a gimbal joint that allows the threaded receptacle to pivot relative to the axis of rotation, enabling secure attachment of objects to angled surfaces by aligning the connecting bolt with the threaded receptacle despite angular discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard clamping mechanism is used with a planar crossbeam to attach to a curved tank interior, then the crossbeam can be mounted to the tank surface, but the primary axis of securement cannot be orthogonal to both the tank interior surface and the crossbeam plane simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal joint introduces dynamic adjustability to the clamping mechanism, allowing the threaded receptacle to pivot and align with the connecting bolt at various angles. This dynamic capability enables the mechanism to adapt to non-parallel surfaces while maintaining secure attachment through threaded connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal joint changes the angular parameter of the threaded receptacle relative to the knob axis, allowing alignment with connecting bolts at different angles. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling both secure threaded attachment and compatibility with non-parallel surface arrangements.
2Reliability
If a conventional clamping mechanism requires both surfaces to be orthogonal to the primary axis of tightening, then secure clamping can be achieved on parallel surfaces, but the mechanism cannot be used with angled or non-parallel surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal joint provides dynamic angular adjustment capability, allowing the threaded receptacle to pivot and accommodate connecting bolts at various angles relative to the knob axis. This maintains reliable threaded clamping while adapting to non-parallel surface configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal knob assembly becomes a universal clamping mechanism that can secure objects to surfaces at various angles. The gimbal joint's pivoting capability enables the same mechanism to work with parallel, angled, and non-parallel surface arrangements, greatly increasing versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanisms are designed to work with angled surfaces, then adaptability to non-parallel surfaces is improved, but the use of threaded shafts for tightening along the securement direction is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal joint introduces a movable pivot mechanism that allows the threaded receptacle to orient itself along the securement direction while accommodating angled surface arrangements. This dynamic adjustment maintains the simplicity and reliability of threaded connections without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal joint acts as an intermediary between the fixed knob axis and the variable-angle connecting bolt. It mediates the angular discrepancy by pivoting the threaded receptacle into proper alignment, enabling threaded tightening along the securement direction while working with angled surfaces.
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 stable and secure clamping of objects to non-parallel surfaces by accommodating angular misalignments, ensuring effective attachment and preventing potential safety issues.
Implementation Method 1
The gimbal knob can be rotated to cause the threaded connection bolt to be pulled into the threaded receptacle. Due to the orientation, the connecting bolt may be at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the gimbal knob. To account for the bolt being positioned over a potential angular range, the threaded receptacle can be positioned in, or associated with, a gimbal joint that is able to pivot with respect to the axis of rotation of the gimbal knob.
Implementation Method 2
The gimbal joint can have a plurality of ball bearings positioned around a circumference of the gimbal joint that are able to be received by inner recesses of the turnable knob portion. This can allow the gimbal joint to pivot with respect to an axis of rotation of the gimbal knob but prevent independent rotation of the gimbal joint within the gimbal knob.
Implementation Method 3
A threaded receptacle of the gimbal knob can be positioned to receive the threaded connection bolt. The gimbal knob can be rotated to cause the threaded connection bolt to be pulled into the threaded receptacle.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are directed toward clamping assemblies that can be used to at least temporarily secure an object to a surfacer in a non-parallel arrangement. In at least one embodiment, a gimbal knob can be used that includes a gimbal joint able to receive a connecting bolt over a range of angles with respect to an axis of rotation of the gimbal knob. As the gimbal knob is rotated, the gimbal joint can pivot to receive the connecting bolt, and the connecting bolt can be pulled into a threaded receptacle of the gimbal joint. The gimbal knob can use a number of bearings to allow for pivoting of the threaded receptacle as necessary. Multiple gimbal knobs can be used to secure an object to a curved, irregular, or non-planar surface or other object.