Ham stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ham stands lack the maximum degrees of freedom necessary for easy and practical positioning during ham cutting, requiring users to rotate the stand or themselves to achieve the correct cutting angle and posture.
Innovation Solution
A ham stand with a spherical joint connection element that allows multiple degrees of freedom through combined pivoting and rotational movements, enabling rotation around any axis parallel to the base and rotation between 0 and 360°, along with a brake mechanism to secure the desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-axis pivoting mechanism is used, then the ham stand is simple in structure, but it only allows one degree of freedom and requires the user to rotate the entire stand to achieve proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is divided into two independent segments: a vertical pivoting axis and a horizontal rotating axis. Each axis provides one degree of freedom, allowing the ham stand to be positioned independently in vertical and horizontal directions, eliminating the need to rotate the entire stand structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional (single-axis) movement to two-dimensional positioning by adding a second orthogonal axis. The vertical pivoting axis handles elevation angle adjustment while the horizontal rotating axis handles azimuthal rotation, creating comprehensive positioning capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-axis rotation mechanism is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it lacks the flexibility to achieve multiple cutting angles and postures
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transforms from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system with two degrees of freedom. The ham stand can dynamically adapt its orientation in both vertical and horizontal planes to accommodate various cutting angles and user postures
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-axis mechanism provides universal positioning capability, allowing the ham stand to achieve any orientation within its range of motion. This multi-functional positioning system replaces the need for multiple fixed-angle stands, as one stand can accommodate all cutting scenarios
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a ham stand (1) that comprises a support structure (2) for a ham (3) and a base structure (4) for the assembly, and a connection element (5) of the support structure (2) with the base structure (4). The connection element (5) comprises a spherical joint (6) and a housing piece (7) of said joint (6) attached to the other structure such that it presents multiple degrees of freedom due to the combination of pivoting and rotational movements of the support structure (2) with respect to the base structure (4). Thanks to the pivoting movement, the user can rotate the ham to position it as desired in order to cut it conveniently and safely.