Hemispheric Ball Joint with Spring-Loaded Blocking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for portable devices in vehicles face challenges in maintaining the desired orientation due to inadequate friction in ball joints, which degrades over time, and require complex locking mechanisms that are impractical for use during vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a blocking element fixed to the support base by elastic return means, allowing easy adjustment of the portable device's orientation by pressing on the receiving surface, and featuring complementary latching means and actuating mechanisms to transition between locking and unlocking positions without relying solely on friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction-based ball joint is used to maintain device position, then the device can be held in place, but the friction force decreases over time due to wear and vibrations cause unwanted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where a blocking element can transition between blocking and non-blocking states. The blocking element is movable along the rod, allowing it to engage with the head to prevent displacement or disengage to allow repositioning. This dynamic mechanism replaces the static friction-based system, providing reliable position maintenance that does not degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blocking element as an intermediary component between the head and the support base. This blocking element, when engaged, mechanically prevents relative displacement between the head and body, providing a positive locking action that is independent of friction forces. The blocking element acts as a mediator that transfers and secures the positioning force directly.
2Reliability
If a screw-based locking mechanism is used to prevent ball joint displacement, then the position can be maintained, but the device becomes impractical to use during vehicle movement as the portable device must be removed to adjust the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the blocking element to be actuated directly by the user through simple pressing or sliding motions on the accessible portions of the support device. The blocking element moves along the rod and can be engaged or disengaged without removing the portable device, allowing the user to self-adjust the locking state conveniently during vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the locking mechanism from a traditional screw-based system requiring tool operation in one dimension to a linear sliding blocking element that moves along the rod axis. This dimensional change allows the blocking element to be actuated by simple linear motion accessible to the user, eliminating the need for rotational screw operations and tool access.
3Reliability
If a blocking element is added to prevent ball joint displacement, then position maintenance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function into a separate, dedicated blocking element that operates independently from the main ball joint structure. This blocking element moves along the rod and can engage or disengage to provide locking or unlocking functionality. By separating the locking function into its own component, the system achieves reliable position maintenance while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
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 simple and effective maintenance of the portable device's position, allowing easy orientation adjustments without the need for tools, even during vehicle movement, and provides a robust locking mechanism that resists vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking element is fixed to the support base by elastic return means and is applied against the head
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a support base (4) comprising a hemispherical body (14) with a wall (20) having a shape complementary to a wall (24) of a hemispherical head (22). A movable blocking element (32) prevents movement of the head with respect to the body in a blocking position. The movable blocking element is fixed to the support base by a spring (38) and applied against the head, where the spring and the movable blocking element push the wall of the head against the wall of the body in the blocking position.