Horizontal universal joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal universal joints used in enclosures for baby and infant equipment have insufficient strength and poor usability due to their structural limitations.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal universal joint design featuring a first joint member with a frame insertion port facing horizontally and a female coupling port facing vertically, and a second joint member with a frame insertion port facing horizontally and a male coupling port facing vertically, where the female and male coupling ports are removably engaged via an elastic body, allowing adjustable coupling angles through meshing teeth rows, and optionally incorporating an auxiliary frame insertion port for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional horizontal universal joints are used to allow free changing of coupling angles, then adaptability is improved, but strength and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member incorporates a rotatable component that allows dynamic adjustment of the coupling angle between horizontal and vertical directions. The rotatable part can rotate around the axial direction of the coupling port, enabling the joint to adapt to different coupling angles while maintaining structural strength through the integrated toothed engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint member integrates multiple functional components within a single structure: the coupling port, the rotatable part, and the toothed engagement mechanism are nested together. The rotatable part is positioned within the joint member body, and the teeth are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling port, creating a compact nested structure that provides both adaptability and strength.
2Ease of operation
If conventional horizontal universal joints are used to provide coupling functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and usability deteriorate due to insufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling port and rotatable part feature circular cross-sections and rotational symmetry, allowing smooth rotational movement. The circular configuration enables the joint to be operated by simple rotational motion while maintaining reliable engagement through the toothed mechanism that prevents excessive gaps and ensures stable coupling.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple joint structure is used to improve ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the coupling port for connection, the rotatable part for angle adjustment, and the toothed engagement mechanism for stability are merged into one joint member structure. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining or enhancing structural strength through the unified 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
The design provides a simple, strong, and user-friendly joint that allows for adjustable coupling angles and prevents excessive gaps between vertical frames, enhancing the structural integrity and usability of baby and infant enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
The female coupling port of the first joint member and the male coupling port of the second joint member are removably engaged via an elastic body
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a horizontal universal joint that has a simple structure and sufficient strength and actually features good usability. The horizontal universal joint includes a first joint member and a second joint member. The first joint member is a frame insertion port facing a horizontal direction and a female coupling port facing a vertical direction. The second joint member is a frame insertion port facing the horizontal direction and a male coupling port facing the vertical direction. The female coupling port of the first joint member and the male coupling port of the second joint member are removably engaged via an elastic body. Teeth rows are formed at an inner peripheral surface of the female coupling port and an outer peripheral surface of the male coupling port meshing with one another. Depending on meshing positions of both teeth rows when the male coupling port is inserted into the female coupling port, the horizontal direction where the frame insertion port of the second joint member faces relative to the frame insertion port of the first joint member is changeable.