Horizontal universal joint

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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 vertically, and a second joint member with a frame insertion port horizontally and a male coupling port vertically, where the female and male coupling ports are removably engaged via an elastic body, with teeth rows on their surfaces allowing adjustable coupling angles, enhancing structural strength and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional horizontal universal joints are used with simple structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and usability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint structure complexityVSAvoidjoint strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is divided into separate components: a first joint member with a frame insertion port and female coupling port, and a second joint member with a frame insertion port and male coupling port. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both strength and functionality while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male coupling port is inserted into the female coupling port, creating a nested structure. The elastic body is further nested within this coupling arrangement, providing engagement force without adding external complexity. This nested design consolidates multiple functions into a compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If conventional horizontal universal joints are used with fixed coupling angles, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability for different coupling angles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint structure complexityVSAvoidcoupling angle adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The joint transitions from a fixed coupling angle design to a dynamic, adjustable coupling angle design. The male and female coupling ports with meshing teeth rows allow the joint to be assembled at various angles by rotating the second joint member relative to the first, enabling adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling angle parameter can be changed by rotating the second joint member to different positions on the female coupling port. The meshing teeth rows provide discrete angular positions, allowing the joint to adapt to different coupling requirements without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If conventional horizontal universal joints are used without proper engagement mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the coupling connection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint structure complexityVSAvoidcoupling connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic body is introduced as an intermediary element between the male and female coupling ports. This elastic body provides continuous engagement force, ensuring reliable connection while allowing for slight adjustments and absorbing thermal expansion or contraction. The intermediary element enhances reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic body automatically provides engagement force to maintain the coupling connection between the male and female ports. The system is self-regulating, where the elastic deformation of the body continuously pushes the components together, ensuring reliable connection without requiring additional active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a horizontal universal joint with sufficient strength and improved usability, allowing adjustable coupling angles and effective assembly of enclosures for baby and infant equipment, preventing excessive gaps between vertical frames.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11553804B2Horizontal universal joint

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 GRANDOIR

AI summary

A horizontal universal joint includes a first joint member and a second joint member. The first joint member is integrally formed by a frame insertion port and a female coupling port. The second joint member is integrally formed by a frame insertion port and a male coupling port. 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.