Interconnected Hub Assemblies with Elastic Links for Flexible Geometric Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing products and devices, such as jewelry and other items, are often rigid and inflexible, leading to discomfort and increased risk of damage due to their inability to conform to various shapes and sizes, necessitating a need for customizable, variably configured geometric structures that can adapt to different forms and applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising interconnected hub components with elastic links that allow for the formation of customizable geometric structures, where each hub has an interior chamber and radially extending housings with channels, and elastic links with attachment members that facilitate connection and adaptability, enabling the creation of flexible and resilient shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid structures are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to different shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into multiple rigid hub components connected by flexible links. Each hub maintains structural integrity while the connections between hubs provide flexibility. This segmentation allows the system to combine local rigidity with global adaptability, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and shape adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements (flexible links, articulation points) between rigid components, enabling the structure to change its configuration. The rigid hubs remain structurally sound while the dynamic connections allow adaptation to various shapes and sizes, simultaneously achieving strength and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customizable geometric structures with multiple components are created, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub components are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can connect to multiple other hubs in various configurations. Each hub serves the same basic function (connection point) but can participate in different geometric arrangements. This standardization reduces the effective complexity by making components interchangeable and predictable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical organization where simple hub units nest together to form larger geometric structures. The complex adaptability emerges from repeating simple modular units rather than requiring each component to be uniquely complex. This modular nesting approach manages system complexity through repetition of standardized elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible links are used to connect hubs, then adaptability to conform to objects is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure segments flexibility and stability functions: flexible links handle adaptation and conforming, while rigid hubs provide structural stability and strength. This functional segmentation allows each component to excel at its primary role without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a composite structure combining rigid components (hubs) with flexible elements (links). This composite architecture leverages the advantages of both material types: the rigid hubs maintain structural integrity while the flexible links enable adaptation, achieving both stability and versatility simultaneously.
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 system enables the production of versatile, adaptable geometric structures that can conform to various shapes and sizes, enhancing versatility and reducing the risk of damage by allowing for flexible and elastic configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic links are associated with each of the plurality of hubs
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly structured to form a customizable, variably configured geometric structure, which includes a plurality of hubs each having an interior chamber and a plurality of housings. Each housing includes an open ended interior channel communicating with the interior chamber of a common hub. A plurality of elastic links are each retained within and extend outwardly from a different one of said interior channels, wherein at least one elastic link of each hub is retained within a housing and connected to one other of said plurality of hubs. A predetermined number of the plurality of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs. A plurality of the closed, continuously configured array of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizable, variably configured geometric structures.