Invisible Ball-and-Socket Joint With Thermal and Electrical Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating systems require a physical rotation axis located on the edges or protuberances of connected elements, making them prone to degradation and exposure to external factors like dust and water, which limits their integration and effectiveness in applications like lighting and electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical hinge system with a virtual rotation axis, utilizing a J-shaped joining part with a curved end that passes perpendicularly through the female body, integrated with a sandwich brake system for friction-based locking, allowing rotation without external protuberances and enabling thermal and electrical conduction through conductive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical rotation axis is used in conventional rotating systems, then rotation is enabled, but the system becomes exposed to external factors like dust and water, leading to degradation and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotation axis from the external environment and relocates it internally within the female body. The virtual rotation axis is positioned at the center of the female body's face, eliminating the need for external protuberances that would expose the rotation mechanism to dust and water, thereby protecting the system from degradation and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism is nested within the female body itself. The J-shaped joining part with curved end passes through the female body and rotates around a virtual axis located at the center of the female body's face, with the rotation mechanism completely contained within the female body's internal space, protecting it from external harmful factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotation axis is located on edges or protuberances, then rotation is possible, but integration is limited and mechanical elements are exposed to outside
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rotation mechanism with the female body structure itself. The virtual rotation axis is positioned at the center of the female body's face, and the J-shaped joining part integrates the curved end that passes through the female body, eliminating the need for separate external rotation mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from external edge-based rotation to internal face-center rotation. By positioning the virtual rotation axis at the center of the female body's face and using a J-shaped joining part with curved end that passes through the body, the system enables rotation without requiring additional external space or complex mounting structures.
3Reliability
If conventional hinges are used, then rotation is achieved, but thermal and electrical conduction paths are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The J-shaped joining part with curved end serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables rotation around the virtual axis, provides a continuous thermal conduction path between the male and female bodies, and maintains electrical conduction through its conductive material construction, eliminating the need for separate thermal and electrical connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material construction for the J-shaped joining part, combining materials with high thermal and electrical conductivity. This allows the joining part to function as both a mechanical rotation element and a thermal/electrical conduction path, resolving the contradiction between rotation capability and conduction reliability.
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
This solution allows for reliable, protected, and efficient rotation and heat transfer between two solid bodies, reducing mechanical exposure and enhancing integration in electronic and lighting devices by eliminating external components and promoting cleanability and reduced component count.
Implementation Method 1
stays adjusted and retained by the friction exerted by a sandwich brake system (4)
Implementation Method 2
hinge and brake being built in a thermal and/or electric conductive material
Implementation Method 3
mechanical hinge system with electrical and/or thermal conduction capability
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical joint system with electrical and/or thermal conduction capability by means of an invisible adjustable hinge that connects and allows rotation of one body respects another one, i.e. a male body and a female body, by the integration of a rigid J-shaped joining part which enters perpendicularly through an access opening on the female face at any rotation position, and whose external end is fixed to the male body. The female body is internally equipped with a brake system that couples, guides and fixes the curved end of the J-shaped joining part and blocks its rotation movement. The J-shaped joining part integrates an electrical and/or thermal conductor that makes this invention of great interest for electronic devices with adjustable orientation, including LED lighting ones.