Joint Mechanism With Interchangeable Range Stops for Wear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint mechanisms require separate manufacturing for different movable ranges, leading to increased costs and potential wear and deterioration, necessitating complete replacement.
Innovation Solution
A joint mechanism with a base part, rotary part, regulated part, and movable range defining member that allows for adjustable movable ranges without additional costs, using a movable range defining member to set and protect the range, and a multi-joint device with interchangeable range defining members for multiple joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If joint mechanisms are separately manufactured for different movable ranges, then the movable range requirements are met, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple movable ranges through interchangeable movable range defining members. The regulating part includes a regulated part, regulating part, and movable range defining member that can be configured for different ranges without changing the fundamental mechanism design, allowing one base mechanism to serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable range regulation function is segmented into a separate movable range defining member that can be independently selected and installed. This segmentation allows the movable range to be adjusted by changing only the defining member rather than manufacturing entirely different mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If the regulating part is worn out due to long time use, then the joint mechanism must be replaced completely, but this increases cost and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating part is segmented into replaceable components, specifically the movable range defining member, which can be independently replaced when worn. This allows maintenance of the joint mechanism by replacing only the worn defining member rather than the entire mechanism, reducing repair costs and downtime while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable range defining member is designed as a consumable component that can be discarded when worn and replaced with a new one. This approach allows the expensive base mechanism to be recovered and reused multiple times, reducing overall cost while maintaining the joint mechanism's reliability throughout its service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joint mechanisms with different movable ranges are prepared for one device, then each joint's specific requirements are met, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism employs a universal design where the base part and rotary part remain consistent across different applications, while only the movable range defining member changes. This allows multiple joint mechanisms with different movable ranges to be prepared for one device without increasing overall complexity, as they share the same fundamental structure and interchangeable components.
Data Source
AI summary
Without an increase in the cost, a movable range is defined. A first joint mechanism includes a base part, and a rotary part that rotates relatively to the base part. The first joint mechanism includes a regulated part that rotates together with the rotary part, a regulating part that is disposed on the extension of the rotation locus of the regulated part, and that has a function of regulating rotation of the regulated part relative to the base part, within a first movable range, and a movable range defining member that is disposed on either the base part or the rotary part, and that defines, as a movable range of the regulated part, a second movable range that is narrower than the first movable range.