Light Tool Mount Assembly With Wedge Lock and Ball Joint Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light mount systems for inspection tools lack flexibility and maneuverability, making it difficult to direct lights at specific areas of machined parts during inspection, especially in applications like magnetic particle inspection where imperfections need to be identified under UV light.
Innovation Solution
A light mount assembly featuring a ball joint with a threaded stub, a wedge-lock element with a collar and pivotally mounted fingers, and a clamp element with a brake, allowing for secure positioning and flexible manipulation of the light tool at an inspection station using standard mounting system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple post with stalk mounting system is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the flexibility and maneuverability for directing light are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base element for surface attachment, an articulating arm with multiple joints for positioning, and a clamp element for securing the light tool. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while providing overall system flexibility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating arm incorporates movable joints including a ball joint and socket joint that allow the arm to articulate and adjust to various angles and positions. This dynamic capability enables the light tool to be directed at different areas while maintaining a secure connection to the base.
2Ease of operation
If the light is mounted on a fixed post, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the light cannot be easily moved or directed at different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp element incorporates a wedge-lock mechanism with movable fingers that can be adjusted to different positions. The fingers can be spread apart to release the light tool for movement, then closed to securely clamp the tool in the desired position, providing both ease of operation and reliable securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-lock element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the clamp fingers and the light tool. By inserting the wedge between the fingers, the fingers are forced outward to release the tool, and removing the wedge allows the fingers to close and secure the tool, providing controlled movement and secure clamping.
3Reliability
If threaded connections are used to mount the ball joint, then the connection is secure and reliable, but wear and thread issues may occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-lock mechanism replaces traditional threaded fastening for the primary securing function. The wedge provides a mechanical locking action through friction and geometric interlocking between the wedge surface and the fingers, eliminating the need for threads that can wear or strip, while maintaining secure connection.
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 high flexibility and secure clamping of the light tool, enabling precise direction and adjustment of the light source for effective inspection, reducing wear and the risk of thread damage with a metal-to-metal connection.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge lock element includes a wedge movable along the axis between the fingers to urge the fingers outward as the wedge moves inward toward the carriage
Implementation Method 2
A biasing element biases the fingers toward one another. The biasing element can be a band encircling the fingers, such as a resilient band.
Implementation Method 3
The mount can include a threaded element mounted for rotation in the carriage that threadedly engages the wedge, such that rotation of the rod moves the wedge longitudinally toward and away from the carriage
Implementation Method 4
The mount includes a ball joint portion having a ball for engagement with an associated socket joint
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for a light tool having a bore is for use at an associated tool station. The ball joint has a ball for engaging a socket joint. The ball joint has a stub extending therefrom and a wedge-lock element having a collar for engaging the stub. A carriage is mounted to the collar. A pair of finger elements are mounted to the carriage for pivotal movement relative to the carriage, toward and away from each other. The wedge lock element includes a wedge movable along the axis between the fingers to urge the fingers outward as the wedge moves toward the carriage. The wedge lock element is positioned with at least a portion of the carriage and the fingers in the tool bore and the wedge is drawn in to secure the ball joint portion in the tool bore. A clamp element is operably connected to the ball joint portion to indirectly secure the ball joint to a fixture. The clamp element includes a front plate, a bracket and a brake element disposed and movable between the front plate and the brake element. The brake is movable toward a front wall of the fixture to secure the clamp to the fixture.