Lockable Double Ball Joint Device for Secure Appliance Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable ball joint devices in computer holders for vehicles are not strong enough to withstand the forces encountered on bumpy roads, making them ineffective for securing appliances like laptops.
Innovation Solution
A lockable double ball joint device with a housing, first and second joint elements, a locking washer, and an operation member that clamps the joint elements in a locked state, utilizing surface engagement with the housing's inner walls for high strength and adjustability, allowing for secure positioning of heavy appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional screw-based lockable ball joint is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the locking strength is insufficient to withstand forces on bumpy roads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member with first and second engagement portions that independently engage with the housing and the adjustable member respectively. This segmentation allows each portion to bear specific locking loads, thereby increasing overall locking strength without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a single-point or single-plane engagement to a multi-dimensional engagement system. The first engagement portion engages with the housing in one dimension while the second engagement portion engages with the adjustable member in another dimension, creating a three-dimensional locking structure that significantly enhances locking strength
2Strength
If the ball joint is made stronger to withstand bumpy roads, then the locking strength improves, but the device dimensions increase becoming too large
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the housing structure, with the first engagement portion integrated into the housing cavity and the second engagement portion extending to engage the adjustable member. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact while maintaining sufficient locking strength, avoiding excessive device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surfaces utilize curved or spherical geometries that allow for compact yet strong locking. The ball joint's spherical nature combined with the locking member's curved engagement portions enables high strength-to-size ratio, maintaining compact dimensions while achieving the required locking strength
3Strength
If the ball joint uses surface engagement with inner walls for high strength, then the locking strength increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-formed with integrated engagement surfaces and cavities during the main housing manufacturing process, rather than requiring separate precision machining operations after assembly. The first engagement portion engages with pre-formed features in the housing, reducing the need for high-precision post-processing and lowering manufacturing precision requirements
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 device provides a strong and adjustable mechanism to securely hold heavy appliances like laptops in various positions, ensuring stability even on bumpy surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a locking washer, which is arranged between said first and second balls and which comprises a first seat for receiving said first ball, and an opposite second seat for receiving said second ball
Implementation Method 2
an operation member, which is operable between a locked state where it urges said locking washer to clamp lock said first and second joint elements
Implementation Method 3
the operation member comprises a rotatable threaded rod that extends through a threaded hole of said housing, and an operation lever attached to the threaded rod
Implementation Method 4
an operation lever attached to the threaded rod
Data Source
AI summary
A double ball joint device comprises a housing, a first joint element having a first ball mounted in the housing, and a first shaft attached to a portion of the first ball protruding through an opening in the housing, and a second joint element having a second ball, which is mounted similar to the first ball and is provided with a corresponding second shaft. A locking washer is arranged between the first and second balls and has a first seat for receiving the first ball, and an opposite second seat for receiving the second ball. An operation member is operable between a released state, where the joint elements are pivotable, and a locked state, where it urges the locking washer to clamp lock the joint elements in a current position. When moving the operation member to the locked state it urges the washer to an off-centre position.