Lockable Friction Joint With Adjustable Discs to Prevent Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable friction joints in adjustable localized ventilation systems suffer from wear issues, misalignment, and mechanical failure due to the design of friction discs and rings, as well as interference from applied forces affecting the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A lockable friction joint design featuring a first and second joint member with inner friction surfaces and pivotal connecting projections, an adjustment element on the outer surface, and a fixating element that securely holds friction discs in place, allowing for adjustable friction forces and reduced force requirements for locking, with a configuration that limits pivotal movement and prevents misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If friction discs and rings are designed to fit together with circumferential protruding edges, then the locking mechanism can be simplified, but wear issues occur during the life span of the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The friction joint is divided into multiple friction discs (first friction disc, second friction disc) rather than using a single friction element. Each disc can be independently positioned and maintained, allowing the circumferential edges to be designed as separate positioning elements that do not interfere with friction surface contact. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both simplified locking geometry and reliable friction interaction.
2Device complexity
If the screw holding the adjustment device is pivotally fixedly connected to the joint arm, then the adjustment mechanism can be compact, but applied forces affect the interlocking friction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The screw connection is extracted from the pivotal connection function. The screw is used solely for securing the adjustment device to the joint arm, while a separate pivotal connection allows the joint arm to rotate independently. This separation ensures that forces applied during pivoting do not affect the screw's locking function, maintaining consistent friction forces while keeping the mechanism compact.
3Device complexity
If the same elements limit overturning and enable pivoting, then the device structure can be simplified, but pivoting may be affected if too much force is exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The functional elements are segmented into distinct components: circumferential edges serve as positioning elements for limiting overturning, while separate pivotal connections enable rotation. This segmentation allows the positioning function to remain engaged during pivoting operations, providing guidance and support without restricting the intended rotational movement, thus simplifying structure while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If friction is increased to lock the joint in place, then the pipe sections remain rigid, but the adjustment device becomes difficult to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The friction joint employs dynamic friction control through the adjustment device, which can vary the clamping force on the friction discs. The system transitions between a locked state (high friction) and an adjustable state (low friction) based on the adjustment device's position. This dynamic control allows the joint to be securely locked during operation while remaining easily adjustable when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of repositioning.
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 a stable, reliable, and easy-to-use friction joint that maintains consistent frictional forces during adjustments, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and wear, while allowing for customizable frictional surfaces and efficient locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the friction between the friction discs can be adjusted by means of the adjustment element
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable friction joint includes a first joint member with a first arm member and a second joint member with a second arm member, the first and second joint members each having an inner friction surface and pivotal connecting projections. A friction adjustment device includes an adjustment element on an outer surface of the second joint member, and a fixating element on an outer surface of the first joint member. A plurality of friction discs are adjacent each other and between the inner friction surfaces of the first and second joint members, whereby friction between the friction discs is adjusted by the adjustment element. Each friction disc has at least one friction surface acting on an adjacent friction surface of another element of the friction joint and each friction disc is pivotally coupled to at least one other element of the friction joint.