Lockable Articulated Joint for Multi-Position Snow Brush Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning implements, such as snow removal brushes, lack the flexibility to adjust the orientation of their bristles to extend along the handle axis, limiting their effectiveness in tasks requiring a broom-like configuration, as they are typically fixed with bristles perpendicular to the handle, and existing multi-axis joints do not provide sufficient control for transmitting working forces through a rigid coupling.
Innovation Solution
A lockable articulated joint with a rotationally symmetric plunger that allows user-selectable alignment to configure the implement in multiple locked positions, including configurations where the working face's longitudinal axis is parallel, perpendicular, or normal to the handle axis, using a ball-shaped attachment with recesses and plungers for secure locking and easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-axis pivotal joint is used to connect the end effecter to the handle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability is limited as the bristles cannot be oriented along the handle axis for broom-like configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The joint allows dynamic reconfiguration between fixed angular positions, enabling the bristles to be oriented perpendicular to the handle axis for brushing or parallel to the handle axis for broom-like sweeping, transforming a static single-axis joint into a dynamically adaptable multi-position mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The joint is segmented into multiple functional components including a first pivotal connection for angular adjustment, a second pivotal connection for orientation control, and a locking mechanism with plunger and recess elements, allowing each segment to contribute to the overall adaptability while maintaining manufacturability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal joint type connection is used to continuously adapt the end effecter orientation, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of force transmission deteriorates due to lack of rigid coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The joint transitions from a continuously movable universal joint to a dynamic system that can be locked in specific positions, providing rigid coupling for reliable force transmission when locked while maintaining adaptability through the ability to reconfigure between different locked positions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism with plunger and recess elements provides beforehand securing of the joint positions, ensuring that when the joint is locked, the force transmission is reliable and stable, preventing slippage or unintended movement during operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lockable joint with multiple positions is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex locking and unlocking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The joint enables dynamic reconfiguration between multiple locked positions through a simple mechanism where the plunger automatically engages with corresponding recesses on the end effecter, allowing users to switch between orientations by simply moving the end effector without complex locking procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates through self-alignment of the plunger with the recesses on the end effecter, where the geometry of the components automatically ensures proper engagement when the joint is positioned correctly, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and simplifying reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable articulated joint comprises a first member having a ball shaped attachment further having a recess on its periphery. A rotationally symmetric conforming plunger is for movably nesting into the recess. A second member pivotally receives the ball shaped attachment and comprises a plunger holding portion. User alignment of the recess with the plunger holding portion allows configuring the joint in one of at least two selectable locked positions. The articulated joint is usable in a multi-axis articulated implement, in which one member is an elongated end effecter having a working face and the other member is an elongated handle portion. A user may configure the implement in various locked attitudes, wherein a working face's longitudinal axis extends parallel or perpendicular to the handle, or wherein the working face's normal axis extends parallel to the handle. The implement may be embodied into a multi-axis snow brush.