Lockable Pivot Joint with Push-Button Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivot joints are often cumbersome and difficult to operate due to their locking mechanisms, which hinder efficient angular movement and adjustment between connected shaft or rod-like members.
Innovation Solution
A lockable pivot joint with a spring-biased push-button assembly that allows for locking and unlocking in multiple positions, featuring a lobed member and retainer mechanism to secure the elongate shank, enabling easy rotation and adjustment between connected members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used in pivot joints, then the joint can be secured in position, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a button for user input, a biasing member for automatic engagement, a lobed member for position detection, and a retainer member for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall mechanism simple to operate while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically engages the locking mechanism when the button is released, without requiring additional user action. The mechanism serves itself by using the button press to disengage the lock and the spring force to automatically re-engage it, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking steps
2Ease of operation
If a simple push-button mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to lock in multiple positions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lobed member features asymmetric lobes that engage with corresponding features on the joint members at specific angular positions. This asymmetric geometry enables the simple push-button mechanism to lock securely at multiple discrete positions while maintaining ease of operation, as each lobe configuration corresponds to a stable locking position
Solution Approach 2:
The push-button assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface for unlocking, activates the biasing member for automatic locking, and works with the lobed member to enable multi-position securing. This multi-functionality allows a single simple component to achieve both ease of operation and multi-position adaptability
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 user-friendly mechanism for locking and unlocking pivot joints, allowing for precise angular movement and adjustment, enhancing operational ease and versatility in devices such as foldable measuring instruments.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is positioned between the button and the second joint member
Data Source
AI summary
The lockable pivot joint can be connected to separate, first and second shaft members to facilitate pivotable connection of the shaft members. The pivot joint includes a first joint member and a second joint member pivotally connected to the first joint member. A push-button assembly for locking and un-locking the pivot joint in a plurality of positions, is connected to the members. The push-button assembly includes an elongate shank having a button at one end. A lobed member is attached to the first end of the shank and a retainer member is positioned in communicating relation with the elongate shank to secure the lobed member on the elongate shank. A biasing member is positioned between the button and the second joint member.