Lockable Universal Joint With Intersecting Axes Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal joints with multiple pivots suffer from axis misalignment, leading to uneven movement, binding, and increased complexity in adjustment, while ball and socket joints rely on friction, which is susceptible to vibration and limited in rotation range.
Innovation Solution
A lockable universal joint design with a single clamping force that securely locks the joint into a user-selected alignment, featuring a ring rotationally connected to a pivotable member with a slidable lock and serrations for secure engagement, allowing rotation about intersecting axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple pivots are provided for each axis of rotation, then the joint can be adjusted and locked at different angles, but the axes of rotation become offset and do not intersect, resulting in uneven and unpredictable arm movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pivot functions into a single pivot structure. The universal joint uses one pivot for the first axis of rotation and a second pivot for the second axis, both intersecting at a common center point. This merging eliminates the offset problem of conventional dual-pivot designs while maintaining full adjustability through the locking mechanisms on each pivot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the locking function from the pivot structure itself. Each pivot is equipped with its own locking mechanism that can independently secure the arm at desired angles. This segmentation allows each pivot to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system coherence through the intersecting axes design.
2Ease of operation
If multiple pivots are provided for each axis of rotation, then adjustment is possible, but the design complexity increases requiring separate locks for each pivot and multiple-step alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making both pivots part of the same universal joint structure with identical locking mechanism designs. This standardized approach reduces complexity by using the same type of lock for both axes, allowing the user to operate both pivots in a consistent manner rather than dealing with different locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The intersecting axes design performs preliminary alignment by ensuring both pivots share a common center point from the outset. This eliminates the need for post-adjustment realignment that would be required in offset pivot designs, as the geometry is pre-configured to maintain proper alignment regardless of the arm's position.
3Device complexity
If a ball and socket joint is used, then a single clamping force can secure the joint, but the reliance on friction makes it susceptible to vibration, torque, and acceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based ball and socket mechanism with a positive locking mechanism. Instead of relying on friction between spherical surfaces, the invention uses interlocking elements such as teeth, gears, or cam-based locks that physically prevent movement. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with friction under vibration and dynamic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
While moving away from the spherical ball and socket design, the patent retains some curved surface geometry in the locking surfaces to maintain smooth motion during adjustment. The locking surfaces may use curved or rounded profiles to guide the locking elements during engagement while providing positive mechanical locking when engaged, combining the benefits of curved surfaces with positive locking.
4Device complexity
If a ball and socket joint is used, then the structure is simple, but the rotation range is limited by the socket encompassing at least a hemisphere of the ball
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotation control into two independent pivots with intersecting axes, allowing the arm to rotate freely about the first axis without being constrained by a socket hemisphere. The second pivot provides adjustment about a perpendicular axis. This segmentation enables a greater overall range of motion compared to the single spherical constraint of a ball and socket joint.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for locking a universal joint is provide. The universal joint comprises first and second ends, a first member pivotally connected to said first end about a first axis, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member about a second axis wherein the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to and intersect each other and wherein the second end is operably connected to the second member. The apparatus comprises a ring rotationally connected to the second pivotable member about a plane containing the second axis, a restraint for restraining the ring from rotation about the first axis, and a lock for locking the ring relative to the first member.