Microphone Adjustable Joint with Constrained Ball and Socket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphone stands with adjustable joints have limited range of adjustment, restricting the applicability and versatility in positioning microphones during performances.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable joint with a ball and socket connection that allows for constrained swiveling adjustment, featuring a stem with a male slot joint and a ball housing with a complimentary female joint, enabling greater range of movement while locking the microphone in desired orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional adjustable joint with wing nut and interlocking plates is used, then the microphone can be adjusted to a fixed position, but the range of adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ball and socket joint configuration where a spherical ball fits into a socket, enabling multi-directional movement. This curved geometric relationship replaces the linear interlocking plate mechanism, allowing the microphone to be positioned along an arc and in multiple orientations simultaneously, thus expanding the adjustment range while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable joint incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the joint to transition between locked and unlocked states. When unlocked, the ball can move freely within the socket for positioning; when locked, the position is secured. This dynamic capability enables both broad adjustment range and stable fixed positioning without requiring complex multi-position mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable joint allows free movement for greater range, then positioning flexibility improves, but unwanted movements and instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The joint features a dynamic locking system that transitions between mobile and fixed states. During adjustment, the joint allows free movement for positioning flexibility; once positioned, the locking mechanism engages to prevent unwanted movements. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both flexibility during positioning and stability during use
Solution Approach 2:
The ball and socket joint acts as an intermediary between the fixed mount and the movable microphone. The ball fits within the socket, allowing controlled movement while maintaining a stable connection. This intermediary structure enables the microphone to be positioned along an arc while preventing unwanted movements through the constraining geometry of the ball-socket interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ball and socket connection is used for greater movement range, then adjustment versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple ball and socket geometric relationship to achieve multi-directional movement. The spherical ball fits into a corresponding socket, creating a naturally versatile joint that allows movement along an arc and in multiple orientations. This elegant geometric solution provides complex movement capabilities without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The ball and socket joint serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mounting connection, enables multi-directional adjustment, defines the arc movement path, and works with the locking mechanism to secure positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving versatile movement
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable joint for use with a microphone is provided that includes a ball and a stem connected to the ball. The ball is located within a ball housing that defines a slot that has a length that extends along a portion of a front side and an end of the ball housing. The maximum width of the slot at the end of the ball housing is different than the maximum width of the slot at the front side of the ball housing. The adjustable joint allows for reorientation of an attached microphone.