Modular Ball-Joint Connection for Variable-Angle Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for spacecraft equipment require a large number of specific elements to secure parts with varying angular orientations, leading to high production and operational costs due to the need for customized solutions.
Innovation Solution
A lockable modular connection device featuring a spherical ball joint and a hollow housing with a locking element made of hardened material, allowing for adaptable angular positioning and locking without pre-determining specific part orientations, utilizing additive layer manufacturing for cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific connection elements are used for each pair of parts with different angular orientations, then the connection device can ensure mechanical securing with suitable angles, but the number of connection elements increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized connection element that can serve multiple angular orientation functions. The connection element incorporates a spherical joint mechanism that enables adjustable angular positioning, allowing one universal component to replace multiple specialized connection elements previously needed for different angle requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating a movable spherical joint within the connection element that allows angular adjustment during assembly and operation. This dynamic capability enables the connection element to adapt to various angular orientations between parts, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-angle connection elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of specific connection elements are produced and used, then different angular orientations can be accommodated, but production and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces production costs by manufacturing a single type of universal connection element that can be mass-produced using standardized processes, rather than producing multiple specialized connection elements in smaller quantities. The spherical joint mechanism is designed for ease of manufacture while maintaining adaptability to various angular requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different angular orientations by changing the positional parameters of the spherical joint within the connection element, rather than manufacturing different connection elements with fixed geometries. This allows versatile angular capability to be achieved through assembly configuration rather than through complex manufacturing variations.
3Reliability
If multiple specific connection elements are used for different part pairs, then each connection can be optimized for its specific angle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall system by replacing multiple specialized connection elements with a single universal connection element design. The spherical joint mechanism provides the necessary angular optimization capability within one standardized component, reducing system complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection function into a standardized interface portion and an adjustable spherical joint portion. This segmentation allows the connection element to maintain a simple standardized external form while incorporating the complex angular adjustment capability internally, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing a lockable modular connection between two parts, the device includes a first element for connecting to one of the parts and a second element for connecting to the other part. The first element includes a rod secured to a ball joint. The second element includes a housing containing the ball joint. The device has an inner space between an inner face of the housing and a peripheral face of the ball joint, and a locking element arranged between the housing and the ball joint. Motifs are arranged on the peripheral face of the ball joint and/or on the inner face of the housing. The locking element consists of a hardened material that fills the entire inner space and with regard to which the motifs form abutments in order to hold the ball joint in a fixed position in the housing.