Multi-Section Universal Tool with Elastic Ball Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal joints are unable to reach screwing members in extremely long and narrow spaces, limiting their operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section universal tool comprising an assembling member, a connecting member, a working member, and two elastic members, with polygonal ball joints and recessed portions, allowing for adjustable positions and flexibility through elastic engagement and disengagement, enabling the tool to be stretched and bent to various angles for use in narrow and long spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional universal joint with a single section is used, then the structure is simple, but the tool cannot reach screwing members in long and narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The universal tool is divided into multiple sections (assembling member, connecting member, working member) that can be independently positioned. Each section contains ball joints with elastic abutting members that engage with recessed portions to provide discrete positioning options, enabling the tool to navigate long and narrow spaces through segmented articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joints are designed to be movable between fixed positions rather than completely free-moving. The elastic abutting members engage with recessed portions to lock sections at specific angles, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural stability during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting ball joint is moved to the second connecting position, then the tool gains swingability for narrow spaces, but the connecting member becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joints transition between two distinct states: a first position where elastic abutting members engage with recessed portions to provide stability, and a second position where they disengage to allow swingability. This dynamic switching enables the tool to adapt between stable operation and flexible positioning as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic abutting members are pre-positioned to engage with recessed portions, creating preliminary constraints that prevent unintended movement. When swingability is required, these constraints are deliberately released by moving to the second position, ensuring controlled transitions between stable and flexible states.
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
Enables the universal tool to be operated effectively in long and narrow spaces by allowing the connecting and working members to move to different positions, preventing free movement and allowing for swingability, thus enhancing operational flexibility and reach.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting ball joint includes a connecting elastic abutting member which has a tendency to move radially outward... One of the two elastic members is disposed between the first receiving room and the connecting ball joint so that the connecting ball joint has a tendency to move normally toward the second connecting position
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-section universal tool includes an assembling member, a connecting member, a working member and two elastic members. The assembling member has an assembling portion and a first receiving room. The connecting member includes a connecting ball joint and a second receiving room. The connecting ball joint includes a connecting elastic abutting member which has a tendency to radially move outwardly. The connecting ball joint is inserted into the first receiving room and movable relative to the first receiving room to be in a first connecting position or a second connecting position. The working member includes a working ball joint including a working elastic abutting member which has a tendency to radially move outwardly. The working ball joint is inserted into the second receiving room and movable relative to the second receiving room to be in a first working position or a second working position.