Pivotal Support Locking Mechanism for Adjustable Movement Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivotal supporting devices lack adjustable and limiting mechanisms for the pivotal movement of remote members relative to their supporting bases, restricting flexibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A pivotal supporting system with a housing, shank, latch, lock, and control ferrule that allows adjustable and limited pivotal movement by engaging and disengaging the shank with grooves and pathways, enabling controlled rotation and anchoring of the remote member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pivotal supporting device structure is used, then the device is simple in structure, but it lacks adjustable and limiting mechanisms for pivotal movement
Solution Approach 1:
The control structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a control ferrule with actuating elements, a follower with depression and recess, a latch mechanism, and a lock mechanism. Each component performs a specific function in controlling pivotal movement, allowing independent adjustment of different movement limits while maintaining overall system coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static supporting structure to a dynamic one with adjustable characteristics. The control ferrule can rotate to different positions, the follower moves between depression and recess states, and the latch and lock can engage or disengage, enabling the pivotal movement limits to be dynamically adjusted according to user needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shank is freely engaged in the housing, then the pivotal movement is unrestricted and flexible, but the stability and positioning control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The latch and lock mechanisms are designed to automatically engage with the groove and pathway of the shank when the control ferrule is rotated to specific positions. The spring member automatically biases the latch into engagement, and the actuating elements automatically trigger the locking actions, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower acts as an intermediary between the control ferrule and the latch/lock mechanisms. When the control ferrule rotates, the follower translates this rotational movement into linear movement that triggers the engagement or disengagement of the latch and lock, mediating between the control input and the positioning output.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuating mechanisms are added for controlling pivotal movement, then the control precision and adjustability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch and lock mechanisms are merged into a single integrated control system operated by one rotatable control ferrule. Both mechanisms share common components (spring member, follower) and are controlled through a single user interface, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the precision benefits of having multiple control points.
Solution Approach 2:
The control ferrule serves multiple functions: it acts as a rotational control element, a positioning indicator, and a trigger for both the latch and lock mechanisms. The follower simultaneously controls both the latch and lock engagement, making the control system multi-functional and reducing the number of separate control elements needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivotal supporting system includes a pivotal supporting device disposed on a supporting base for supporting a remote member on the supporting base, the pivotal supporting device includes a housing having a compartment for engaging with a shank, the shank having a groove and a pathway aligned with an orifice and an aperture of the housing, a latch engaged into the orifice of the housing for engaging with the groove of the shank, a lock engaged into the aperture of the housing for engaging with the pathway of the shank, and a control ferrule is engaged onto the housing includes an actuating element and one or more actuating members for engaging with the latch and the lock.