Resilient Connector Movable Joint for Six Degrees of Freedom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing movable joints with more than one degree of freedom, such as pin-in-slot joints, fail to simulate natural anatomical movement in six degrees of freedom and cannot absorb shocks, vibrations, and loads effectively.

Innovation Solution

A movable joint design featuring a body with spaced apertures connected by an opening, arms with abutment portions, and a resilient connector that allows independent movement in up to six degrees of freedom while absorbing forces, utilizing polymeric materials and customizable geometry and resilience to mimic natural joint movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pin-in-slot movable joints are used to connect two parts, then the joint provides structural connection and movement capability, but it cannot simulate natural anatomical movement in six degrees of freedom and cannot absorb shocks, vibrations and loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegrees of freedom movement capabilityVSAvoidshock and vibration absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the connector from rigid (pin-in-slot) to resilient/elastomeric, enabling the material to deform and absorb shocks while maintaining the six degrees of freedom movement capability. The resilient connector's elasticity allows it to dynamically adapt to various movement patterns and absorb external forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining the resilient elastomeric connector with rigid abutment portions and apertures. This composite approach allows the resilient material to handle shock absorption while the rigid components provide structural stability and precise movement control, achieving both versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If pin-in-slot movable joints are used, then the joint provides rigid structural connection, but the rigidity prevents absorption of shocks, vibrations and loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidshock and vibration absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical property parameter of the connector from rigid to resilient, allowing the material to exhibit both stability in its overall structure and flexibility in absorbing shocks. The resilient connector maintains structural integrity while dynamically responding to external forces through elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex movable joints are designed to provide six degrees of freedom movement, then the joint can simulate natural anatomical movement, but the complexity increases cost and structural intricacy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical movement simulationVSAvoidjoint structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single resilient connector component that simultaneously provides six degrees of freedom movement, shock absorption, and anatomical movement simulation. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate mechanical components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient connector serves multiple functions: it enables six degrees of freedom movement, absorbs shocks and vibrations, and simulates natural anatomical movement patterns. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall joint structure by replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The design enables a simple, low-cost movable joint capable of simulating anatomical movement in six degrees of freedom, effectively absorbing shocks, vibrations, and loads, with potential applications in human or animal joint support devices.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient connector passing through the opening to connect the ends of the arms in the apertures, wherein the resilience of the resilient connector: allows independent movement of the arms in up to six degrees of freedom which is controlled by engagement of abutment portions of the arms with respective abutment portions of the apertures; and absorbs forces applied to the arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8157755B2Movable joint having up to six degrees of freedom

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 POD I P PTY LTD

AI summary

A movable joint (100) including: a body (102) having two spaced apertures (104, 106) connected by an opening (108); two arms (110, 112) having ends receivable in the apertures; and a resilient connector (114) passing though the opening (108) to connect the ends of the arms in the apertures, wherein the resilience of the resilient connector: allows independent movement of the arms in up to six degrees of freedom which is controlled by engagement of abutment portions (120) of the arms (110, 112) with respective abutment portions (122) of the apertures (104, 106); and absorbs force applied to the arms.