Elastic Short-Pin Universal Joint for Compact Angle-Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joint designs are bulky and complex, making them difficult to assemble and maintain, and they do not efficiently manage the inclined angle between bases.
Innovation Solution
An elastic short-pin type universal joint using a first base, a second base, a jointer, first and second elastic members, and short pins, where the jointer has specific bores and the elastic members press the pins to engage the bases, allowing for simpler assembly and maintaining the inclined angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two long pins are used to penetrate through the first base, second base and connection member, then the universal joint can maintain structural stability, but the overall size and length of the universal joint become larger
Solution Approach 1:
The single long pin is segmented into two short pins that operate at different levels. The first short pin penetrates the first base and connection member, while the second short pin penetrates the second base and connection member. This segmentation reduces the overall length requirement while maintaining structural stability through distributed pin support.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin arrangement transitions from a single-dimensional long pin to a multi-dimensional configuration with short pins at different levels. The connection member includes first and second through holes at different levels, allowing short pins to penetrate at different heights, thereby reducing the overall length while maintaining functional integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two long pins are inserted at different levels with perpendicular directions, then the connection member can accommodate both pins, but the overall assembling processes become more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into two independent short pin insertion operations at different levels, rather than one complex long pin insertion. This allows each short pin to be assembled independently through its respective through hole, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the perpendicular connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member is pre-designed with first and second through holes at different levels, prepared in advance to accommodate the short pins. This preliminary structural preparation simplifies the assembly process by providing ready-made pathways for pin insertion, reducing on-site assembly complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional universal joint structure is used, then the inclined angle between bases can be maintained, but the overall size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint is segmented into compact components with short pins at different levels, reducing the overall volume while maintaining the inclined angle stability. The distributed pin configuration provides structural support that preserves the angular relationship between bases without requiring a bulky single-pin design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the dimensional parameters from long pins to short pins at different levels, reducing the overall size while maintaining the functional parameter of inclined angle stability. The short pin configuration with proper spacing and orientation preserves the angular relationship between bases.
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 reduces the overall size and complexity of the universal joint, simplifies the assembly process, and effectively maintains the inclined angle between the bases, reducing manufacturing costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
The short pins are urged by ends of the first elastic member and the second elastic members to press the first lugs and the second lugs respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic short-pin type universal joint includes a first base, a second base, a jointer, a first elastic member, two second elastic members, and four short pins. The first base engages the second base to form a space therebetween. The jointer is received in the space between the first and the second bases. The jointer has a first bore passing through the jointer, a second bore, and a third bore. The first elastic member is received in the first bore of the jointer, and the second elastic members are received in the second bore and the third bore. The short pins are urged by ends of the first elastic member and the second elastic members to press the first base and the second base respectively. As a result, the first base is able to rotate related to the second base in all directions.