Elastic Short-Pin Universal Joint for Compact Reliable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joint structures are large in size and complex to assemble, requiring long pins and multiple through holes, which complicates manufacturing and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
An elastic short-pin type universal joint design featuring a first base, a second base, a jointer, first and second elastic members, and four short pins, where the jointer has distinct bores and the elastic members urge the short pins to engage with lugs, allowing for reduced size and simplified assembly.
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 achieve reliable connection, but the overall size and length of the universal joint become large
Solution Approach 1:
The single long pin is segmented into two separate short pins that engage with the first base and second base respectively. Each short pin only needs to span a portion of the total distance, allowing the universal joint to achieve the same connection reliability with reduced overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure transitions from a linear penetration through all components to a distributed engagement system where short pins engage with lugs in different spatial arrangements. The first lugs and second lugs are positioned to accommodate short pins that engage at different locations, reducing the required length along the main axis.
2Reliability
If two long pins with through holes are used, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing and assembly processes become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate engagement points with short pins and lugs. This segmentation eliminates the need for long pins passing through multiple components with aligned through holes, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining secure connection through distributed engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex through-hole penetration structure is extracted and replaced with a simpler short pin engagement system. The lugs are designed with recesses that receive the short pins, eliminating the need for precise through-hole alignment and reducing assembly complexity.
3Strength
If long pins are used to penetrate through multiple components, then the universal joint achieves sufficient strength, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection strength is achieved through multiple short pins engaging at different locations rather than a single long pin. The first elastic member and second elastic members provide distributed support and force application, maintaining connection strength while reducing the volume required for each individual pin and the overall joint assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the dimensional parameters from long pins to short pins, and compensates for the reduced individual pin length by increasing the number of pins and utilizing elastic members to provide the necessary mechanical advantage and force distribution to maintain overall connection strength.
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 simplifies the assembly process, enabling easier manufacturing and operation by using fewer components and simpler engagement mechanisms.
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.