Integral Spiral Connector for Stiff, Wear-Free Flexible Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball joints and universal joints require a large number of parts and a complex assembly process, with issues of frictional wear and the need for additional force members to maintain posture, whereas they lack stiffness in critical directions like axial compression and torsion.
Innovation Solution
A connector with integrally molded spiral parts that form a shaft with zero inner diameter, providing high stiffness in axial compression, shear, and torsion while allowing only elastic deformation in bending, thus reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly by eliminating frictional wear points and maintaining posture through elastic restoring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball joints or universal joints are used to connect members, then the connection can accommodate movement and rotation, but the structure requires a large number of parts and complex assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (housing, ball seat, dust cover, and connector) into a single integrally molded connector. This eliminates the need for separate housing, ball seat, and dust cover components, reducing the total part count from 4+ components to 1 monolithic component while maintaining all original functions including movement accommodation, protection, and connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball joints or universal joints are used, then the connection can accommodate movement, but frictional wear occurs at contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ball-and-socket contact system with a spiral torsion spring mechanism. Instead of direct spherical contact that generates frictional wear, the connector uses elastic deformation of the spiral structure to accommodate movement, eliminating frictional wear at contact points while maintaining movement accommodation capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball joints or universal joints are used, then the connection can accommodate movement, but additional force members are needed to maintain posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the spiral torsion spring automatically generates restoring force through elastic deformation. The connector maintains posture autonomously without requiring additional force members, as the spiral structure itself provides the necessary elastic restoring force to return to the original position after movement
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball joints or universal joints are used, then the connection can accommodate movement, but stiffness is insufficient in critical directions like axial compression and torsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the spiral connector with varying thickness distribution. The connector has greater thickness in regions requiring high stiffness (axial compression and torsion areas) while maintaining flexibility in regions needed for movement accommodation. This non-uniform thickness distribution optimizes both stiffness and adaptability within the same component
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 connector achieves reduced part count and simplified assembly, enhanced stiffness in critical directions, and autonomous posture maintenance without additional force members, outperforming coil springs and cylindrical shafts in deformation resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The connector includes at least one spiral part in a shape where the thickness is added to a spiral surface... allowing only elastic deformation in bending
Data Source
AI summary
A connector connecting a first member and a second member, includes at least one spiral part in a shape where the thickness is added to a spiral surface formed by a spiral trajectory in which a line, connecting a first point located on a center axis passing through a first position on the first member side and a second position on the second member side and a second point located at a position away from the center axis, rotates around the center axis with the first point as a center while the first point moves in a direction along the center axis. The connector is integrally molded as a whole. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the assembly process compared to the ball joint and universal joint.