Support Arm Joint With Dual One-Way Clutches for Precise Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support arms with locking mechanisms are large, unwieldy, difficult to maneuver, and complex, making them costly and hard to maintain while also being difficult to accurately position relative to a target site.
Innovation Solution
A support arm design featuring a joint with a first one-way clutch to prevent rotation in one direction and a second one-way clutch to prevent rotation in the opposite direction, along with a movable locking mechanism that allows for selective locking of the second component relative to the first component in any rotational orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used to fix the support arm in position, then the support arm can be secured relative to the target site, but the support arm becomes large, unwieldy, and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent one-way clutches (first and second one-way clutches) that can operate independently. Each clutch handles locking in one rotational direction, allowing the mechanism to be compact while providing bidirectional locking capability. This segmentation enables the support arm to maintain maneuverability while achieving reliable positioning.
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used to secure the support arm, then the support arm can be fixed in position, but the mechanism becomes complex, costly, and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of two one-way clutches into a single integrated locking mechanism. Rather than using two separate locking mechanisms or a complex bidirectional locking system, the invention merges the locking functions into one compact assembly that achieves bidirectional locking through the coordinated action of the two one-way clutches, reducing overall complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides bidirectional rotational locking, allows selective locking in either direction, and enables the support arm to be secured at any rotational position. The first and second one-way clutches work together to provide comprehensive locking capability in a single mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate locking systems.
3Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms with large diameters are used, then the support arm can be securely locked, but the support arm itself must have a large diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with a nested structure where the first and second one-way clutches are arranged concentrically or in a compact configuration. This nesting allows the locking mechanism to achieve sufficient locking strength without requiring a large outer diameter, enabling the support arm to maintain a compact size while providing reliable locking capability.
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 results in a support arm that is manageably sized, easy to maneuver, and accurately positionable, with a simple, cost-effective locking mechanism that allows for infinite rotational locking positions, enhancing usability and customization.
Implementation Method 1
The joint includes a first one-way clutch configured to selectively prevent rotation of the second component relative to the first component in a first rotational direction. The joint also includes a second one-way clutch configured to selectively prevent rotation of the second component relative to the first component in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A support arm includes a first component, a second component, and a joint coupled to the first component and positionally supporting the second component. The joint includes a first one-way clutch, a second one-way clutch, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is moveable between a first position wherein the first one-way clutch permits rotation of the second component in a first rotational direction and the second one-way clutch permits rotation of the second component in a second rotational direction to allow movement of the second component relative to the first component, and a second position wherein the first one-way clutch prevents rotation of the second component in the first rotational direction and the second one-way clutch prevents rotation of the second component in the second rotational direction to positionally lock the second component relative to the first component.