Supporting Joint with Spherical Inserts and Tie Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting structures for temporary coverings like parasols are unstable and prone to being uprooted by wind or bumps, and reinforcement increases weight and size, compromising flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A supporting joint with tie rods or struts featuring spherical inserts that allow swiveling, providing stability and versatility while minimizing size and cost, comprising a main body with spherical cavities and cylindrical holes for secure connection and cable passage, and using 3D printing for implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supporting structure is reinforced to improve stability, then the structure becomes more stable and secure, but the weight and size increase, compromising flexibility and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the supporting rod to swivel within the spherical insert, transforming the joint from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic articulated connection. This allows the structure to adapt its configuration dynamically, maintaining stability through geometric arrangement while preserving flexibility and reducing overall weight compared to fully reinforced rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the supporting structure into modular components: a base with spherical insert, a supporting rod with spherical terminal, and optional tie rods. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and function, while the modular nature enables flexible reconfiguration without requiring heavy reinforcement throughout the entire structure
2Reliability
If the supporting structure is reinforced to improve stability, then the structure becomes more secure against wind and bumps, but the sizes increase, compromising flexibility and portability
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing swiveling capability through spherical joints, the structure achieves stability through dynamic adaptation rather than static bulk. The articulated connections allow the structure to absorb external forces through controlled movement and reconfiguration, eliminating the need for increased size while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining spherical inserts with cylindrical holes, spherical terminals with axial cavities, and modular rod components. This composite approach creates a lightweight yet stable structure where the geometric interlocking of components provides structural integrity without requiring increased volume
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed positioning is used to simplify the joint design, then the manufacturing is easier, but the positioning versatility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint design with swiveling capability provides positioning versatility through simple rotational movement. The spherical insert with cylindrical hole and spherical terminal with axial cavity create a universally compatible articulation that is easy to manufacture yet enables multiple positioning configurations, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A supporting joint (10) incorporating tie rods or struts, in form of rods, with spherical inserts, allows a high positioning and use versatility, with great robustness, but with minimum overall dimensions and costs, and it comprises: a body with an interface for the connection to the ground, with a face (20) thereon said seats (14) are obtained defined by a spherical wall belonging to the body, and with an access opening (21); spherical inserts (16), each one housed inside a respective hollow seat (14), with a spherical shape and with two polar faces (18) opposed and parallel to each other, cutting the insert shape according to two parallel planes, by reducing the thickness thereof, the spherical insert (16) having an axial hole (19), with cylindrical shape; and one or more tubular rods (8) inserted in the axial hole (19) of a respective insert (16); wherein the access opening (21) is so that, at the cusp of the edge positioned on the face (20), it is slightly larger than the distance between the faces of the insert (16), so as to be able to insert it inside the cavity and, once rotated by 90 degrees, to face it towards outside to insert the relevant tubular rod.