Swivel Joint Radial Play Reduction via Segmented Bearing Shells
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel joint systems for attaching mirrors to vehicles suffer from radial play and require multiple locking pins, which complicate assembly and reduce stability.
Innovation Solution
A swivel joint system with a first and second articulated arm connected via a swivel joint, featuring a locking pin, spring element, and centering element, providing two-point radial support and simplified assembly with a single locking pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking pin is used instead of two locking pins, then the assembly process is simplified and device complexity is reduced, but the stability and radial play reduction capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-radial support design to a two-point radial support design by spacing the bearing shells axially. This dimensional change allows one locking pin to effectively control radial play at two distinct points along the axial direction, compensating for the reduction in locking pin quantity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support is segmented into multiple bearing shells positioned at different axial locations. This segmentation allows the single locking pin to exert control over radial play at multiple discrete points, achieving the radial play reduction function that would otherwise require multiple locking pins acting at a single location.
2Reliability
If the axial length of support surfaces is increased, then radial play is reduced and stability is improved, but the device becomes more suitable for heavy mirrors requiring larger overall dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the axial length of individual support surfaces, the patent distributes support functionality across multiple bearing shells spaced axially. This allows radial play reduction through multi-point support without requiring each individual support surface to be excessively long, optimizing the balance between stability and compactness.
3Reliability
If two-point radial support is implemented with axially spaced bearing shells, then radial play is reduced and stability is enhanced, but the axial length of the overall joint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support system is segmented into discrete bearing shells positioned at specific axial intervals. This segmentation achieves two-point radial support for reduced radial play while allowing the axial spacing to be optimized for compactness, rather than requiring a single continuous long support surface.
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 system reduces radial play, enhances stability, and allows for easier mounting, making it suitable for commercial vehicles with narrower cabs and capable of supporting heavy mirrors and additional components.
Implementation Method 1
A swivel joint system with a first and second articulated arm connected via a swivel joint, featuring a locking pin, spring element, and centering element
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel joint system for pivotally connecting a mirror to a vehicle includes a first arm, a second arm, a locking pin, a spring element and a centering element. The first arm has first and second bearing shells. The second arm has a first counter bearing shell and a second counter bearing shell. The counter bearing shells are disposed between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell. A first latching surface of the first counter bearing shell contacts and presses against a second latching surface of the first bearing shell. The locking pin passes through the first bearing shell, the second bearing shell and a hole in the centering element. The second arm swivels relative to the first arm about a joint axis that is oriented co-axially to the locking pin. The spring element pushes the locking pin away from the first counter bearing shell.