Swivel Mount Assembly With Ball-and-Collar Rotation Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel-capable mount assemblies are heavy, bulky, and expensive, making them inefficient for enabling swivel functionality.
Innovation Solution
A swivel mount assembly comprising an arm, a pair of ball portions, and a collar, where the arm is swivelable with respect to the collar, and the ball portions engage the arm and sockets within the collar, allowing for sliding engagement and limited rotation to maintain swivel functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional swivel-capable mount assemblies are used, then swivel functionality is achieved, but the assembly becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The mount assembly is divided into discrete functional components: a collar that attaches to the support element, a separate arm with swivel capability, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining swivel functionality through the collar-arm interface
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a heavy central hub with radiating arms (conventional approach), the invention inverts the structure by using a lightweight collar on the support element with a separate arm that attaches to it. The swivel functionality is achieved through the arm's ability to rotate relative to the collar, rather than a complex central mechanism
2Ease of operation
If conventional swivel-capable mount assemblies are used, then swivel functionality is achieved, but the assembly becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into a collar, arm, and simple attachment mechanisms, each component can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes. The separation of functions allows for simpler individual parts that are easier and cheaper to manufacture compared to an integrated conventional assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential swivel functionality from a complex conventional assembly and implements it through a simplified collar-arm interface. This extraction removes unnecessary components and complexity, reducing manufacturing cost while preserving the core swivel capability
3Ease of operation
If conventional swivel-capable mount assemblies are used, then swivel functionality is achieved, but the assembly becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional bulky hub-and-spoke structure by using a compact collar on the support element with a slender arm that attaches to it. This inversion dramatically reduces the volume occupied by the mounting assembly while maintaining full swivel capability through the collar-arm interface
Solution Approach 2:
Segmenting the assembly into a compact collar and a separate arm allows for optimized space utilization. The collar occupies minimal space on the support element, while the arm extends only as needed, reducing overall assembly volume compared to conventional integrated designs
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 proposed swivel mount assembly is lighter, more compact, and cost-effective while maintaining swivel functionality, making it adaptable for various support elements and devices.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of each ball portion engages the arm. The outer surface of each ball portion engages one socket. The arm is swivelable with respect to the collar.
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel mount assembly for securing a device to a support element is presented. The assembly includes arm, ball portions, and collar. The arm has an exterior surface. Each ball portion includes a center portion with outer and inner surfaces bounded by sides disposed between ends and a flange portion extending outwardly from each side. The collar includes faces separately disposed within an aperture with a socket along each face. Each socket includes a surface extending into the collar at the face. The arm is disposed between the ball portions. The inner surface of each ball portion engages the arm. The outer surface of each ball portion engages one socket. The arm is swivelable with respect to the collar. The flange portions of one ball portion are moveable with respect to the flange portions of other ball portion. The flange portions limit rotation of the ball portion within the socket.