Telescoping Boom Arm With Ball Joints for Stable Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning structures for auxiliary electrical devices in manufacturing environments offer limited adjustability, making it difficult to accurately position devices like sensors and cameras for sensing, viewing, and illumination tasks.
Innovation Solution
A boom arm assembly with ball joints at each end and a telescoping link that connects them, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation of auxiliary electrical devices relative to a fixed anchoring surface, using a flexible supply link and a locking mechanism to secure the telescoping link in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length arm with ball and socket arrangement is used, then the device can be positioned at a desired location and orientation, but the adjustability is limited and the device cannot be repositioned easily
Solution Approach 1:
The boom arm transitions from a fixed-length rigid structure to a dynamic telescoping structure with inner and outer members that can extend and retract relative to each other. This dynamic configuration allows the boom arm to achieve multiple positions and orientations while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom arm is divided into segmented components including an outer member and an inner member that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation enables telescopic movement while maintaining the overall structural function of positioning the auxiliary electrical device.
2Ease of operation
If a telescoping link with locking mechanism is used, then the boom arm can be adjusted to any desired position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to enable the operator to lock and unlock the telescoping sections using simple manual operation. The mechanism allows the inner member to be easily locked at any desired extension position without requiring complex tools or procedures, making the system self-sufficient for positioning operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner member is slidably positioned within the outer member, then telescoping movement is enabled, but rotational stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer members. When engaged, it provides the necessary rotational stability and structural rigidity while allowing the telescoping function to operate freely when disengaged. This intermediary component resolves the conflict between movement freedom and positional stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A boom arm assembly includes an anchoring portion for attachment to an anchoring surface, and a mounting portion for attachment to an auxiliary electrical device. A telescoping link includes an elongate outer member and an elongate inner member. The outer member has a first distal defining a ball joint which is connected to the anchoring portion or the mounting portion, and the inner member has a second distal end defining a ball joint connected to the anchoring portion or the mounting portion. The inner member telescopes within the internal through bore of the outer member. An internal through bore of the inner member and an internal through bore of the outer member align with each other to allow passage of the flexible elongate supply link from the anchoring portion to the mounting portion. A locking mechanism connects locking relative movement between the inner member and the outer member.