Torque transmitting ball joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines, such as large push behind machines and upright hand-guided machines, face challenges in maneuverability, particularly when navigating obstacles and accessing difficult-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A torque transmitting ball joint that facilitates rotational movement, allowing for 360-degree rotation of the handle and stem relative to the base, while also enabling the base to rotate when the handle is turned, thereby improving maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ball joint is used to allow rotational movement, then maneuverability is improved, but torque transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A pin acts as an intermediary element between the spherical ball and the socket. The pin engages with a slot in the socket, serving as a mediator that allows rotational movement while simultaneously transmitting torque from the ball to the socket through the pin-slot interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one where the pin can move within the slot during rotation. This dynamic configuration allows the pin to maintain engagement with the slot wall throughout the rotational range, enabling continuous torque transmission while accommodating angular movement.
2Force
If the pin is constrained within the slot to transmit torque, then torque transmission is improved, but rotational freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational movement is segmented into discrete angular positions defined by the slot geometry. The pin engages with different portions of the slot wall at different rotation angles, allowing the joint to achieve multiple stable rotational positions while maintaining torque transmission capability at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is designed with specific geometric parameters (width, length, orientation) that change the engagement characteristics of the pin throughout the rotation range. By optimizing these parameters, the joint achieves both adequate torque transmission and sufficient rotational freedom for the intended application.
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 torque transmitting ball joint enhances the maneuverability of floor maintenance machines by allowing easy turning and rotation, making it easier for operators to navigate complex spaces and access hard-to-reach areas.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one of the one or more pins can abut a sidewall of the respective slot, transmitting torque from the stem mand the spherical ball to the socket when the stem and the spherical ball rotate relative to the socket
Data Source
AI summary
A torque transmitting ball joint can include a spherical ball, a stem extending from the spherical ball, one or more pins coupled to the spherical ball, and a socket. The socket can define an opening sized to contain the spherical ball within the socket and one or more slots sized to accommodate a pin of the one or more pins. The one or more pins can be contained by the one or more slots and can translate within the slot as the spherical ball rotates relative to the socket about a pivot center. At least one of the one or more pins can abut a sidewall of its slot and transmit torque from the stem to the socket via the spherical ball when the stem and spherical ball rotates relative to the socket.