Two-Stage Universal Joint With Sliding Ball Head for Large Swing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joints are limited in their ability to swing at large angles due to interference between the driving lever and the ball head seat, restricting their operational flexibility in narrow workspaces.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage universal joint design featuring a sleeve with axial projections and a driving member with a polygonal ball head, where the driving member is slidable between two positions, allowing for increased swingability by using a restricting member to prevent disengagement and incorporating inclined surfaces and chamfers for smooth assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the driving lever is made swingable relative to the ball head seat, then the universal joint can be operated at various angles, but the driving lever interferes with the ball head seat when in the swing position, limiting the swingable angle
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving groove is divided into two distinct positions: a first position with first projections that constrain the driving lever to a non-swingable state, and a second position with second projections that allow the driving lever to swing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing discrete operational modes rather than continuous adjustment, eliminating interference while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic two-stage system where the driving lever can switch between non-swingable and swingable states. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its degree of freedom based on operational requirements, achieving both stability and flexibility without mutual interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driving lever is pulled toward the swing position, then the radial projection becomes unblockable and swingable, but the driving lever still interferes with the ball head seat, preventing sufficient swinging
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving groove is segmented into two distinct positions with different projection configurations. The first position has first projections that prevent swinging, while the second position has second projections that enable swinging. This segmentation eliminates interference by providing dedicated zones for each operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The second projections act as intermediaries that facilitate the transition from non-swingable to swingable operation. These projections are positioned to allow the driving lever to pass through without interference when in the second position, mediating between the driving lever and ball head seat to enable sufficient swinging.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-stage universal joint includes a sleeve, a driving member and a restricting member. The sleeve defines an axial direction and includes a receiving groove and an assembling portion. The driving member includes a polygonal ball head. The polygonal ball head has a plurality of arcuate portions. The polygonal ball head is inserted into the receiving groove. The driving member is slidable between a first position and a second position relative to the sleeve.