Two-Stage Universal Joint Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joints face difficulties in easily positioning the driving rod at specific positions, leading to frequent adjustments and lack of structural strength to bear torsion.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage universal joint design incorporating a sleeve member, a driving member with a polygonal ball-joint, and an elastic member, allowing the driving member to be fixed at two positions with sufficient structural strength for torsion, utilizing a receiving groove with positioning protrusions and a biasing member to facilitate easy pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driving rod is made freely slidable between fixed position and pivot position, then the universal joint can be pivoted for operation in narrow space, but the driving rod cannot be positioned at specific position easily requiring frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving groove is divided into multiple positioning regions with different functional characteristics: a first positioning region with a first positioning protrusion for fixed position, a second positioning region with a second positioning protrusion for pivot position, and a third positioning region without protrusion for transition. This segmentation allows the driving rod to be easily positioned at specific locations without frequent adjustments while maintaining pivoting capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the driving rod is restricted at fixed position to prevent pivoting, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to pivot for narrow space operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint design allows dynamic switching between two stable states: a fixed state where the driving rod is positioned at the first position with the first positioning protrusion engaged for structural stability, and a pivot state where the driving rod moves to the second position with the second positioning protrusion engaged for pivoting operation. This dynamic positioning system provides both stability and adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning protrusions are added to enable fixed positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the structure becomes more complex reducing torsional strength
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusions are strategically placed only at specific locations where positioning is needed: the first positioning protrusion at the fixed position and the second positioning protrusion at the pivot position. The majority of the receiving groove maintains a simple structure without additional protrusions, preserving torsional strength while providing accurate positioning at critical points.
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
Enables quick and precise positioning of the driving member at two positions, preventing free sliding and enhancing usability while providing structural integrity for torsional loads.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is biased between a bottom of the receiving groove and the polygonal ball-joint so that the driving member tends to move toward the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A two-stage universal joint includes a sleeve member, a driving member, and an elastic member. The sleeve member defines an axial direction and has a sleeve portion and a connection portion. The sleeve portion has a receiving groove having plural positioning protrusions extending axially on an inner wall thereof. One of the positioning protrusions has a recessed portion. The driving portion has a polygonal ball-joint having plural arc-face sections. The polygonal ball-joint is inserted into the receiving groove. The driving member is slidable with respect to the sleeve member between a first position and a second position. The polygonal ball-joint has a biasing member tending to move outward.