Universal Joint Locking Arrangement for Park Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal joints with ball joints are limited in their degree of freedom and require complex, space-consuming designs prone to dirt accumulation, making it difficult to block the upper link in a park position without dismantling, especially when additional coolers and larger headlamps shift the upper coupling point forward.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint with a locking arrangement using elongated recesses and a locking pin to secure the first and second members in a predetermined position, allowing pivotal movement about orthogonal axes while preventing relative motion, which is simpler, less prone to dirt, and does not require extensive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cardanic universal joint is used to accommodate large oscillation angles, then the degree of freedom is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint is divided into two independent ball joint connections: a first ball joint for oscillation about the first axis and a second ball joint for oscillation about the second axis. This segmentation allows each ball joint to handle only one degree of freedom, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the capability for multi-axis movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two ball joint mechanisms into a single coupling member structure, where the first and second ball joints are integrated into one component that connects to both the first and second members. This merging achieves cardanic universal joint functionality without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each axis.
2Ease of operation
If a locking arrangement with multiple rods and springs is used to block the universal joint, then the park position functionality is improved, but the device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking functionality is extracted as a separate, simple mechanism independent of the universal joint's movement mechanism. The locking pin and recesses are added as minimal additional components that do not interfere with the ball joint operations, allowing the joint to be locked in a park position without requiring complex rods and springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement uses self-aligning recesses in the coupling member that automatically position themselves relative to the locking pin. The spring-loaded locking pin automatically engages with these recesses when the joint reaches the park position, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If the upper coupling point is moved forward to accommodate additional devices, then the space requirement for coolers and headlamps is improved, but the upper link length is reduced and ball joint usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with dynamic capability to accommodate large oscillation angles through the combination of two ball joints. This dynamic design allows the upper link to be shorter while still providing sufficient range of motion, as the coupling member itself can articulate through larger angles than a single ball joint would allow.
Data Source
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AI summary
A universal joint comprises a coupling member (7) for connecting a first member (3) and a second member (5) for a pivotal movement about first and second mutually orthogonal axes (10, 20). A locking arrangement for locking the first and second members (3, 5) in a predetermined positing against a movement about the respective pivot axes (10, 20) is provided by inserting a locking pin (61) through a first and second recess (74,53), at the ends of first and second members (3, 5) respectively.