Universal Joint Spherical Head with Split Gaps for Automotive Lamp Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joint components with spherical sockets face issues of easy ball slippage due to flexible deformation, and adding features to the socket is unnecessary or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint component with a plastic shaft and a spherical head featuring split head sections formed by gaps or grooves that deform to fit into a spherical socket, providing stability by resisting slippage through controlled deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spherical head is made flexible to enable easy insertion into the socket, then the insertion ease is improved, but the risk of slippage out of the socket increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical head is divided into multiple segments separated by gaps, allowing each segment to deform independently during insertion while maintaining overall structural integrity to prevent slippage
Solution Approach 2:
The gaps are positioned specifically at certain regions of the spherical head to create localized flexibility where needed for insertion, while other regions maintain rigidity to prevent slippage
2Reliability
If the spherical head is made rigid to prevent slippage, then the slippage resistance is improved, but the insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical head transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic segmented structure that can adapt its rigidity - flexible during insertion and rigid during operation to prevent slippage
3Manufacturing precision
If features are added to the spherical socket to improve fitting, then the fitting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding features to the spherical socket to achieve proper fitting, the invention inverts the approach by adding gaps to the spherical head, simplifying the socket structure while maintaining fitting precision
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
Ensures easy and secure fitting of the spherical head into the socket, maintaining stability even under vibration, allowing for adjustable tilt in automotive lamp units.
Implementation Method 1
one or more gaps composed of grooves or through holes formed so as to straddle a phantom line that substantially passes through the center of the spherical head and perpendicularly intersects with the shaft axis of the shaft are formed on the side of the spherical head between the top end and the joining base, which joins the spherical head with the shaft... split head sections sectioned by the gaps thereby flexibly deforming when the spherical head is inserted into the spherical socket
Data Source
AI summary
A universal joint component is used for connecting two members, such as a reflector and a lamp body. The universal joint component includes a shaft, an installation section formed on one end of the shaft, and a spherical head formed on the other end of the shaft. The spherical head includes a joint base, a top end, and at least one gap formed on a side of the spherical head between the top end and the joining base. The gap is formed of a groove or through hole so as to straddle a phantom line substantially passing through a center of the spherical head and perpendicularly intersecting a shaft axis of the shaft. Split head sections are defined by the at least one gap so that the split head sections flexibly deform when the spherical head is inserted into a spherical socket.