Universal Joint Structure for Tool Assembly and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal joint structures face difficulties in securely fitting and quickly removing an operating rod from a fitting sleeve due to complex assembly processes and insecure retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint structure featuring a polygonal sphere-shaped universal joint on the operating rod, a polygonal locking groove with a circular recess on the fitting sleeve, and a C-retaining ring with a slanted guiding face that securely engages and easily disengages the universal joint from the locking groove, facilitated by a spring for pre-stressed positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional universal joint structure with a spherical fitting knob and dented recess is used, then the assembly is completed, but the assembly process becomes troublesome due to drilling holes and inserting rods
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint is segmented into distinct functional elements: a polygonal sphere on the operating rod, a locking groove with circular recess in the fitting sleeve, and a C-retaining ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserting rod and drilling operations are extracted from the assembly process. Instead of requiring holes to be drilled and rods inserted, the invention uses a C-retaining ring that simply needs to be placed into the circular recess, significantly simplifying the assembly procedure.
2Reliability
If a retainer is fixed in the retaining recess to retain the universal joint, then the universal joint is retained, but the retention is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The C-retaining ring features an asymmetric design with a slanted guiding face on one side and an open end on the other. The slanted face provides secure engagement with the polygonal sphere, while the open end allows for easy installation and quick release, achieving both secure retention and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint is designed as a polygonal sphere, and the retaining groove is shaped to accommodate this spherical form. The curved geometry of the sphere working with the groove shape provides stable, secure retention while allowing for smooth engagement and disengagement movements.
3Reliability
If the universal joint is fitted into the locking groove, then secure fitting is achieved, but quick removal is difficult without a release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The C-retaining ring is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be dynamically positioned to engage with the polygonal sphere for secure fitting, and can be easily moved to the open end position for quick removal. This dynamic capability allows the same component to provide both secure retention and fast release functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The slanted guiding face is pre-formed on the C-retaining ring to guide the engagement process. When assembling, the slanted face naturally guides the operating rod into the correct position within the locking groove, ensuring secure fitting. For removal, the open end is already prepared to receive the operating rod, enabling quick extraction without additional tools or steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal joint structure for a tool contains an operating rod, a fitting sleeve, and a retaining member. The operating rod includes a universal joint formed on one end thereof, the universal joint is formed in a polygonal sphere shape, the fitting sleeve includes a polygonal locking groove defined thereon for fitting the universal joint, the fitting sleeve also includes a circular recess arranged adjacent to an opening of the locking groove and retaining with the retaining member. The retaining member is a C-retaining ring and includes a tilted guiding face defined around one surface thereof, and wherein one end of the titled face away from the circular recess is larger than another end of the titled guiding face adjacent to the circular recess so that when the universal joint is fitted into the locking groove, the titled guiding face retains with the universal joint of the operating rod.