Patent ID: 11879575
Assignee: BLUE ORIGIN, LLC
Field: Mechanical elements (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 15:
16. A method of assembling a gimbal assembly for a flexible conduit configured to convey a medium, wherein the gimbal assembly comprises a first component comprising a first socket, a second component comprising a second socket, and a joint fastener, wherein the first component defines an aperture, wherein the joint fastener comprises a first portion that geometrically corresponds to a first cavity of the first socket, wherein the joint fastener comprises a second portion that geometrically corresponds to a second cavity of the second socket, and wherein the joint fastener comprises an intermediate portion that geometrically corresponds to the aperture, the method comprising:
inserting the first portion of the joint fastener through the second cavity of the second socket of a second gimbal component;
immovably seating the intermediate portion of the joint fastener within the aperture defined by the first component, such that the geometric correspondence between the aperture and intermediate portion of the joint fastener enables the gimbal assembly to manage a force exerted on the flexible conduit;
seating the first portion of the joint fastener within the first cavity of the first socket, such that the geometric correspondence between the first portion and the first cavity renders the joint fastener immovable relative to the first socket;
seating the second portion of the joint fastener within the second socket, such that the second portion is movably retained by the second socket and the first component can rotate relative to the second component; and
securing the joint fastener to the first component via a lock nut.