Patent Publication Number: US-2023158849-A1

Title: Mechanical joint with five degrees of freedom

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure relates generally to mechanical joints. In particular aspects, the disclosure relates to vehicles and mechanical joints having five degrees of freedom. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Mechanical joints are typically designed with selected degrees of freedom. For example, vehicles, such as heavy truck vehicles, include a suspension element to allow relative vertical movement between the axle and the chassis and between the cab body of the vehicle and the chassis, while restricting lateral movement of either the axle or the cab body relative to the chassis. 
     Current mechanical joints used for such applications may have multiple pieces, which increase complexity, cost, and risk of failure (as there are more pieces and couplings which may fail). Further, depending on how many degrees of freedom are provided, such mechanical joints may experience increased stress, which may also increase risk of failure. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a mechanical joint includes a first triangular linkage and a second triangular linkage. The first triangular linkage includes a base end configured to hingedly couple to a first body for pivoting movement relative to the first body and a vertex end that includes a first rotational member. The second triangular linkage includes a base end configured to hingedly couple to a second body for pivoting movement relative to the second body and a vertex end that includes a second rotational member. The first rotational member and the second rotational member are rotationally coupled to form a ball joint such that the base end of the second triangular linkage is moveable in two translational degrees of freedom and restricted in one translational degree of freedom relative to the base end of the first triangular linkage. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes a bar at the base end and two arms extending from the bar to the vertex end. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes a triangular plate having a vertex end and a base end. The base end may include a bar. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes two arms extending from the base end to the vertex end, each of the two arms of the first triangular linkage configured to independently and hingedly couple to the first body, and each of the two arms of the second triangular linkage configured to independently and hingedly couple to the second body. 
     In certain embodiments, the first triangular linkage is configured to be restricted to one degree of freedom relative to the first body and the second triangular linkage is configured to be restricted to one degree of freedom relative to the second body. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a mechanical system includes a first body, a second body, and at least one mechanical joint coupling the first body to the second body. The at least one mechanical joints includes a first triangular linkage and a second triangular linkage. The first triangular linkage includes a base end configured to hingedly couple to a first body to pivot relative to the first body about a first base axis and a vertex end that includes a first rotational member. The second triangular linkage includes a base end configured to hingedly couple to a second body to pivot relative to the second body about a second base axis and a vertex end that includes a second rotational member. The first rotational member and the second rotational member are rotationally coupled to form a ball joint such that the second body is moveable in two translational degrees of freedom and restricted in one translational degree of freedom relative to the first body. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes a bar at the base end and two arms extending from the bar to the vertex end. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes a triangular plate extending from the base end to the vertex end, 
     In certain embodiments, for each of the at least two mechanical joints, the first triangular linkage includes two arms extending from the base end to the vertex end, each of the two arms of the first triangular linkage configured to independently and hingedly couple to the first body, and each of the two arms of the second triangular linkage configured to independently and hingedly couple to the second body. 
     In certain embodiments, for each of the at least two mechanical joints, the first triangular linkage is hingedly coupled for one degree of freedom relative to the first body and the second triangular linkage is hingedly coupled for one degree of freedom relative to the second body. 
     In certain embodiments, axes of the first triangular linkage of the at least two mechanical joints are parallel to one another. 
     in certain embodiments, axes of the second triangular linkage of the at least two mechanical joints are parallel to one another. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle includes a chassis, a cab body, and at least one mechanical joint coupling the chassis to the cab body. The at least one mechanical joint includes a first triangular linkage and a second triangular linkage. The first triangular linkage includes a base end configured to hingedly couple to the chassis to pivot relative to the chassis and a vertex end that includes a first rotational member. The second triangular linkage includes a base end configured to hingedly couple to the cab body to pivot relative to the cab body and a vertex end that includes a second rotational member. The first rotational member and the second rotational member are rotationally coupled to form a ball joint, and the second body is moveable in two translational degrees of freedom and restricted in one translational degree of freedom relative to the first body. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes a bar at the base end and two arms extending from the bar to the vertex end. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes a triangular plate extending from the base end to the vertex end. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first triangular linkage and the second triangular linkage includes two arms extending from the base end to the vertex end, each of the two arms of the first triangular linkage configured to independently and hingedly couple to the first body, and each of the two arms of the second triangular linkage configured to independently and hingedly couple to the second body. 
     In certain embodiments, for the at least one mechanical joint, the first triangular linkage hingedly coupled for one degree of freedom relative to the first body and the second triangular linkage is hingedly coupled for one degree of freedom relative to the second body. 
     In certain embodiments, the at least one mechanical joint includes at least two mechanical joints. 
     In certain embodiments, the vehicle further includes a mechanical system including a plurality of mechanical joints. Each mechanical joint of the mechanical system configured to couple one of the plurality of axles to the frame rails. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent from that description to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a mechanical joint. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of the mechanical joint of  FIG.  1 A  illustrating vertical translation of the mechanical joint. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of the mechanical joint of  FIG.  1 A  illustrating horizontal translation of the mechanical joint. 
         FIG.  2 C  is a perspective view of the mechanical joint of  FIG.  1 A  illustrating rotation of the mechanical joint. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view illustrating rotation of a mechanical system using the two mechanical joints of  FIGS.  1 - 2 C . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a front side perspective view of a vehicle including the mechanical joint of  FIGS.  1 - 2 C  and the mechanical system of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  4 B  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  5    is close-up perspective view of the mechanical joint of the vehicle of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  coupling a cab body of the vehicle to a chassis of the vehicle. 
         FIG.  6    is close-up perspective view of the mechanical system of the vehicle of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  coupling the chassis of the vehicle to axles of the vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims. 
     it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a mechanical joint  100  coupling a first body  102 ( 1 ) to a second body  102 ( 2 ). The first body  102 ( 1 ) includes pivot brackets or flanges  103 ( 1 ) and the second body  102 ( 2 ) includes pivot brackets or flanges  103 ( 2 ) (referred to collectively as flanges  103 ). The mechanical joint  100  includes a first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) and a second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ). 
     The first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) includes a base end  106 ( 1 ) configured to hingedly couple to the first body  102 ( 1 ) (e.g., by flanges  103 ( 1 )) for pivoting movement relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ) about a first axis A( 1 ). In certain embodiments, the base end  106 ( 1 ) includes bushings to facilitate hinged rotation. The hinge coupling restricts the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) to one degree of freedom relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ). The first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) further includes a vertex end  108 ( 1 ) including a first rotational member  110 ( 1 ). In certain embodiments, the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) includes a bar  107 ( 1 ) at the base end  106 ( 1 ) and two arms  111 A( 1 ),  111 B( 1 ) extending from the bar  107 ( 1 ) to the vertex end  108 ( 1 ). In other embodiments, the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) includes other triangular configurations (e.g., plates having a vertex end and a base end). 
     Similarly, the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) includes a base end  106 ( 2 ) configured to hingedly couple to the second body  102 ( 2 ) (e.g., by flanges  103 ( 2 )) for pivoting movement relative to the second body  102 ( 2 ) about a second axis A( 2 ). In certain embodiments, the base end  106 ( 2 ) includes bushings to facilitate hinged rotation. The hinged coupling restricts the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) to one degree of freedom relative to the second body  102 ( 2 ). The second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) further includes a vertex end  108 ( 2 ) including a second rotational member  110 ( 2 ). in certain embodiments, the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) includes a bar  107 ( 2 ) at the base end  106 ( 2 ) and two arms  111 A( 2 ),  111 B( 2 ) extending from the bar  107 ( 2 ) to the vertex end  108 ( 2 ). in other embodiments, the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) includes other triangular configurations (e.g., plates having a vertex end and a base end). 
     The bars  107 ( 1 ),  107 ( 2 ) extend between and couple to the flanges  103  for mounting the first and second triangular linkages  104 ( 1 ),  104 ( 2 ) to the first and second bodies  102 ( 1 ),  102 ( 2 ). The bars  107 ( 1 ),  107 ( 2 ) provide structural support and rigidity, but other coupling configurations may be used to couple the first and second triangular linkages  104 ( 1 ),  104 ( 2 ) to the first and second bodies  102 ( 1 ),  102 ( 2 ). 
     The first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) has three rotational degrees of freedom relative to the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) (about the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis). The first rotational member  110 ( 1 ) and the second rotational member  110 ( 2 ) are rotationally coupled to form a ball joint  112  such that the first body  102 ( 1 ) is moveable in two translational degrees of freedom (along X axis and Y axis) and restricted in one translational degree of freedom relative to the second body  102 ( 2 ) (along Z axis). 
     In particular, the first rotational member  110 ( 1 ) is embodied as a rounded body, such as a ball or portion of a sphere, with the first arm  111 A( 1 ) and a second arm  111 B( 1 ) connected to the first rotational member  110 ( 1 ) with a space between them. The second rotational member  110 ( 2 ) is embodied as a socket in which the first rotational member  110 ( 1 ) is seated. The second rotational member  110 ( 2 ) may be configured as a curved band extending around the first rotational member and disposed between the first arm  111 A( 2 ) and the second arm  111 B( 2 ). The second rotational member  110 ( 2 ) includes spaced apart apertures on opposite sides of the socket to receive at least a portion of the first arm  111 A( 1 ) and the second arm  111 B( 1 ) of the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ), In certain embodiments, the first arm  111 A( 1 ) and second arm  111 B( 1 ) constrain rotation of the second rotational member  110 ( 2 ) about the Y axis. In certain embodiments, the ball joint  112  includes bushings to facilitate rotation (e.g., between the first rotational member  110 ( 1 ) and the second rotational member  110 ( 2 ), It is noted that the further apart the first and second arms are positioned on the first rotational member  110 ( 1 ) (e.g., positioned along a diameter of the ball shown in  FIG.  1   ), the greater the range of rotation of the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) (e.g., about the X axis, Y axis, and/or Z axis) relative to the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ). Other types of spherical or semi-spherical members and/or sockets could be used depending on the range of rotation required. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the mechanical joint  100  of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  2 A  illustrates vertical translation (along a Y axis) of the second body  102 ( 2 ) relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ). For example, vertical translation of the second body  102 ( 2 ) away from the first body  102 ( 1 ) is possible by rotation of the vertex end  108 ( 1 ) of the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) (about the base end  106 ( 1 )) away from the first body  102 ( 1 ), and rotation of the vertex end  108 ( 2 ) of the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) (about the base end  106 ( 2 )) away from the second body  102 ( 2 ). In other words, rotation of the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) relative to the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ), such that the base end  106 ( 1 ) is moved away from base end  106 ( 2 ). 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates horizontal translation (along an X axis) of the second body  102 ( 2 ) relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ). For example, horizontal translation from a center aligned position is possible by rotation of the vertex end  108 ( 1 ) of the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) away from the first body  102 ( 1 ), rotation of the vertex end  108 ( 2 ) of the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) toward the second body  102 ( 2 ), and rotation of the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) away from the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ). 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates rotation (around an X axis) of the second body  102 ( 2 ) relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ). Although rotation around the X axis is illustrated, the ball joint  112  between the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) and the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) allows the second body  102 ( 2 ) to be rotated around an X axis, Y axis, and/or Z axis. For example, if the first body  102 ( 1 ) and the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) remain stationary, rotation of the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) about the ball joint  112  provides rotation of the second body  102 ( 2 ) relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , while the second body  102 ( 2 ) may move relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ) in five degrees of freedom (translation along X axis and Y axis and rotation about X axis, Y axis, and Z axis), the second body  102 ( 2 ) is constrained in one translational degree of freedom (along the Z axis). It is noted that unlike other configurations, vertical movement is independent of lateral movement. In other words, for example, unlike a Panhard rod, Watt&#39;s linkage, and/or V-Stay the mechanical joint  100  allows for only vertical movement of the second body  102 ( 2 ) relative to the first body  102 ( 1 ) without any corresponding lateral movement. In other words, the mechanical joint  100  allows for pure vertical movement, which is not possible with other types of connections. 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view illustrating rotation of a mechanical system  300  using two of the mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ) of  FIGS.  1 - 2 C . As similarly discussed above regarding the mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ), the mechanical system  300  includes a first body  302 ( 1 ), a second body  302 ( 2 ), and at least two mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  110 ( 2 ) coupling the first body  302 ( 1 ) to the second body  302 ( 2 ), The first base axes A( 1 ) of the at least two mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ) are parallel to one another, and the second base axes A( 2 ) of the at least two mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ) are parallel to one another. In certain embodiments, the base axes A( 1 ) and/or A( 2 ) are not parallel to one another. 
     As with the mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ) of  FIGS.  1 - 2 C  discussed above, the second body  302 ( 2 ) of the mechanical system  300  is able to translate relative to the first body  302 ( 1 ) along the X axis and Y axis but is constrained translationally along the Z axis. With the at least two mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ), the second body  302 ( 2 ) of the mechanical system  300  is able to rotate relative to the first body  302 ( 1 ) about the X axis and Z axis but is generally constrained about the Y axis. In particular, for example, each of the two mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ) is fixed to the second body  302 ( 2 ) by a hinged connection about base axes A( 2 ). Accordingly, rotation of the second body  302 ( 2 ) about the second mechanical joint  100 ( 2 ) forces the base axes A( 2 ) of the first mechanical joint  100 ( 1 ) into an arced motion away from the ball joint  112  of the first mechanical joint  100 ( 1 ). The first mechanical joint  100 ( 1 ) cannot accommodate and thereby restricts such motion. Although constrained about the Y axis, stress is generally reduced about the Y axis by use of the ball joint  112  which is able to absorb such lateral forces by small rotational movement about the ball joint  112 . Such rotational movement about the ball joint  112  reduces stress concentrations due to lateral forces. Accordingly, comparatively, the ball joint  112  increases robustness and reduces potential failure of the mechanical joints  100 ( 1 ),  100 ( 2 ). 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are front side and rear perspective views, respectively, of a vehicle  400  including mechanical joints  402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″ of  FIGS.  1 - 2 C  and mechanical system  404  of  FIG.  3   . The vehicle  400  includes a chassis  406  and a cab body  408 . The chassis  406  includes frame rails  410  and axles  412 . Although the vehicle  400  shown is a truck, it is noted that the mechanical joint  402  and/or the mechanical system  404  may be used on other types of vehicles. Further, it is noted that the mechanical joint  402  and/or mechanical system  404  may be positioned at any of multiple locations on the vehicle  400 . The mechanical joints  402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″ couple the chassis  406  to the cab body  408 . The mechanical system  404  couples the frame rails  410  of the chassis  406  to the axles  412  of the chassis. In certain embodiments, one or more of the mechanical joints  402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″ include a V-stay system. It is noted that these mechanical joints  402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″ may be used anywhere a Panhard rod or Watt&#39;s linkage may be applicable. 
       FIG.  5    is close-up perspective view of the mechanical joint  402  of the vehicle  400  of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  coupling the cab body  408  of the vehicle  400  to the chassis  406  of the vehicle  400 . The base end  106 ( 1 ) of the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) hingedly couples to the chassis  406  (e.g., at flanges  500 ) and pivots relative to the chassis  406 . The first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) is restricted to one degree of freedom relative to the chassis  406 . The base end  106 ( 2 ) of the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) hingedly couples to the cab body  408  (e.g., at hub  502 ) and pivots relative to the cab body  408 . The second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) is restricted to one degree of freedom relative to the cab body  408 , In certain embodiments, multiple mechanical joints  402  may be used to couple the cab body  408  to the chassis  406 . In certain embodiments, the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) includes the bar  107 ( 1 ) at the base end  106 ( 1 ) and a triangular plate  504  extending from the base end  106 ( 1 ) to the vertex end  108 ( 1 ). As noted above, different triangular configurations may be used (e.g., plate  504  without a bar  107 ( 1 ). 
     Accordingly, the mechanical joint  402  permits relative movement of the cab body  408  relative to the chassis  406  in five degrees of freedom, but is restricted laterally. Such a configuration allows for vertical movement while also reducing stress and risk of failure on the mechanical joint  402 . 
       FIG.  6    is close-up perspective view of the mechanical system  404  of the vehicle  400  of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  coupling the chassis  406  of the vehicle  400  to the axles  412  of the vehicle  400 . The mechanical system  404  includes a plurality of mechanical joints  402 ′,  402 ″. Each mechanical joint  402 ′,  402 ″ of the mechanical system  404  couples one of the plurality of axles  412  to the frame rails  410  of the chassis  406 . In certain embodiments, for each of the at least two mechanical joints  402 ′,  402 ″, the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) includes two arms  111 A( 1 ),  1116 ( 1 ) extending from the base end  106 ( 1 ) to the vertex end  108 ( 1 ), each of the two arms  111 A( 1 ),  111 B( 1 ) configured to independently and hingedly couple to the axles  412 . In particular, an end  600 A( 1 ) of the first arm  111 A( 1 ) is coupled to a first flange  602 A and an end  600 A( 2 ) of the second arm  111 B( 1 ) is coupled to a second flange  602 B. As noted above, different triangular configurations may be used. A similar configuration may also be provided to couple the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) to the chassis  406 . 
     For each mechanical joint  402 ′,  402 ″, the base end  106 ( 1 ) of the first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) hingedly couples to the axle  412  and pivots relative to the axle  412 . The first triangular linkage  104 ( 1 ) is restricted to one degree of freedom relative to the axle  412 . The base end  106 ( 2 ) of the second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) hingedly couples to the frame rails  410  and pivots relative to the frame rails  410 . The second triangular linkage  104 ( 2 ) is restricted to one degree of freedom relative to the frame rails  410 . In certain embodiments, more or fewer mechanical joints  402 ′,  402 ″ may be used. 
     With the mechanical system  404 , the chassis  406  is able to rotate relative to the axles  412  about the X axis and Z axis but is constrained about the Y axis. Although constrained about the Y axis, stress is generally reduced about the Y axis by use of the ball joint  112  which is able to absorb such lateral forces. In particular, small rotational movement about the ball joint  112  reduces stress concentrations due to lateral forces (especially as compared to V-Stays or other similar connections). Accordingly, the ball joint  112  increases robustness and reduces potential failure of the mechanical joints  402 ′,  402 ″. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.