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Adjustable ball joint

a ball joint and adjustment technology, applied in the direction of shaft assembly, mechanical equipment, rotary machine parts, etc., can solve the problems of achieve the effect of precise stiffness, reducing the weight reducing the clearance of the retaining cap

Active Publication Date: 2018-05-31
ECC & ASSOC LTD
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The new ball joint reduces weight and clearance while allowing for precise stiffness adjustments, improving the movability and rotational ease of the ball member relative to the housing, enhancing performance in applications requiring adjustable suspension.

Problems solved by technology

The new ball joint has a smaller retaining cap which lowers the weight of the retaining cap and also reduces the clearance of the retaining cap.

Method used

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  • Adjustable ball joint
  • Adjustable ball joint
  • Adjustable ball joint

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0023]With these above general aspects in mind, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with the understanding that the following description is not intended to be limiting.

[0024]With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a ball joint 10 is provided which is used for connection between two structural members, in a particular embodiment, two structural members of a vehicle. The ball joint 10 comprises a housing 12, a ball member 14, a retaining cap 16, and a locking member 18. While any suitable materials may be used, including for example steel, it is contemplated that the housing 12 comprises a zinc dichromate plating to minimize rusting and binding. Additionally, the retaining cap 16 preferably comprises aluminum.

[0025]As seen in FIGS. 3 to 5, the housing 12 comprises a body 20 with an outer surface 22, an inner cavity 24, a first aperture 26, and a second aperture 28. The first aperture 26 and the second aperture 28 communicate with the inner cavity 24 and are dis...

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PUM

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Abstract

An adjustable ball joint with a locking member and a retaining cap. The locking member is rotationally fixed relative to the housing, and the retaining cap and locking member and configured to be rotationally fixed relative to each other. The retaining cap may include a protrusion that engages a detent in the housing that prevents rotation of the locking member. The housing may include multiple detents to allow for the locking member to have multiple configurations. Threaded fasteners may secure the locking member to the retaining cap.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to an adjustable ball joint, and more particularly to an adjustable ball joint for connection between two structural members.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Ball joints are often utilized for providing rotational connection between structural members. For example, such ball joints are, typically found in vehicles wherein the ball joints support the wheels of the vehicles. The ball joints are used to connect control arms, steering knuckles, spindle brackets, tie rods, and other structural members of the vehicles.[0003]Such ball joints typically comprise a housing and a ball member. The ball member comprises a shaft portion extending out of the housing and a ball portion that is contained within the housing. A cap is secured to the housing to maintain the ball member in the housing and permit the shaft to be moved or rotated.[0004]While these ball joints are presumably effective for their intended purposes, many conventiona...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F16C11/06
CPCF16C11/0642F16C11/068F16C11/0695F16C2226/60F16C11/0614
Inventor HENRIKSEN, ARNE JAY
Owner ECC & ASSOC LTD