SIMPLIFIED HOLD AND DRIVE CHARACTERISTIC FOR AN A-BALL JOINT

Abstract

A suspension assembly for a vehicle can be provided. The suspension assembly can include a strut that can operatively couple a wheel of the vehicle to a body of the vehicle, a stabilizer bar, and a stabilizer bar linkage that can operatively couple the stabilizer bar to the strut. The stabilizer bar linkage can include a first ball joint, a second ball joint, and a shaft that can extend between them. The first and second ball joints can include a first and second threaded shaft, respectively, that can extend through the first and second mounting holes. The base of the first and second threaded shafts can have a non-rounded circumference.A circumference of one of the first and second receiving openings can be complementary to the non-rounded shaped circumference to hold one of the first and second threaded shafts in place while the fastener can be tightened to it.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] Example embodiments relate generally to suspension components, and more particularly to a structure for securing the ball joint to a vehicle with a simpler installation procedure. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many modern vehicles may utilize a MacPherson strut suspension design, or a variation thereof, due to the relative lack of complexity and simplicity of manufacturing the MacPherson strut. The MacPherson strut design may comprise various suspension components, which may include, among others, a strut, a stabilizer bar (e.g., a rocker arm or an anti-roll bar), and a stabilizer bar link. The stabilizer bar link may include ball joints that can operatively couple the stabilizer bar link to the strut and the stabilizer bar, respectively. In this regard, the stabilizer bar may be operatively coupled to the respective struts located on each side of the vehicle via respective stabilizer bar links.

[0003] The ball joints of the stabilizer bar connections typically include a threaded shaft that can extend through a receiving structure on both the strut and the stabilizer bar, allowing a fastener to be threaded onto and tightened against the threaded shaft to operatively couple the stabilizer bar connection to the strut and stabilizer bar, respectively. The fastener can typically be driven onto the threaded shaft using a holding and driving tool, which can essentially hold the threaded shaft stationary while the fastener is tightened around it to expedite the assembly process. However, this requires the use of either a specialized tool and threaded shaft, or multiple tools, to tighten the fastener onto the threaded shaft.Therefore, there may be a need to simplify the ball joints for attaching the stabilizer bar link to the suspension assembly in order to increase the efficiency and simplify the installation process of holding and driving without compromising the strength of the ball joint. BRIEF PRESENTATION OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, therefore, a suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system of an exemplary embodiment may be provided. The suspension assembly may include a strut operatively coupling a wheel of the vehicle to a body of the vehicle, a stabilizer bar operatively coupled to the strut to reduce body roll, and a stabilizer bar connection operatively coupling the stabilizer bar to the strut. The stabilizer bar connection may include a first ball joint operatively coupling the stabilizer bar connection to the strut, a second ball joint operatively coupling the stabilizer bar connection to the stabilizer bar, and a shaft extending from the first ball joint to the second ball joint.The strut may include a stabilizer bar connection bracket, and a first receiving opening may be formed in the stabilizer bar connection bracket to operatively engage the first ball joint. A second receiving opening may be formed at one end of the stabilizer bar to operatively engage the second ball joint. The first and second ball joints may include first and second threaded shafts, respectively, extending through respective ones of the first and second receiving openings and operatively coupled to a fastener on an opposite side of the respective one of the first and second receiving openings. A base of one of the first and second threaded shafts may include a non-rounded shaped periphery.A periphery of one of the first and second receiving openings may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of one of the first and second threaded shafts to hold one of the first and second threaded shafts in place while the fastener can be tightened thereto.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, an upper ball joint assembly may be provided for a suspension system for a vehicle. The upper ball joint assembly may include a receiving opening operatively coupled to a strut, a ball joint that may include a threaded shaft for extending through the receiving opening, and a fastener for operatively coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening. A base of the threaded shaft may include a non-rounded shaped periphery. A periphery of the receiving opening may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener may be tightened thereto.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a lower ball joint assembly for a suspension system for a vehicle may be provided. The lower ball joint assembly may include a receiving opening operatively coupled to a stabilizer bar, a ball joint that may include a threaded shaft for extending through the receiving opening, and a fastener for operatively coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening. The lower ball joint assembly may operatively couple a stabilizer bar connection at a flattened end of the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer bar. A base of the threaded shaft may include a non-rounded shaped periphery. A periphery of the receiving opening may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener may be tightened thereto. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE MULTIPLE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0007] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the suspension assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the suspension assembly highlighting the upper ball joint, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the upper ball joint and stabilizer bar link bracket in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the upper ball joint and stabilizer bar link bracket with the fastener removed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of the upper ball joint and stabilizer bar link bracket with the fastener removed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 7 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the stabilizer bar link bracket with the upper ball joint removed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the upper ball joint and stabilizer bar link bracket with the fastener removed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 9 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the upper ball joint with the stabilizer bar link bracket removed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 10 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the lower ball joint operatively coupled to the stabilizer bar with the fastener removed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the upper ball joint and stabilizer bar link bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Some embodiments will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, of the embodiments are illustrated. Indeed, the examples described and illustrated in this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, the term "or," as used in this specification, should be interpreted as a logical operator that evaluates to true when one or more of its operands are true.As used in this document, active coupling is understood to mean a direct or indirect connection which in any case enables a functional connection of components which are actively coupled to one another.

[0009] Some embodiments described herein may address the problems described above. In this regard, for example, some embodiments may provide a ball joint assembly for a vehicle's suspension system that allows the ball joints and the suspension system as a whole to be installed more easily. Some embodiments may provide for the ball joint assemblies to be installed without requiring the use of a special holding and driving tool to tighten the fastener. As a result, installation of the ball joint assembly may require less effort, fewer specialized tools, and less time, and may thus be more efficient.

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the suspension assembly 100 of a vehicle 110 according to an exemplary embodiment and Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the suspension assembly 100 of a vehicle 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in some embodiments, the suspension assembly 100 may include a strut 120, a stabilizer bar 130, and a stabilizer bar link 140. The strut 120 may be operatively coupled to a wheel 150 of the vehicle 110 and to a body 160 (or chassis) of the vehicle 110. In this regard, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the strut 120 may be operatively coupled to the wheel 150 through a variety of intermediate components, such as a steering knuckle and a wheel hub, both of which are not shown in the figures or described herein for convenience. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 110 may include a monocoque structure, in which case the body 160 may also function as the frame or chassis of the vehicle 110. In such cases, the spring strut 120 can be operatively coupled to the body 160.However, in some other exemplary embodiments, the vehicle 110 may include a body 160, which may be manufactured separately from the frame or chassis and may be operatively coupled to the frame or chassis (e.g., body-on-frame construction). In this regard, the strut 120 may be operatively coupled to the frame or chassis rather than to the body 160. In any event, the body 160 may not be limited to just the outer shell portion of the vehicle 110 that can be seen with the naked eye, and thus, in some cases, the body 160 may also include the frame or chassis. In some cases, the strut 120 may be a shock absorber / spring combination that may allow the wheel 150 to pivot up and down along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 121 of the strut 120.In this regard, the strut 120 may dampen the articulation of the wheel 150 so that the movement of the wheel 150 cannot be directly translated into movement of the vehicle 110. In doing so, the strut 120 may enhance the quality of the ride as perceived by passengers within the vehicle 110 by absorbing some of the force from shocks due to the articulation of the wheel 150. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the suspension assembly 100 may be some form of a MacPherson strut design. In this regard, the strut 120 may also play a role in steering the vehicle 110, and it may be operatively coupled to a control arm and the steering knuckle, which may act as a steering pivot point for the wheel 150.Regardless, in some cases, the strut 120 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and may include a spring (not shown) disposed around a damper through which the longitudinal axis 121 may extend.

[0011] The stabilizer bar 130 may be operatively coupled to the strut 120 at a first end 131 of the stabilizer bar 130 and also to another strut 120, which may be located on the opposite side of the vehicle 110 at a second end 132 of the stabilizer bar 130. The primary function of the stabilizer bar 130 may be to reduce the roll of the body 160 of the vehicle 110, particularly during cornering. In this regard, the body 160 of the vehicle 110 may tend to roll laterally during a turn (and also during bumps) because the center of mass of the vehicle 110 may shift toward one side of the vehicle 110 on the outside edge of the turn. As this occurs, the suspension assembly 100 on the outside side of the vehicle 110 may be compressed in the turn.Thus, the stabilizer bar 130 may be operatively coupled to the strut 120 on both sides of the vehicle 110 such that, as the vehicle 110 turns, the struts 120 on both sides of the vehicle 110 may compress to keep the vehicle 110 more level during the turn. In other words, by preventing the outermost strut 120 from compressing more than the innermost strut 120 during a turn, the stabilizer bar 130 may keep the vehicle 110 more level during the turn. Accordingly, the stabilizer bar 130 may also be referred to as an anti-roll stabilizer, sway stabilizer, roll stabilizer, anti-sway stabilizer, or other similar naming preference. As shown in FIG. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the stabilizer bar 130 may extend substantially horizontally and substantially beneath the strut 120. In some cases, the stabilizer bar 130 may be substantially tubular for a majority of its length. As discussed below with reference to later figures, the first end 131 and the second end 132, at which the stabilizer bar 130 may be operatively coupled to the strut 120, may be compressed into a flattened end 134 to more easily operatively couple with the stabilizer bar connection 140, respectively.

[0012] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the stabilizer bar connection 140 may operatively couple the stabilizer bar 130 and the strut 120. The stabilizer bar connection 140 of some embodiments may include a first ball joint 170 that may operatively couple the stabilizer bar connection 140 to the strut 120, a second ball joint 180 that may operatively couple the stabilizer bar connection 140 to the stabilizer bar 130, and a shaft 190 that may extend from the first ball joint 170 to the second ball joint 180. In some cases, the first ball joint 170 may be an upper ball joint, and the second ball joint 180 may be a lower ball joint that may be disposed below the first ball joint 170. Therefore, in the context of the stabilizer bar 130 described above, the stabilizer bar connection 140 can transmit force to the stabilizer bar 130 during a turn via the first and second ball joints (170, 180) and the shaft 190.As described above, the transmitted force may be due to the weight of the vehicle 110 exerted on the strut 120 located on the outside of the vehicle 110. In order to distribute this force to the strut 120 located on the opposite side of the vehicle 110 (i.e., the inside during the turn) to keep the vehicle 110 more level during the turn, the first and second ball joints (170, 180) may need to be strong and durable connection points to withstand the repeated loading exerted on the components operatively coupled thereto.

[0013] Now with reference to Fig. 3-9, the suspension assembly 100 may further include a stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 operatively coupled to the strut 120. The stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 may be disposed on an outer side of the strut 120 and may extend substantially away from the strut 120. In some cases, the stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 may be permanently coupled to an outer surface of the strut 120. In other words, in some cases, the stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 may be formed within a housing of the strut 120, whereas in other cases, the stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 may be separately added to the strut 120 and may be welded to the strut 120. In one exemplary embodiment, the stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 may extend substantially tangentially to the strut 120.In this regard, the stabilizer bar link bracket 200 may be offset from the longitudinal axis 121 of the strut 120, thereby bringing the stabilizer bar link bracket 200 closer to the first ball joint 170 to allow the first ball joint 170 to operatively couple to the stabilizer bar link bracket 200 without unduly stressing the stabilizer bar link 140 or the first and second ball joints (170, 180).

[0014] The stabilizer bar link bracket 200 may include a first receiving opening 210 disposed therein. In this regard, the first ball joint 170 may be operatively coupled to the stabilizer bar link bracket 200 via the first receiving opening 210. The first ball joint 170 may thus include a first threaded shaft 175, and the second ball joint 180 may thus include a second threaded shaft 185. The first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) may extend substantially away from the stabilizer bar link 140 in a direction that, in some cases, may be approximately perpendicular to the direction of extension of the shaft 190. However, the first and second ball joints (170, 180) may be ball and socket-type joints. Thus, the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) may include a ball disposed at a lateral end thereof opposite the threaded end.The ball of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) can be operatively coupled to a bushing arranged in a respective housing (171, 181) of the first and second ball joints (170, 180). By operatively coupling the ball to the bushing within the respective housings (171, 181) of the first and second ball joints (170, 180), the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) can be enabled to pivot and rotate freely relative to the corresponding housing (171, 181) of the first and second ball joints (170, 180). Thus, the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) may not always be aligned approximately perpendicular to the direction of extension of the shaft 190. In any event, the first threaded shaft 175 may extend through the first receiving opening 210 disposed in the stabilizer bar link bracket 200 to operatively couple the stabilizer bar link 140 to the strut 120.A fastener 220 may be threaded onto the first threaded shaft 175 on an opposite side of the stabilizer bar link bracket 200 and thus the first receiving opening 210 from the stabilizer bar link 140 to removably couple the first ball joint 170 to the stabilizer bar link bracket 200. In some cases, a nut, a wing nut, a cap nut, etc., may be examples of the fastener 220 according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0015] As mentioned above, the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) are free to pivot and rotate relative to the first and second ball joints (170, 180), respectively. Thus, in existing designs currently in practice, when tightening the fastener 220 onto the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185), a user often needs to use a special holding and driving tool that would hold a corresponding one of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) stationary while simultaneously driving the fastener 220 onto the threads of the respective one of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) such that the respective one of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) does not rotate in the same direction as the fastener 220, which may result in the fastener 220 not being adequately tightened.In this regard, the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) of currently existing designs may include a retaining feature disposed at an axial end of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185), respectively, which may be operatively coupled to the specialized retaining and driving tool. Thus, the tool may hold the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) stationary via their respective retaining features while simultaneously driving the fastener 220. Fig. Figure 11 shows an example of a prior art threaded shaft, wherein the shaft may have the retaining feature 179 disposed at one axial end thereof. As shown in Fig. 11, the retention feature 179 would typically be disposed along a first longitudinal axis 172 of the first threaded shaft 175 or along a second longitudinal axis 182 of the second threaded shaft 185, and often at an axial end thereof distal to the stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 or the stabilizer bar 130, respectively.

[0016] In some cases, the retaining feature 179 would be an external retaining feature. Thus, the retaining feature 179 would extend along the first longitudinal axis 172 away from the first threaded shaft 175. The retaining and driving tool would then include a bit that would receive the retaining feature 179 therein to hold the first threaded shaft 175 stationary while simultaneously driving the fastener 220 thereon. In some other cases, such as the one in Fig. 11, the retention feature 179 would be an internal retention feature 179. In such cases, the retention and drive tool would include a bit that would extend the internal retention feature 179 to hold the first threaded shaft 175 stationary while simultaneously driving the fastener 220 thereon. In any case, the retention feature 179 of the prior art designs may represent a weak point in some embodiments of the first and second ball joints (170, 180). Additionally, the special tools required to tighten the fastener 220 onto the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) may make prior art methods of installing the suspension assembly 100 less efficient and additionally have the potential to replace the retention feature on the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) or on the retention and drive tool.In another exemplary embodiment, the user installing the suspension assembly 100 may instead choose to use two separate wrenches to install the first and second ball joints (170, 180). In this regard, a first wrench may be used to hold a corresponding one of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) stationary, while a second wrench may be used to drive the fastener 220 onto the corresponding one of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185). This alternative method may not require the use of a specialized tool, but may still be labor- and time-intensive, which may also make it less efficient.

[0017] To increase the efficiency of installing the stabilizer bar connection 140, the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) may include a first base portion 177 and a second base portion 187, respectively. The first and second base portions (177, 187) may have a non-rounded perimeter, and the first and second receiving openings (210, 230) may have a perimeter that may be a complementary shape to the non-rounded perimeter of the first and second base portions (177, 187). In this regard, for example, the first receiving opening 210 and the first base portion 177 may function as the retention feature, holding the first threaded shaft 175 in place while the fastener 220 may be tightened thereto. Accordingly, the fastener 220 may be driven with a single, standard, non-specialized tool, such as a wrench or socket wrench.

[0018] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the second ball joint 180 operatively coupled to the stabilizer bar 130. As described above, the second threaded shaft 185 may include a second base portion 187 having a non-rounded periphery. In this case, the second receiving opening 230 may be located in the end of the stabilizer bar 130 where the stabilizer bar 130 has been flattened. The second receiving opening 230 may also have a periphery that may have a complementary shape to the non-rounded periphery of the second base portion 187. In this regard, for example, the second receiving opening 230 and the second base portion 187 may function as the retention feature, holding the second threaded shaft 185 in place while the fastener 220 may be tightened thereto.Accordingly, the fastener 220 can be driven with a single, ordinary, non-specialized tool, such as a wrench or socket wrench.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the first ball joint 170 may be a component of a first ball joint assembly (or an upper ball joint assembly), which may further include the first receiving opening 210, the first ball joint 170, and the fastener 220. Similarly, the second ball joint 180 may be a component of a second ball joint assembly (or a lower ball joint assembly), which may include the second receiving opening 230, the second ball joint 180, and the fastener 220. In some cases, only the first receiving opening 210 and the first base portion 177 may include the non-rounded perimeter. In one example embodiment, only the second receiving opening 230 and the second base portion 187 may include the non-rounded perimeter.In some cases, both the first and second receiving openings (210, 230) and the first and second base portions (177, 187) may include the non-rounded perimeter.

[0020] In some cases, such as Fig.6, a length (d) of the first and second base portions (177, 187) of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185), which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be less than a thickness (t) of the stabilizer bar connection bracket 200 and the flattened end 134 of the stabilizer bar 130, respectively. In this regard, because the threads of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185) can extend to where the first and second base portions (177, 187) can begin, the fastener 220 can be tightened to the end of the thread where it can contact the stabilizer bar link bracket 200 or the stabilizer bar 130 to operatively couple the stabilizer bar link 140 to the strut 120 or the stabilizer bar 130, respectively, without play or additional room for movement of the first and second ball joints (170, 180).For a similar reason, in some other cases, the length of the first and second base portions (177, 187) of the first and second threaded shafts (175, 185), which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar connecting bracket 200 and the flattened end 134 of the stabilizer bar 130, respectively.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the non-rounded perimeter may be hexagonal. In other cases, however, the non-rounded perimeter may be embodied in any number of shapes. For example, the non-rounded perimeter may be triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, X-shaped, Torx-shaped, or any other shape capable of withstanding rotational forces.

[0022] A suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system of an exemplary embodiment may therefore be provided. The suspension assembly may include a strut operatively coupling a wheel of the vehicle to a body of the vehicle, a stabilizer bar operatively coupled to the strut to reduce body roll, and a stabilizer bar connection operatively coupling the stabilizer bar to the strut. The stabilizer bar connection may include a first ball joint operatively coupling the stabilizer bar connection to the strut, a second ball joint operatively coupling the stabilizer bar connection to the stabilizer bar, and a shaft extending from the first ball joint to the second ball joint.The strut may include a stabilizer bar connection bracket, and a first receiving opening may be formed in the stabilizer bar connection bracket to operatively engage the first ball joint. A second receiving opening may be formed at one end of the stabilizer bar to operatively engage the second ball joint. The first and second ball joints may include first and second threaded shafts, respectively, extending through respective ones of the first and second receiving openings and operatively coupled to a fastener on an opposite side of the respective one of the first and second receiving openings. A base of one of the first and second threaded shafts may include a non-rounded shaped periphery.A periphery of one of the first and second receiving openings may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of one of the first and second threaded shafts to hold one of the first and second threaded shafts in place while the fastener can be tightened thereto.

[0023] In some embodiments, the suspension assembly may include additional features, modifications, enhancements, and / or the like to further accomplish tasks or improve the performance of the suspension assembly. The additional features, modifications, enhancements, and / or the like may be added in any combination with one another. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and enhancements, each of which may be added individually or in any combination with one another. For example, the base of the first threaded shaft may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, and the periphery of the first receiving opening may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the first threaded shaft.In an exemplary embodiment, a length of the base of the first threaded shaft, which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be less than a thickness of the stabilizer bar connection bracket. In an exemplary embodiment, a length of the base of the first threaded shaft, which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar connection bracket. The base of the second threaded shaft, in an exemplary embodiment, may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, and the periphery of the second receiving opening may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the second threaded shaft. In some cases, a length of the base of the second threaded shaft, which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be less than a thickness of the end of the stabilizer bar.In an exemplary embodiment, a length of the base of the second threaded shaft, which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be equal to a thickness of the end of the stabilizer bar. In some cases, the base of the first and second threaded shafts may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, and the periphery of the first and second receiving openings may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the first and second threaded shafts, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, a length of the base of the first and second threaded shafts, which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be less than a thickness of the stabilizer bar connecting bracket or the end of the stabilizer bar, respectively. In some cases, a length of the base of the first and second threaded shafts, which may include the non-rounded shaped periphery, may be equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar connecting bracket or the end of the stabilizer bar.In an exemplary embodiment, the non-rounded perimeter may be hexagonal. In some cases, the non-rounded perimeter may be triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, X-shaped, or Torx-shaped.

[0024] An upper ball joint assembly for a suspension system for a vehicle may therefore be provided. The upper ball joint assembly may include a receiving opening operatively coupled to a strut, a ball joint that may include a threaded shaft for extending through the receiving opening, and a fastener for operatively coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening. A base of the threaded shaft may include a non-rounded periphery. A periphery of the receiving opening may be complementary to the non-rounded periphery of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener may be tightened thereto.

[0025] A lower ball joint assembly for a suspension system for a vehicle may therefore be provided. The lower ball joint assembly may include a receiving opening operatively coupled to a stabilizer bar, a ball joint that may include a threaded shaft for extending through the receiving opening, and a fastener for operatively coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening. The lower ball joint assembly may operatively couple a stabilizer bar connection at a flattened end of the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer bar. A base of the threaded shaft may include a non-rounded shaped periphery. A periphery of the receiving opening may be complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener may be tightened thereto.

[0026] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth in this specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which these inventions belong in light of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed, and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that, although the foregoing descriptions and the accompanying drawings describe embodiments in terms of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.In this regard, other combinations of elements and / or functions than those expressly described above are also contemplated, for example, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it is to be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some embodiments, but not necessarily to all embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or to what is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed in this specification, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0027] According to the present invention, a suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system is provided, comprising: a strut for operatively coupling a wheel of the vehicle to a body of the vehicle; a stabilizer bar operatively coupled to the strut for reducing body roll; and a stabilizer bar connection for operatively coupling the stabilizer bar to the strut, the stabilizer bar connection comprising: a first ball joint for operatively coupling the stabilizer bar connection to the strut; a second ball joint for operatively coupling the stabilizer bar connection to the stabilizer bar; and a shaft extending from the first ball joint to the second ball joint, the strut comprising a stabilizer bar connection bracket, and a first receiving opening formed in the stabilizer bar connection bracket for operatively coupling the first ball joint.wherein a second receiving opening is formed at one end of the stabilizer bar for operatively coupling with the second ball joint, wherein the first and second ball joints include first and second threaded shafts, respectively, extending through respective ones of the first and second receiving openings and operatively coupled to a fastener on an opposite side of the respective one of the first and second receiving openings, wherein a base of one of the first and second threaded shafts includes a non-rounded shaped periphery, and wherein a periphery of one of the first and second of the receiving openings is complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of one of the first and second threaded shafts to hold one of the first and second threaded shafts in place while the fastener is tightened thereto.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the base of the first threaded shaft comprises the non-rounded circumference and the circumference of the first receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded circumference of the base of the first threaded shaft.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a length of the base of the first threaded shaft including the non-rounded shaped periphery is smaller than a thickness of the stabilizer bar connection bracket.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a length of the base of the first threaded shaft including the non-rounded shaped periphery is equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar connection bracket.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the base of the second threaded shaft comprises the non-rounded circumference and the circumference of the second receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded circumference of the base of the second threaded shaft.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a length of the base of the second threaded shaft, which includes the non-rounded shaped circumference, is smaller than a thickness of the end of the stabilizer bar.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a length of the base of the second threaded shaft, which includes the non-rounded shaped circumference, is equal to a thickness of the end of the stabilizer bar.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the base of the first and second threaded shafts comprises the non-rounded periphery and the periphery of the first and second receiving openings is complementary to the non-rounded periphery of the base of the first and second threaded shafts, respectively.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a length of the base of the first and second threaded shafts, which includes the non-rounded shaped circumference, is less than or equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar connecting bracket or the end of the stabilizer bar.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the non-rounded periphery is hexagonal.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the non-rounded perimeter is triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, x-shaped or torx-shaped.

[0038] According to the present invention, there is provided an upper ball joint assembly for a suspension system for a vehicle, comprising: a receiving opening operatively coupled to a strut; a ball joint having a threaded shaft for extending through the receiving opening; and a fastener for operatively coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening, wherein a base of the threaded shaft includes a non-rounded shaped periphery, and wherein a periphery of the receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener is tightened thereto.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the strut includes a stabilizer bar link bracket, and the first receiving opening is formed in the stabilizer bar link bracket to operatively couple with the upper ball joint assembly.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a length of the base of the threaded shaft including the non-rounded shaped periphery is less than or equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar connection bracket.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the non-rounded periphery is hexagonal.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the non-rounded perimeter is triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, x-shaped or torx-shaped.

[0043] According to the present invention, there is provided a lower ball joint assembly for a suspension system for a vehicle, comprising: a receiving opening operatively coupled to a strut; a ball joint having a threaded shaft for extending through the receiving opening; and a fastener for operatively coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening, wherein the lower ball joint assembly is operatively coupled to a stabilizer bar connection and the stabilizer bar at a flattened end of the stabilizer bar, wherein a base of the threaded shaft includes a non-rounded shaped periphery, and wherein a periphery of the receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener is tightened thereto.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a length of the base of the threaded shaft, which includes the non-rounded shaped circumference, is less than or equal to a thickness of the flattened end of the stabilizer bar.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the non-rounded periphery is hexagonal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the non-rounded perimeter is triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, x-shaped or torx-shaped.

Claims

[1] A suspension assembly for a vehicle suspension system, the assembly comprising: a spring strut for operatively coupling a wheel of the vehicle to a body of the vehicle; a stabilizer bar that is operatively coupled to the strut to reduce body roll; and a stabilizer bar connection to effectively couple the stabilizer bar to the strut, wherein the stabilizer bar connection comprises: a first ball joint for operatively coupling the stabilizer bar connection to the strut; a second ball joint to operatively couple the stabilizer bar connection to the stabilizer bar; and a shaft extending from the first ball joint to the second ball joint, wherein the strut comprises a stabilizer bar connection bracket and a first receiving opening is formed in the stabilizer bar connection bracket to operatively couple to the first ball joint, wherein a second receiving opening is formed at one end of the stabilizer bar to operatively couple to the second ball joint. wherein the first and second ball joints comprise first and second threaded shafts, respectively, extending through respective ones of the first and second receiving openings and being connected to a fastening element on an opposite side of the respective one of the first and second receiving opening are operatively coupled, wherein a base of one of the first and second threaded shafts comprises a non-rounded shaped periphery, and wherein a periphery of one of the first and second receiving openings is complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of one of the first and second threaded shafts to hold one of the first and second threaded shafts in place while the fastener is tightened thereto. [2] The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the base of the first threaded shaft includes the non-rounded shaped periphery and the periphery of the first receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the first threaded shaft. [3] The suspension assembly of claim 2, wherein a length of the base of the first threaded shaft including the non-rounded shaped periphery is less than or equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar link bracket. [4] The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the base of the second threaded shaft includes the non-rounded shaped periphery and the periphery of the second receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the second threaded shaft. [5] The suspension assembly of claim 4, wherein a length of the base of the second threaded shaft including the non-rounded shaped periphery is less than or equal to a thickness of the end of the stabilizer bar. [6] The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the base of the first and second threaded shafts includes the non-rounded shaped periphery and the periphery of the first and second receiving openings is complementary to the non-rounded shaped periphery of the base of the first and second threaded shafts, respectively. [7] The suspension assembly of claim 6, wherein a length of the base of the first and second threaded shafts including the non-rounded shaped periphery is less than or equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar connecting bracket and the end of the stabilizer bar, respectively. [8] The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the non-rounded shaped perimeter is hexagonal, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, x-shaped, or torx-shaped. [9] An upper ball joint assembly for a suspension system for a vehicle, the upper ball joint assembly comprising: a receiving opening which is operatively coupled to a spring strut; a ball joint having a threaded shaft to extend through the receiving opening; and a fastening element for coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening, wherein a base of the threaded shaft comprises a non-rounded shaped periphery, and wherein a perimeter of the receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded shaped perimeter of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener is tightened thereto. [10] The upper ball joint assembly of claim 9, wherein the strut includes a stabilizer bar link bracket and the receiving opening is formed in the stabilizer bar link bracket to operatively couple with the upper ball joint assembly. [11] The upper ball joint assembly of claim 10, wherein a length of the base of the threaded shaft including the non-rounded shaped periphery is less than or equal to a thickness of the stabilizer bar link bracket. [12] The upper ball joint assembly of claim 9, wherein the non-rounded shaped perimeter is hexagonal, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, x-shaped, or torx-shaped. [13] A lower ball joint assembly for a suspension system for a vehicle, the lower ball joint assembly comprising: a receiving opening which is operatively coupled to a stabilizer bar; a ball joint having a threaded shaft to extend through the receiving opening; and a fastening element for coupling the threaded shaft to the receiving opening, wherein the lower ball joint assembly is operatively coupled to a stabilizer bar connection and to the stabilizer bar at a flattened end of the stabilizer bar, wherein a base of the threaded shaft comprises a non-rounded shaped periphery, and wherein a perimeter of the receiving opening is complementary to the non-rounded shaped perimeter of the base of the threaded shaft to hold the threaded shaft in place while the fastener is tightened thereto. [14] The lower ball joint assembly of claim 13, wherein a length of the base of the threaded shaft including the non-rounded shaped periphery is less than or equal to a thickness of the flattened end of the stabilizer bar. [15] The lower ball joint assembly of claim 13, wherein the non-rounded perimeter is hexagonal, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal, cross-shaped, x-shaped, or torx-shaped.

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