Adjustable Ball Joint Assembly for 360-Degree Camber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for adjusting vehicle wheel camber often require multiple specific control arm replacements, leading to supply and inventory challenges, particularly in damage repairs and modifications like lowering or lifting a vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable control arm assembly with a rotatable ball joint assembly that can be fixed in any desired position within a 360-degree range, allowing for precise camber adjustments without the need for multiple control arm purchases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific control arms are purchased to address different camber adjustment needs, then camber adjustment versatility is improved, but inventory complexity and supply chain burden worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm assembly integrates multiple functions into a single universal design. The ball joint assembly can be rotated to different positions and fixed at various angles, allowing one control arm to perform the function of multiple specialized control arms. This enables a single inventory item to address different camber adjustment needs that previously required multiple specific control arm models.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint assembly is designed to be rotatable and adjustable to different positions. The threaded shaft allows the ball joint to be fixed at various angles along the control arm frame, providing dynamic adaptability. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the need for multiple static control arm designs, reducing inventory requirements while maintaining versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specific control arms are maintained in inventory to address different camber issues, then camber adjustment precision is improved, but storage space and capital requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal control arm assembly with an adjustable ball joint mechanism can provide the same camber adjustment precision as multiple specialized control arms. The ball joint can be positioned and fixed at various precise angles, eliminating the need to stock multiple pre-configured control arm variants while maintaining the same level of adjustment precision.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-position ball joint is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but camber adjustment capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint assembly is designed with rotational capability and threaded fastening mechanisms that allow it to be positioned at different locations along the control arm frame. This dynamic adjustment feature is integrated into the basic structure, maintaining relative simplicity while adding the necessary adaptability for camber adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arm assembly is divided into separable components including the ball joint assembly, threaded shaft, and control arm frame. This segmentation allows the ball joint to be independently adjusted and repositioned while keeping the overall structure modular and relatively simple. The segmented design enables adjustability without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball joint assembly for control arm. The ball joint assembly has an upper portion with a ball socket and stud centered about a first centerline. A radial extension that is connected to the upper portion supports a mounting body with a second centerline and an outer diameter that fits within an aperture in the control arm. A threaded shaft depends from the mounting body and receives a nut to tighten against the control arm until the first centerline of the ball joint assembly is fixed in a desired position.