Axial Ball Joint with Perpendicular Connecting Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial ball joints lack an alternative connection option that reduces component complexity and weight while maintaining high pull-out force and adjustability for length-adjustable two-point links.
Innovation Solution
A generic axial ball joint design featuring a housing with a connecting pin extending perpendicularly, a conical section for self-centering, and a plastic bearing shell to support compressive forces, along with a stable axial support and elastomer ring for wear compensation, allowing direct connection to components like wheel carriers without interposed elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded sleeve or interposed elements are used to connect the ball pivot to the connecting tube, then the connection is more robust, but the component count and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ball pivot is merged directly with the connecting tube through a threaded connection, eliminating the need for separate threaded sleeves or interposed elements. The ball pivot itself is formed with an external thread that screws directly into the connecting tube, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component while maintaining connection robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball pivot serves multiple functions: it provides the rotational pivot point, the threaded connection interface, and the structural link to the connecting tube. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated connection elements, reducing component count while maintaining connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for connection, then the assembly is more flexible, but the weight and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate components (ball pivot, threaded sleeve, connecting elements) are merged into a single integrated ball pivot component with integrated threading. This reduction in component count directly reduces total weight while the threaded connection maintains assembly flexibility for length adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connecting pin extends exactly perpendicularly to the axial direction, then the geometric precision is higher, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting pin is allowed to extend at essentially perpendicular directions rather than exactly perpendicular, accepting a controlled asymmetry. This relaxed geometric requirement simplifies manufacturing while the conical section provides self-centering to achieve functional perpendicularity in assembly without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.
4Manufacturing precision
If a conical section is added to the connecting pin for self-centering, then the connection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A conical section is added to the connecting pin to provide self-centering functionality. The conical geometry allows the pin to automatically center itself in the corresponding receptacle during assembly, improving connection accuracy. While this adds a manufacturing step, the conical shape is a standard geometric feature that can be efficiently produced through conventional machining or forming processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces assembly effort, weight, and component count while maintaining high pull-out force and adjustability, enabling efficient length adjustment of two-point links and replacing radial ball joints in terms of angular deflection.
Implementation Method 1
The conical section achieves a self-centering and backlash-free fit of the connecting pin in the conical mount of the connecting component, regardless of tolerances.
Implementation Method 2
Between the axial support and the plastic bearing shell there is arranged a spring element which acts in the axial direction and is designed as an encircling elastomer ring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an axial ball joint (20), in particular for a length-adjustable two-point link. The axial ball joint (20) has a housing (21) and a ball pin (23) which is mounted together with a joint ball (22) in a rotatable and pivotable manner in the housing (21) and, in a non-deflected state, extends out of the housing (21) in an axial direction (24). According to the invention, the housing (21) has a connecting pin (25) which is connected integrally thereto and extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction (24). Furthermore, a length-adjustable two-point link, in particular for a utility vehicle, is proposed which is distinguished in that the two-point link has two angular joints which are connected to each other via a connecting element, in particular a connecting tube, wherein one angular joint is designed as an axial ball joint (20) as described above and is connected in a length-adjustable manner to the connecting element, and the other angular joint is designed as a radial ball joint and is connected rigidly to the connecting element.