Ball Joint Closure Element for Secure Wiper Linkage Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ball joints in wiper systems for motor vehicles are prone to unintentional dismantling due to the lack of a securing mechanism, allowing the pin with a ball head to be easily pulled out of the ball socket.
Innovation Solution
A closure element comprising two transverse brackets, where the first bracket secures the ball joint in an end position and the second bracket positions the closure element during assembly, ensuring the ball head is securely fixed within the spherical shell, preventing unwanted dismantling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pin with a ball head is arranged in a ball socket without a securing mechanism, then the ball joint is easy to disassemble, but it becomes vulnerable to unintentional dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is divided into two functionally distinct brackets: a first bracket with a locking side for securing the ball joint in its final position, and a second bracket with a bracket side for positioning the closure element during assembly. This segmentation allows the system to provide both easy assembly (through the positioning function) and secure locking (through the locking function) without compromising either requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The second bracket performs a preliminary positioning action during the assembly process, guiding the closure element into the correct intermediate position before the final securing action is taken by the first bracket. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and facilitates smooth assembly while the subsequent locking action provides the necessary security
2Reliability
If a closure element with two brackets is used to secure the ball joint, then unintentional dismantling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two brackets with distinct functions (locking and positioning) are merged into a single integrated closure element that can be applied as one piece to the ball joint. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps compared to using two separate brackets or a multi-step locking mechanism, while still providing both security and positioning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first bracket provides locking and securing functions, while the second bracket provides positioning and guiding functions. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity compared to using separate specialized components for each function
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Closure element having two brackets which are substantially perpendicular or transverse with respect to one another. The closure element closes a ball socket, with the result that a pivot therein cannot be removed. To this end, it closes the opening of the ball socket. The ball socket and the pivot with the closure element form a secured ball joint which is used for wiping systems. The securing is carried out by the closure element being pushed onto the ball joint.