Ball Joint Elastic Shock Absorption at Max Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball joints are prone to damage and malfunction when tilted at maximum angles due to interference between contact parts, leading to potential disconnection of the ball stud from the holder and erroneous device operation.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint design featuring an elastic portion protruding from the holder with an inclined surface to absorb shock and limit tilting angles, combined with a receiving space for the stopper to prevent interference and damage, ensuring reliable operation at all angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid stopper is used to limit the rotating angle, then the tilting angle can be controlled, but interference and damage occur between contact parts at maximum angle
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is changed from a rigid structure to an elastic structure that can deform. The elastic portion changes its physical state from rigid to flexible, allowing it to absorb impact energy through elastic deformation rather than creating rigid interference. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining angle control functionality while eliminating damage at maximum tilt angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion is designed to deform before the stopper contacts the holder at maximum tilt angle. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the impact energy that would otherwise cause damage to contact parts. The elastic deformation occurs in advance of the potential damage event, preventing interference damage while maintaining reliable angle control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is tilted at maximum angle, then the full range of motion is achieved, but contact parts receive excessive load and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic portion deforms beforehand when the shaft approaches maximum tilt angle, absorbing the load that would otherwise be transmitted to the contact parts. This cushioning effect allows the shaft to achieve full tilting angle range while protecting the contact parts from excessive load and potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion changes its stiffness parameter dynamically through elastic deformation. At normal operating angles, it remains relatively rigid for precise angle control. At maximum tilt angle, it softens through deformation to absorb impact energy, allowing full range of motion without damaging the contact parts.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid structure is used to limit rotation, then angle control is precise, but shock and impact cause part removal or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic portion maintains relatively high stiffness at normal operating angles to provide precise angle control, similar to a rigid structure. However, at extreme angles, it undergoes elastic deformation that absorbs shock energy. This dynamic parameter change allows both precise angle control and shock absorption, preventing part removal or malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion acts as an intermediary between the stopper and the holder. Instead of allowing direct rigid contact that causes shock and damage, the elastic portion mediates the interaction by deforming and absorbing impact energy. This intermediary function maintains angle control precision while protecting against shock-induced failures.
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
The design enhances durability and operational reliability by minimizing part removal and interference, allowing the ball joint to maintain functionality even at maximum tilt angles, thus preventing damage and ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion protruding upwards from the holder, having on an inner circumference thereof an inclined surface to limit a tilting angle of a portion of the shaft adjacent to the ball stud, and undergoing elastic deformation when the shaft is tilted. Thus, the elastic portion absorbs shock when the ball joint is rotated to the maximum, thus preventing damage or removal of parts.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Disclosed is a ball joint, the ball joint capable of preventing damage due to interference between parts even when the ball joint is tilted at a maximum angle and guaranteeing operational reliability, and including a spherical ball stud (11), a shaft (13) coupled to a side of the ball stud, a holder (20) having a seat portion (21) to surround an outer circumference of the ball stud, and an elastic portion (22) protruding upwards from the holder, having on an inner circumference thereof an inclined surface to limit a tilting angle of a portion of the shaft adjacent to the ball stud, and undergoing elastic deformation when the shaft is tilted at a maximum angle, so that the elastic portion absorbs shock when the ball joint is rotated to the maximum, thus preventing damage or removal of parts.