Ball Joint Locking Socket Assembly for Wiper Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wear of ball joints in windshield wiper systems can lead to disengagement of the ball stud from the ball socket, resulting in loss of wiper system function.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint design featuring a ball stud with a cylindrical shank and spherical ball portion, and a socket assembly with a retaining portion that includes inwardly protruding tabs to prevent withdrawal of the ball stud, ensuring a durable and reliable rotatable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ball joint design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ball stud can disengage from the ball socket due to wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The ball socket is divided into functional zones: a spherical portion for receiving the ball portion and a retaining portion with inwardly protruding tabs that engage with the ball groove. This segmentation allows the socket to independently perform both positioning and retention functions, preventing disengagement while maintaining structural clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portion with tabs is nested within the ball socket structure, with the tabs protruding inward to engage the ball groove. This nested configuration allows the retention mechanism to be integrated into the existing ball socket without adding external components, thus improving reliability while minimizing increased complexity
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the ball socket wears over time, then the connection becomes loose and disengagement occurs, but adding retention features increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion with inwardly protruding tabs is pre-formed as an integral part of the ball socket structure. These tabs are designed to engage with the ball groove before wear occurs, establishing a preliminary retention mechanism that prevents disengagement throughout the entire service life, including under worn conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The ball socket geometry is modified by adding the retaining portion with specific tab dimensions and positioning. The tabs are configured with appropriate length, width, and spacing parameters to engage the ball groove effectively, transforming the socket from a simple spherical receptacle to a retention-capable structure that extends service life
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper actuating assembly configured to actuate a windshield wiper arm includes an actuator and a linkage that connects the actuator to the wiper arm. Links of the linkage are joined by ball joints. The ball joints each include a ball stud and a ball socket. The ball portion of the ball stud has an annular ball groove that receives a retaining portion that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the ball socket. The ball groove and retaining portion cooperate to prevent withdrawal of the ball stud from the socket housing.