Ball Joint Locking Element With Injection-Molded Plastic Receptacle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of metal locking elements to form receptacles for electronic components in ball joints is complex and costly due to necessary deformations.
Innovation Solution
A plastic receptacle is injection-molded onto one side of a metal locking element, eliminating the need for reshaping the locking element to create the receptacle, and a hybrid component is formed with a material-bonded connection and positive-locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the metal locking element is deformed to form the receptacle, then the receptacle can be integrated into the locking element, but the processing becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into two separate components: a metal locking element and a plastic receptacle. The receptacle is injection-molded as a separate piece and then attached to the locking element, avoiding the need to deform the metal locking element to create the receptacle cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hybrid construction combining metal and plastic materials. The metal locking element provides structural strength and locking function, while the plastic receptacle provides the cavity for electronic components and cushioning. This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific function without the limitations of metal deformation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the receptacle is injection-molded onto the locking element, then the manufacturing effort is reduced, but a hybrid component with material-bonded connection is created
Solution Approach 1:
The metal locking element and plastic receptacle are merged into a single hybrid component through material-bonded connection. The receptacle is injection-molded directly onto the locking element, creating a permanent bond that combines the advantages of both materials while functioning as an integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The material-bonded connection acts as an intermediary between the metal locking element and plastic receptacle, providing a strong bond that transfers loads and ensures reliable connection. This bonding interface allows the two different materials to work together effectively as a unified component.
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 method reduces the effort and cost of creating an interface between the locking element and electronic components, enhancing the strength and load-bearing capacity of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
the receptacle (2) is injection-molded onto one side (3) of the locking element (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a closure element (1, 28) for a ball-and-socket joint (16) in a vehicle and having a receptacle (2, 29) for accommodating an electronic component (6). In order to be able to reduce the complexity of the manufacture of an interface between the closure element and the electronic component, the closure element (1, 28) is characterised in that the receptacle (2, 29) is formed from a plastic material and is moulded onto one side (3) of the closure element (1).