Ball Joint Seal Groove Insert to Prevent Chip-Induced Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ball joints face issues with machining chips lodging in the annular groove, leading to leaks due to the need for complex cleaning during production, which compromises their functional reliability.
Innovation Solution
An annular or sleeve-shaped insert part is used, which is inserted into the inner cavity of the second coupling part, forming the annular groove between the first annular shoulder and its facing edge, eliminating the need for machining and reducing the risk of chip lodging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the annular groove is incorporated into the inner circumferential wall of the second coupling part by machining, then the groove can accommodate the annular seal, but machining chips become lodged in the groove requiring comprehensive cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove is segmented from the second coupling part by using an insert part that forms the groove. The insert part is a separate component that can be removed, allowing the groove to be cleaned or replaced without cleaning the entire second coupling part. This segmentation eliminates the need for comprehensive cleaning of chips from the groove while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular groove is extracted from the second coupling part and formed by the insert part instead. The insert part can be removed and replaced, taking the groove with it. This extraction eliminates the problem of chips becoming lodged in the groove of the main component, as the groove-forming element is now a separate, removable part.
2Reliability
If comprehensive cleaning is performed to remove chips from the annular groove, then chip lodging is prevented, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the groove formation to a removable insert part, the cleaning process is eliminated entirely. The insert part can be easily removed and replaced without requiring time-consuming comprehensive cleaning of the second coupling part, thus maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert part is designed to be pre-assembled with the annular groove formation before installation into the second coupling part. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-machining cleaning operations, streamlining the production process and improving efficiency.
3Reliability
If the annular groove is machined into the second coupling part, then the seal can be installed, but chip lodging leads to leaks during use
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove is extracted from the second coupling part and formed by the removable insert part. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of chip lodging in the groove, as the insert part can be removed and replaced without leaving chips in the main component's groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert part that forms the annular groove is designed as a disposable or replaceable component. When chips become lodged or the insert part wears, it can be discarded and replaced with a new insert part, eliminating the need to clean or repair the second coupling part itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball joint having first and second articulated coupling parts having interconnected liquid ducts. The second coupling part is held pivotably by a spherical front end region between a shape-adapted joint socket on the first coupling part and a joint head on a holding element in the inner cavity of the second coupling part. The holding element interconnects the liquid ducts, and the second coupling part has, on its inner wall delimiting the inner cavity, an annular groove with a ring seal. A first annular shoulder is on the inner wall of the second coupling part, an annular insert part is insertable into the inner cavity of the second coupling part, and the insert part is spaced apart from the first annular shoulder such that the spacing between the first annular shoulder and the front edge of the insert part facing the first annular shoulder forms the annular groove.