Ball Joint Securing Element Torque Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball joint devices face challenges in providing a simplified and secure articulated connection between the ball pin and socket, often resulting in complex installation processes and inadequate support for torques, leading to potential damage under high loads.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint device featuring a wire securing element with support sections that can be arranged in the receiving area and on the outside of the ball socket, providing secure support for the ball head across all pivoting positions and preventing detachment under high forces or torques, along with a support area that absorbs torques and limits pivotability to a single axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring elements are used to secure the ball head in the receiving area, then the ball head can be secured against unintentional loosening, but the installation process becomes complicated and the ball socket cannot sufficiently support high torques
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is divided into multiple functional sections: support sections that engage with the ball head in the receiving area, and holding sections that extend outside the ball socket to prevent detachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed to be pre-installed on the ball socket before the ball head is inserted into the receiving area. This preliminary action simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need to manipulate securing elements after the ball head is in place, and ensures proper positioning from the start.
2Ease of operation
If the ball socket is designed with a short extension in the direction of the ball pin, then the ball head can be easily inserted, but high leverage forces are transmitted to the ball socket leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element extends in multiple dimensions: support sections radially into the receiving area to engage the ball head, and holding sections axially outside the ball socket to prevent detachment. This multi-dimensional configuration distributes forces effectively and prevents the ball socket from bearing excessive leverage loads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ball joint device is used as an anti-twist device in spindle drives, then pivoting movement is enabled, but undesired torques are introduced into the ball bolt leading to heavy loading and potential destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element with its holding sections is pre-installed on the ball socket before the ball head is inserted. This preliminary configuration ensures that when torques act on the ball joint device during pivoting operations, the holding sections are already in position to prevent unwanted detachment and distribute the torque loads more effectively, reducing stress on the ball socket.
Data Source
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AI summary
Ball-and-socket joint comprises a securing element (3) having support sections (16) arranged in a holding region and holding sections (20, 21) arranged on the outer side (23) of the ball holder (2). An independent claim is also included for a drive element for driving a flap part which moves on a chassis part. Preferred Features: The ball holder has a support region surrounding a shoulder region (6) of a ball pin (1). The support region receives the torque fed into a ball pin.