Ball Joint Sealing and Rigidity via Segmented Rubber Bushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball joints face challenges in maintaining high rigidity and restoring their original position after torsion, while also preventing lubricant leakage without additional sealing members, which complicates manufacturing processes and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint design featuring a stud member with a convex spherical portion, a bearing member, an outer pipe, and rubber ring members that are interference-fitted and configured to cover the outer ring members, providing both radial rigidity and sealing without additional sealing members, and allowing controlled lubrication to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a rubber bushing is used to absorb impact and restore original position, then restoring capability is improved, but radial rigidity deteriorates due to gap formation
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing structure is segmented into multiple rubber layers (first rubber layer, second rubber layer, third rubber layer) separated by reinforcement layers. This segmentation allows each rubber layer to contribute to restoring capability while the reinforcement layers provide radial rigidity, resolving the contradiction between softness for restoration and hardness for rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing uses composite construction combining rubber materials with reinforcement layers (metal or fiber-reinforced). This composite structure integrates the elastic properties of rubber for restoration with the rigid properties of reinforcement materials for radial stiffness, simultaneously achieving both restoring capability and radial rigidity.
2Strength
If a pillow ball joint is used to maintain high radial rigidity, then radial rigidity is improved, but restoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is divided into multiple functional segments (rubber layers and reinforcement layers) that work together. The rubber layers provide restoring capability while the reinforcement layers maintain radial rigidity, allowing the structure to achieve both properties that a single-material pillow ball joint cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite materials combining rubber and reinforcement layers, the bushing achieves the radial rigidity of metal structures while retaining the elastic restoring capability of rubber, effectively resolving the limitation of traditional pillow ball joints.
3Reliability
If an additional sealing member is added to prevent lubricant leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the existing bushing structure by making the rubber layers extend to contact the inner and outer pipes, creating a seal against lubricant leakage without requiring separate sealing components. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber layers serve multiple functions: providing restoring capability, maintaining radial rigidity through composite construction, and preventing lubricant leakage through contact with pipes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sealing members, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
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 achieves high rigidity and effective restoration of the original position after torsion, while preventing lubricant leakage without additional sealing members, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the rubber ring members may be interference-fitted between the stud member and the outer pipe member
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant is injected into the pillow ball joint so as to smoothen rotation of the bearing along the spherical ball
Implementation Method 3
the rubber bushing is excellent in absorbing forward/rearward impact and restoring its original position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a ball joint. A ball joint according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a stud member having a spherical portion formed to be convex along an exterior circumference, a bearing member seated on an exterior circumference of the spherical portion and facilitating rotation of the stud member, an outer pipe provided at an outside of the bearing member, a seat member provided between and coupling the bearing member and the outer pipe, a pair of rubber ring members provided respectively at both sides of the spherical portion on the exterior circumference of the stud member, and a pair of outer ring members, each of the pair of outer ring members being coupled on an exterior circumference of each rubber ring member.