Ball Joint Sensor Holder for Easier Angle Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating an angle sensor into a joint housing that is screwed into a joint-holding housing is difficult and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A joint component design featuring a sensor holder positioned between the joint housing and the joint-holding housing, allowing the angle sensor to be fitted and connected without pre-fastening to the joint housing, with the sensor holder being fixed in the axial direction and sealed to prevent foreign matter ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the angle sensor is integrated directly into the joint housing, then the measurement function is achieved, but the installation becomes difficult and cumbersome when the joint housing is screwed into the joint-holding housing
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the joint housing and the angle sensor. The sensor holder can be pre-assembled with the angle sensor in a separate location, then easily installed into the joint-holding housing without requiring complex integration into the joint housing itself. This mediator simplifies the installation process while maintaining the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the joint housing, the joint-holding housing, and the sensor holder with the angle sensor. This segmentation allows the angle sensor to be installed in the sensor holder independently before the final assembly, avoiding the complexity of integrating it directly into the joint housing that needs to be screwed into the joint-holding housing.
2Reliability
If the angle sensor is fastened to the joint housing before insertion, then the sensor is securely positioned, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The angle sensor is pre-positioned and secured in the sensor holder before the joint housing is inserted into the joint-holding housing. This preliminary action allows the sensor to be properly positioned and connected in advance, avoiding the need for complex fastening operations during the final assembly process, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining positioning stability.
3Ease of operation
If the measurement port is left open for sensor access, then the sensor can be installed, but foreign matter can ingress into the joint housing
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holder acts as a mediator that provides a sealed interface between the measurement port and the angle sensor. It includes sealing elements that prevent foreign matter from entering the joint housing through the measurement port during sensor installation and operation, while still allowing the sensor to be properly positioned and connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor holder incorporates sealing elements (such as O-rings or gaskets) that create a flexible seal around the measurement port area. These sealing films prevent contamination while allowing the sensor to be accessed and installed through the measurement port opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint component includes a ball joint with a joint housing that defines a stud opening and a measurement port opposite the stud opening in an axial direction. A ball stud includes a joint ball movably fitted in the joint housing, where the joint ball faces toward the measurement port and the ball stud extends out of the housing through the stud opening. A component body includes a joint-holding housing that defines a joint opening and has a base opposite the joint opening in the axial direction. The joint housing is inserted into the component body with its measurement port facing toward the base. An angle measurement device has an angle sensor to capture a signal that characterizes an angular position of the ball stud relative to the joint housing. The angle measurement device can hold the angle sensor in a sensor holder between the base and the joint housing.