Ball Joint Sensor Integration for Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball joints in vehicle chassis with integrated sensor arrangements for position detection compromise mechanical supporting capabilities due to restricted force transfer in the axial direction.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint design where the second sensor element is integrated within the spherical section of the joint body, allowing for position detection without impairing the mechanical supporting structure, and a method for producing such a joint body involving a recess for the sensor element and surface machining to maintain a continuous ball-section shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor arrangement is integrated into the ball joint for position detection, then position detection capability is improved, but mechanical supporting capability deteriorates due to restricted force transfer in the axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The second sensor element is arranged in the radial direction within the spherical section of the joint body, changing the measurement dimension from axial (as in prior art) to radial. This dimensional change allows position detection without compromising the axial force transfer path, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and mechanical strength.
2Strength
If the second sensor element is arranged in the area of the spherical section of the joint body, then mechanical supporting capability is maintained, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The second sensor element is merged with the joint body in the spherical section, where the sensor's functional area coincides with the load-bearing area. This merging allows the sensor to be integrated without creating separate structural elements, maintaining mechanical strength while enabling position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical section of the joint body serves dual functions: it provides mechanical load bearing and supports the sensor element for position detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
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 maintains the mechanical properties similar to those without a sensor arrangement while enabling position detection, ensuring unrestricted force transfer and reduced wear, suitable for various types of ball joints including ball sleeve, radial, and axial joints.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor element is a magnetic field sensor arranged above the bottom of the housing, close to the axial, head-side end of the ball stud. The second sensor element associated with the ball stud is a permanent magnet arranged under a flattened area (pole surface) on the head side of the joint ball of the ball stud.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball joint (1), for a vehicle chassis, having a joint housing (3) and a joint body (4) having a spherical portion (5). The joint body (4) is held by the joint housing (3) at the spherical portion (5) of the joint body such that the joint body is mounted for articulation movement relative to the joint housing. A sensor assembly comprises a first sensor element (6) associated with the joint housing (4) and a second sensor element (7) associated with the joint body (4). The second sensor element interacts with the first sensor element (6) in order to sense the position of the joint body (4) relative to the joint housing (3). The ball joint is characterized in that the second sensor element (7) is arranged in the region of the spherical portion (5) of the joint body (4).