Ball Joint Rotation Sensor for Steering Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spherical joints in mechanical systems do not allow for simple and effective assessment and detection of rotation angles about their axes, limiting the precision in measuring relative movement between components.
Innovation Solution
A joint group with a pin extending along a pivot axis, featuring a housing body with a central body allowing free rotation around a specific axis, and a rotation sensor device to detect angles of rotation from ±0° to ±90°, ensuring precise measurement of relative rotation while maintaining three degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spherical joints are used to allow rotary movement in three axes, then adaptability and movement freedom are improved, but measurement precision and rotation detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint is segmented into two functional parts: a ball seat assembly that provides three-degree-of-freedom movement, and a separate rotation sensor device that measures rotation about a specific axis. This segmentation allows the joint to maintain movement freedom while enabling precise rotation detection that was previously impossible with conventional spherical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball seat assembly serves multiple functions: it accommodates the ball, provides rotary movement in three axes through bearing assemblies, and simultaneously supports the rotation sensor device. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure capable of both flexible movement and precise measurement.
2Device complexity
If conventional spherical joints are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect rotation angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation sensor device is merged with the ball seat assembly through integrally connected structures (flange elements, mounting plates). This merging allows rotation detection to be incorporated into the existing joint structure without requiring entirely separate measurement systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while enabling rotation angle detection.
3Measurement precision
If rotation detection is added to spherical joints, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange element acts as an intermediary structure that connects the ball seat assembly to the rotation sensor device. This intermediary provides a standardized mounting interface that simplifies the integration process and reduces the overall complexity of combining measurement capabilities with the spherical joint mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
A joint group (1) for operatively connecting a first component and a second component and allowing reciprocal movement around an axis of rotation (R-R). The joint group (1) comprises: i) a pin (10) having a first end (11). and. a. second spherical end (12); ii) a rotation device (20) comprising a central body (21) in which is fitted and integrally connected the second spherical end (12) and rotation means (25) suitable to allow the free rotation of the central body (21); iii) a rotation sensor device (30) comprising a detection element (31) suitable to detect the angle of rotation of the central body (21); iv) a housing body (50) fixable to the second component and housing the rotation device (20) and the rotation sensor device (30), so that the first end (11) of the pin (10) protrudes to engage the first component.