Dual-Lubricant Ball Joint for Stable Sliding Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball joints experience a reduction in sliding torque due to wear and degradation, which is not effectively addressed by existing greases, leading to performance issues and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint design that incorporates a first lubricant with a low friction coefficient between the ball part and the sheet member, and a second lubricant with a higher friction coefficient enclosed in a cover member, which is intermittently introduced between the ball part and the sheet member through an intake part to stabilize sliding torque while controlling costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional grease is used to maintain lubricity, then initial traveling stability is improved, but sliding torque reduction cannot be stopped and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into two distinct lubricants with different functions: a first lubricant (conventional grease) that provides initial lubricity and stability, and a second lubricant (high-friction grease) that compensates for torque reduction. This segmentation allows each lubricant to be optimized for its specific role rather than requiring a single expensive lubricant to perform all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the friction coefficient parameter by introducing a second lubricant with a higher friction coefficient than the first lubricant. This parameter change enables compensation for the friction loss that occurs during operation, thereby maintaining sliding torque without requiring the most expensive lubricant formulations throughout.
2Reliability
If expensive grease is used to suppress sliding torque reduction, then performance stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into two lubricants with different cost structures and functional roles. The first lubricant can be a conventional, lower-cost grease that provides initial stability, while the second lubricant with higher friction coefficient is introduced to maintain torque. This segmentation allows cost optimization by not using expensive lubricants throughout the entire operational lifecycle when a simpler combination suffices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a strategy where a second lubricant with higher friction is used temporarily or intermittently to compensate for wear-induced torque reduction. This approach uses simpler, potentially lower-cost lubricant formulations in a controlled manner to extend the effective service life of the joint without requiring continuous use of premium lubricants, thereby reducing overall manufacturing and maintenance costs.
3Device complexity
If a single lubricant is used between ball part and sheet member, then structure is simplified, but sliding torque cannot be stabilized over time
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into two lubricants with distinct functions: the first lubricant provides initial lubrication between the ball part and sheet member, while the second lubricant (with higher friction coefficient) is introduced to compensate for torque reduction during operation. This segmentation achieves torque stability without creating complex multi-component systems, as the second lubricant can be introduced through simple mechanisms such as replenishment ports or mixed with the first lubricant.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lubricant acts as an intermediary substance that mediates the friction characteristics between the ball part and sheet member during operation. By introducing this intermediate lubricant with higher friction coefficient, the system compensates for the friction loss that occurs during wear, thereby stabilizing sliding torque without requiring complex active control systems or multiple separate lubrication circuits.
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 introduction of the second lubricant with a higher friction coefficient counteracts the reduction in sliding torque caused by wear, maintaining stability and reducing costs compared to using high-cost lubricants exclusively.
Implementation Method 1
a first lubricant interposed between the ball part of the ball-side member and the sheet member
Implementation Method 2
a second lubricant having a higher friction coefficient than the first lubricant and enclosed inside the cover member
Data Source
AI summary
A ball joint includes a first lubricant interposed between a ball part of a ball stud and a bearing sheet. The ball joint includes a second lubricant having a higher friction coefficient than the first lubricant and enclosed inside a dust cover.