Ball Joint Domed Cover Plate With Threaded Bore for Grease Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ball joints with domed cover plates present challenges in applying lubricants after installation, as they are not pre-tapped for lubricant fittings, limiting post-installation access for grease injection.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing ball joints involves deforming a cover body with a convex side and concave side into retaining engagement with the housing, creating a threaded bore that can accommodate a lubricant fitting, such as a grease zerk, by expanding the outer perimeter into a groove defined by the housing, allowing for post-deformation tapping and fitting installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover plate is deformed over the housing to secure it (traditional method), then the cover plate is securely retained, but the threaded bore cannot accommodate lubricant fittings after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded bore is formed in the cover plate before the deformation step, allowing lubricant fittings to be installed after deformation. The deformation process is designed to preserve the integrity of the pre-formed threaded bore while securing the cover plate to the housing, thus enabling post-installation lubricant access without compromising retention reliability
2Reliability
If the cover plate is deformed into a flatter shape, then the outer perimeter is expanded for secure retention, but the threaded bore dimensions change and may affect fitting compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation process parameters are carefully controlled to achieve the desired flattening and outer perimeter expansion while minimizing dimensional changes to the threaded bore. The pressing force, deformation geometry, and material properties are optimized to maintain threaded bore integrity within acceptable tolerances for fitting compatibility
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
Enables the secure retention of lubricant fittings within the ball joint, facilitating post-installation lubricant application and enhancing the durability and performance of the ball joint by ensuring proper sealing and reduced friction.
Implementation Method 1
deforming the cover body into retaining engagement with the housing by pressing against the convex side until the cover body is at least partial deformed and the outer perimeter is expanded
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a vehicle suspension component includes inserting a cover body into an aperture of a housing, the cover body being disposed about a central axis concentric with the aperture of the housing, the cover body having a convex side and a concave side and an outer perimeter disposed about the central axis, the cover body defining a threaded bore concentric with the central axis, and deforming the cover body into retaining engagement with the housing by pressing against the convex side until the cover body is at least partial deformed and the outer perimeter is expanded compared to a pre-deformed state of the cover body.