Ball Sleeve Joint Angular Positioning for Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ball sleeve joints connecting a chassis control arm to a wheel carrier, the signal emitter often positions outside the magnetically sensitive range of the magnetic field sensor, leading to incorrect signal detection during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of rotation-preventing means, such as flattened areas on the ball sleeve and corresponding edges on the bearing eyes, ensures the ball sleeve is fixed in a defined angular position, allowing the sensor to detect the signal emitter accurately and preventing erroneous assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ball sleeve is allowed to rotate freely during assembly, then the assembly process is simple and quick, but the signal emitter cannot be reliably positioned within the magnetic sensor's detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the signal emitter on the ball sleeve at a specific angular location before assembly. The flattened area on the ball sleeve and corresponding edge on the bearing eye create a predetermined angular orientation that ensures the signal emitter is initially positioned within the magnetic sensor's detection range, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustment while maintaining reliable signal detection.
2Measurement precision
If rotation-preventing means are added to fix the angular position, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a flattened area on the otherwise circular ball sleeve and a corresponding edge on the bearing eye. This asymmetric feature prevents rotational movement by creating a unique angular orientation where the flattened area fits against the edge, thereby fixing the signal emitter's position relative to the magnetic sensor without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation-preventing means is segmented into two separate components: the flattened area on the ball sleeve and the corresponding edge on the bearing eye. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, and the two parts work together to achieve the rotation-prevention function, minimizing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the ball sleeve is secured against rotating, then the sensor can detect the signal emitter, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the flattened area and corresponding edge to automatically orient the ball sleeve into the correct angular position during assembly. As the ball sleeve is inserted between the bearing eyes, the flattened area naturally engages with the edge, self-aligning the signal emitter within the magnetic sensor's detection range without requiring additional adjustment operations by the assembler.
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
This solution ensures accurate signal detection and prevents incorrect assembly by securing the ball sleeve in a defined angular position, enhancing the functionality of the ball sleeve joint with integrated position sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor, preferably a magnetic field sensor, is arranged on the joint housing, while a second sensor element, preferably a permanent magnet, is arranged as the signal emitter on the ball sleeve. When a change of position takes place, in particular the angular position relative to the longitudinal axis of the ball sleeve, between the ball sleeve and the joint housing or the control arm, the magnetic field changes whereby a signal is produced in the magnetic field sensor which is representative of the angular position.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for connecting a link (1) of a chassis to a wheel carrier (2) by way of a ball sleeve joint (3). The link (1) has an link eye (1a), the ball sleeve joint (3) has a ball sleeve (7), and the wheel carrier (2) has two bearing eyes (4, 5). A sensor is located on the link eye (1a) and a signal generator is located on the ball sleeve (7). The sensor and signal generator form an angle measuring device. The ball sleeve (7) is connected to the bearing eyes (4, 5) via a threaded pin (6). An anti-rotation unit (9, 10) is provided between the ball sleeve (7) and the wheel carrier (2) in order to fix a defined angular position of the ball sleeve (7) with respect to the wheel carrier (2).