Control Arm Ball Joint Press-Fit Local Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional press-fit connections for ball joints in wishbones require significant space, leading to suboptimal steering behavior due to the need for a larger material thickness and bending radius, which limits the arrangement of the ball joint's proximity to the brake disc.
Innovation Solution
A wishbone with a local reinforcement structure in the area for frictional contact with the ball joint and reduced material thickness towards the brake disc, allowing for a closer spatial arrangement of the press-fit connection, achieved through metal forming processes that enhance structural strength and reduce material thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional press-fit connection with uniform wall thickness is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the spatial requirement increases and the ball joint must be arranged further from the brake disc
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a local reinforcement structure (protrusion) at the specific location where the ball joint is received. This protrusion increases the material thickness and structural strength locally at the press-fit connection point, while the rest of the wall maintains reduced thickness. This allows the ball joint to be positioned closer to the brake disc without compromising the structural integrity of the press-fit connection.
2Volume of moving object
If the material thickness is reduced towards the brake disc, then the spatial arrangement is improved and the ball joint can be positioned closer, but the structural strength in that area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality - the wall thickness is reduced in the general area facing the brake disc to improve spatial arrangement, but a local reinforcement structure (protrusion) is created at the specific press-fit connection location to maintain structural strength. This allows both goals to be achieved simultaneously: compact spatial arrangement with adequate structural strength where needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a press-fit connection is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the spatial requirement increases due to large material thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the cost-effective press-fit connection method while reducing spatial requirements by applying local quality. Instead of uniformly thickening the wall for the press-fit connection, a localized protrusion is formed only at the connection point. This maintains the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of press-fit manufacturing while minimizing the overall spatial footprint of the control arm.
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 design enables a more compact spatial arrangement of the ball joint, improving the steering behavior of motor vehicles by allowing the press-fit connection to be positioned closer to the brake disc, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a local reinforcement structure produced by forming, which has increased structural strength compared to material not formed in this way
Data Source
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AI summary
A control arm with a device (1) for receiving a ball joint (4) by press-fitting is provided, wherein the material of the device (1) in areas intended for force-fit contact with the pressed-in ball joint (4) exhibits a reduction of material (5) in a region directed towards the brake disc of a wheel to be coupled, which is produced by forming. Furthermore, a motor vehicle with a corresponding device is provided. A method for manufacturing a control arm with a device (1) for receiving a ball joint (4) by press-fitting is also provided, wherein material reinforcements (3) and a reduction of material (5) are produced by forming in a region of the device (1) intended for force-fit contact with the pressed-in ball joint (4).