Double Joint Centering Ball Retention Without Thrust Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double joints for connecting angularly adjustable shafts, particularly in vehicle steering systems, face complexity in assembly and design due to the need for a spring-loaded thrust piece to prevent the bearing ball from slipping out, which complicates the bending angle adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A shell-like bearing part surrounds the bearing ball, allowing it to snap into place under elastic deformation, eliminating the need for additional pressure elements and simplifying assembly while ensuring secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded thrust piece is used to prevent the bearing ball from slipping out, then the bearing ball is securely retained, but the assembly becomes complex and the design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring-loaded thrust piece from the design entirely. Instead of using an additional pressure element to retain the bearing ball, the bearing part itself is designed with a geometry that naturally prevents the bearing ball from slipping out, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing part is designed to perform the retention function itself without requiring external assistance from a thrust piece. The bearing part's geometry self-regulates to prevent the bearing ball from escaping, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional components
2Reliability
If additional pressure elements are used to secure the bearing ball, then the bearing ball is retained reliably, but the bending angle adjustment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the thrust piece that interfered with bending angle adjustment. By removing this additional pressure element, the bearing ball is retained through the bearing part's geometry alone, allowing free adjustment of the bending angle without mechanical interference
3Reliability
If a complex assembly with thrust piece is used, then the bearing ball is securely held, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the thrust piece from the assembly, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured, supplied, and assembled. This streamlines the production process and increases assembly speed while maintaining the bearing ball retention function through the bearing part's design
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function previously performed by a separate thrust piece is merged into the bearing part itself. The bearing part now performs both its primary bearing function and the retention function, reducing component count and simplifying the assembly process
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 solution enables a large bending angle with a simple structural design and easy assembly, as the bearing ball is securely held without additional components, facilitating easy installation and maintaining functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing part is designed such that at least one area of it rests against the bearing ball under elastic deformation. The elastic deformation is brought about by the bearing ball being pressed into the shell-like bearing part during assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The double joint is used to connect two shafts whose angles are adjustable relative to one another and is preferably intended for use in steering shafts of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles. The double joint has two joint forks (1, 2), to each of which a universal joint (5, 6) is connected. The universal joints (5, 6) are coupled to one another via a centering unit (4) having a centering pin (40) that engages a bearing ball (35) seated in a bearing part (34). The bearing part (34) is shell-like and surrounds the bearing ball (35) over more than half its diameter. At least one area (36) of the bearing part (34) bears against the bearing ball (35) under elastic deformation. The bearing ball (35) is pressed into the shell-like bearing part (34) until the bearing ball (35) snaps into the bearing part (34). The bearing part (34) rests under force on the bearing ball (35), so that an additional pressure element is not required.