Slip-On Joint Press Adapter With O-Ring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint press adapters require multiple adapters for different sizes and shapes of ball joints, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies, as new adapters are needed for each new joint type, often resulting in the use of improperly sized or fabricated adapters.
Innovation Solution
A slip-on adapter that couples to existing adapters via O-rings on the outside or inside diameter, allowing it to function as a 'flip adapter' for two different size ball joints, reducing the need for new adapters by utilizing existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional joint press adapters are used for different sizes of ball joints, then each adapter is precisely tailored to a specific joint type, but the number of adapters required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple ball joint sizes through interchangeable connector attachments. The standardized connector interface allows a single adapter body to serve multiple functions by simply changing the connector attachment, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated adapters for different joint sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system is divided into two separable components: a universal adapter body and interchangeable connectors. This segmentation allows the main adapter body to remain while only the connector portion needs to be changed for different joint types, reducing the overall number of components needed compared to completely separate adapters for each joint size.
2Reliability
If new adapters are fabricated for each new ball joint type, then proper fit and function are achieved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal adapter body design that works with multiple connector types, the manufacturing cost is reduced because the expensive adapter body is only produced once rather than creating entirely new adapters for each joint type. The cheaper connectors are manufactured in various sizes to match different ball joint specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design applies local quality by making only the connector portion specific to each ball joint type while keeping the main adapter body generic. This allows precise fitting at the critical interface (the connector-ball joint interface) while using a standardized, cost-effective body design for the remainder of the adapter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized adapters are maintained in inventory, then all ball joint sizes can be serviced, but storage space and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal adapter body provides a common base that works with all connector types, so technicians only need to inventory connectors for different joint sizes rather than complete adapter assemblies. This dramatically reduces inventory complexity while maintaining the ability to service all ball joint sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector attachments can be stored within or attached to the universal adapter body when not in use, creating a compact storage solution. The interchangeable connectors nest within the adapter body cavity, reducing the space required to store multiple adapter configurations compared to storing separate complete adapters.
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 cost-effective adaptation for new size ball joints by leveraging existing adapters, providing a versatile solution for installation and removal of various ball joint sizes without the need for full machining of new adapters.
Implementation Method 1
A first O-ring is disposed in the first groove, wherein the first O-ring is adapted to frictionally releasably couple the first end portion to an outer diameter of the first connector
Data Source
AI summary
A slip-on adapter that is adapted to be coupled to existing adapters that have already been developed. The slip-on adapter couples to existing adapters by positive retention on either the outside diameter or inside diameter of the existing adapter. For example, the slip-on adapter can include an O-ring that grips the outside diameter of the existing adapter that it is slipped onto. The slip-on adapter can also be used as a “flip adapter” with different geometries at both ends for use with two different size ball joints. This allows for less expensive adapters for new size ball joints by connecting to existing adapters, rather than requiring full machining of a new adapter.