Vehicle Pivot Joint Sealing Device Radial Housing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint devices, such as ball joints, face challenges in providing effective and long-term sealing against dirt, water, and external damage due to the need for additional fastening elements that can become loose or damaged, especially when exposed to high-pressure cleaners and abrasive materials.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device that rests on the outer edge of the housing, eliminating the need for external clamping rings, is radially prestressed to ensure a secure seal, and is protected by the housing, reducing the risk of damage and assembly complexity, while maintaining mobility without significant axial extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fastening elements (clamping rings) are used to secure the sealing device, then the sealing device can be firmly attached to the housing, but the device complexity increases and the risk of damage from external impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external clamping rings from the sealing device structure. Instead of using separate fastening elements, the sealing device is directly integrated with the housing through a groove and cover structure, eliminating the need for additional rings and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is merged with the housing structure by integrating the attachment mechanism directly into the housing wall. The groove and cover form a unified structure with the housing, combining the functions of the housing and fastening elements into a single integrated component
2Ease of operation
If the sealing device extends axially beyond the housing contour, then it can be more easily secured, but it becomes exposed to external damage from stones and high-pressure cleaners
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is nested within the housing contour, with the groove and cover structure providing internal securing mechanisms. The sealing device fits within the axial boundaries of the housing, protecting it from external impacts while the nested groove and cover structure ensures secure attachment during installation
3Ease of manufacture
If the sealing device is pressed onto the housing from the radial outside, then it can be easily installed, but it requires additional assembly effort and space
Solution Approach 1:
The groove and cover structure are pre-formed as integral parts of the housing during housing manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to install clamping rings or additional fastening elements, reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of sealing device installation
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 provides long-term stability and protection against external influences, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures the sealing device remains securely attached, preventing slipping and damage from external factors like stones and high-pressure cleaners.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing device can be formed from a rubber-elastic material and can meander between its radially inside and its radially outside edge region with areas pointing axially upwards and downwards
Data Source
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AI summary
A joint device (6), comprising an axially extended pivot (8) and a housing (11) entirely or partially engaging radially around the latter, wherein the pivot (8) and the housing (11) are at least pivotable and rotatable relative to each other, and a gap (13) located between said parts is closed via a sealing device (14) effective in every relative position of the parts (8; 11) with respect to each other, is designed in such a manner that the sealing device (14) bears and is supported radially on the outside of an inner wall region (15) of the housing (11).