Plastic Ball Socket With Curved Retaining Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball joints with metal securing elements are prone to corrosion, leading to reduced mechanical stability and aesthetic issues, while plastic ball sockets with complex structures require precise adaptation and specialized tools for securement.
Innovation Solution
A ball socket design featuring a base body with bent retaining channels and a securing element made of corrosion-resistant plastic, allowing easy insertion and secure fixation of the ball head without external tools, ensuring durability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal securing elements are used, then mechanical stability is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a plastic base body with integrated plastic securing elements. The entire ball socket including securing elements is made from a single plastic material, eliminating the metal-plastic interface that causes galvanic corrosion while maintaining mechanical stability through the integrated design of the plastic securing elements that engage with the ball head.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic securing elements with complex structure are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base body and securing elements into a single integrated plastic component. The securing elements are formed as an integral part of the base body, eliminating the need for separate securing element components and their associated complex structures. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining corrosion resistance through the use of plastic material throughout.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic securing elements with complex structure are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic characteristics in the plastic securing elements through elastomeric properties. The securing elements are designed to be deformable, allowing them to flex during installation to accommodate the ball head, then spring back to their original shape to securely retain the ball head. This dynamic behavior simplifies installation by eliminating the need for special tools while maintaining secure retention.
4Ease of operation
If retaining legs are arranged in bent retaining channels, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature principles by designing bent retaining channels with specific geometric profiles. The channels are curved to guide the elastomeric securing elements along a predetermined path during insertion, allowing them to naturally flex and lock into position. The curved geometry of the channels works with the elastic properties of the securing elements to achieve easy installation without requiring complex external mechanisms.
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 design provides reliable, easy-to-use, and durable ball socket fixation with reduced corrosion risk, enhanced mechanical stability, and a compact form factor, while allowing for easy assembly and secure locking of the ball head.
Implementation Method 1
das Sicherungselement (300) aus elastomerischem Material besteht und verformbar ist, wodurch die Einfügung des Kugelkopfes (213) ermöglicht und danach eine Rückstellung in die Ausgangsform zur Sicherung des Kugelkopfes (213) im Stützbereich (211) erreicht wird
Data Source
AI summary
A ball socket for a ball joint is provided, including a base body with a recess for receiving a ball head of the ball joint, wherein the recess includes a support region for supporting the ball head and a cylindrical insertion region for inserting the ball head in an insertion direction into the support region, and a securing element, wherein the securing element includes a connecting region and two retaining legs connected to one another by the connecting region. The base body includes two retaining channels open to the insertion region. The retaining channels extend from the insertion region in a curved manner towards the retaining axis, wherein the free end portions of the retaining legs can be elastically bent, so that the free end portions spring back after the ball head has been pushed into the insertion region in order to fix the ball head in the support region.