Pneumatic Ball Joint Locking Assembly for Remote Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joint assemblies for ball joints in heavy-duty vehicles require manual disassembly and reassembly, which can be cumbersome and unsafe, especially in confined spaces, and are prone to issues with stuck or corroded components over time.

Innovation Solution

A joint assembly with a locking member that can be remotely unlocked using pressurized fluid, featuring a resilient member to bias the locking member towards the locked position and a fluid inlet to move it to the unlocked position, allowing for pneumatic assisted coupling and decoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual disassembly and reassembly of fixing elements is used, then the joint assembly can be released and reassembled, but the process becomes cumbersome and unsafe, especially in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of releaseVSAvoidcomplexity of manual disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (screw removal, lever manipulation) with an automated pneumatic system. A piston driven by compressed air through a fluid inlet automatically actuates the locking member to release the ball joint, eliminating the need for technicians to manually manipulate fixing elements in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a pneumatic actuation system where compressed air is supplied through a fluid inlet to drive a piston. The piston moves the locking member between locked and unlocked positions, providing automated release functionality that improves ease of operation while reducing manual intervention requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of fixing elements is required, then the joint can be released, but technicians must work in the vicinity of the ball joint which carries substantial weight, creating safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote release capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk from substantial weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated pneumatic actuation. The piston and locking member mechanism automatically releases the ball joint when pressurized fluid is supplied, allowing remote operation from a safe distance and eliminating the need for technicians to position themselves near the heavy ball joint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional fixing elements are used, then the joint assembly can be assembled and disassembled, but components may become stuck and/or corroded after long time of use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability after prolonged useVSAvoidstuck and corroded components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fixing elements (screws, bolts, levers) with a pneumatic actuation system. The piston-driven locking member mechanism uses fluid pressure to actuate release, eliminating components that are prone to sticking and corrosion from prolonged exposure to environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs compressed air delivery through a fluid inlet to actuate the locking mechanism. This pneumatic system provides reliable operation after prolonged use because it uses sealed fluid pathways and lacks the threaded connections and moving mechanical parts that typically corrode and seize in traditional fixing element systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 safe and simple release of ball joints without manual intervention, suitable for confined spaces, and maintains functionality even after prolonged use or corrosion, ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member (40) that is arranged to bias the locking member (30) towards the locked position (30L)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pressurized fluid (85) may be supplied via the fluid inlet (50) to move the locking member (30) from the locked position (30L) to the unlocked position (30U)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4644717A1A joint assembly for a ball joint of a v-stay and a method of releasing a joint assembly

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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AI summary

A joint assembly (1) for ball joint of a vehicle (100), the joint assembly (1) comprising - a housing (10), - a joint member (20) that may be at least partly inserted into the housing (10), - a locking member (30) that is movable between a locked position (30L), in which the joint member (20) is locked to the housing (10), and an unlocked position (30U), the joint assembly (1) further comprising - a resilient member (40) that is arranged to bias the locking member (30) towards the locked position (30L), wherein the joint assembly (1) comprises a fluid inlet (50) and is configured such that a pressurized fluid (85) may be supplied via the fluid inlet (50) to move the locking member (30) from the locked position (30L) to the unlocked position (30U).