Slip-On Joint Press Adapter for Multi-Size Ball Joints
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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 technicians often resort to using improperly sized or fabricated adapters for new joint sizes.
Innovation Solution
A slip-on adapter that couples to existing adapters via O-rings on the outside or inside diameter, allowing for 'flip' functionality to accommodate two different size ball joints, reducing the need for new adapters and enabling compatibility with existing ball joint press kits.
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 size and shape, 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 assemblies. The adapter body includes opposing first and second adapters that can be selectively coupled to press ball joints of different sizes, allowing one adapter body to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate adapters for each joint size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system is divided into modular components: a reusable adapter body and interchangeable connector assemblies. The connector assemblies can be selectively coupled to the adapter body, allowing the system to be segmented and reconfigured for different ball joint sizes without replacing the entire adapter.
2Manufacturing precision
If new adapters are manufactured for new ball joint sizes, then proper sizing and fit are achieved, but manufacturing costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body serves as a universal component that can work with multiple connector assemblies designed for different ball joint sizes. This eliminates the need to manufacture entirely new adapters for each joint size, reducing production costs while maintaining proper sizing through the interchangeable connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the reusable adapter body with interchangeable connector assemblies into a single functional unit. This combination allows the system to handle multiple ball joint sizes without requiring separate complete adapters for each size, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If technicians use improperly sized or fabricated adapters for new ball joint sizes, then immediate service capability is maintained, but reliability and safety decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides pre-manufactured connector assemblies designed specifically for different ball joint sizes, allowing technicians to select the appropriate connector for the job before beginning work. This preliminary preparation ensures proper fit and reliability without requiring technicians to fabricate improvised solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal adapter body combined with size-specific connectors provides both immediate service capability and guaranteed reliability. Technicians can quickly swap connectors to match different joint sizes without leaving the job site, maintaining productivity while ensuring proper, reliable adaptation for each application.
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 ball joint sizes by leveraging existing adapters, simplifying the process of installing and removing ball joints without the need for new adapter machining, thus enhancing versatility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The 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.