Steering Knuckle Threaded-Ear Design for Ball-Joint Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing a steering ball joint from a steering knuckle are cumbersome, requiring tools like a ball joint extractor and potentially a hammer, leading to prolonged intervention times due to high stress and infrequent disassembly needs.
Innovation Solution
A steering knuckle design with an outwardly extending ear featuring a threaded hole opposite the steering tie rod, allowing the ball joint to be dismantled using a loosening screw and screwdriver, eliminating the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball joint extractor and hammer are used to remove the steering ball joint, then the ball joint can be disengaged from the steering knuckle, but the intervention time becomes prolonged and the operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering knuckle is segmented by adding an ear structure with a threaded hole, separating the disassembly function from the main body. This allows insertion of a loosening screw that can independently apply force to the steering tie rod, enabling disassembly without complex external tools.
Solution Approach 2:
A loosening screw is introduced as an intermediary tool that fits into the threaded hole of the ear. This simple screw acts as a mediator between the operator and the steering ball joint, applying controlled force to facilitate removal without requiring a ball joint extractor or hammer.
2Ease of operation
If a ball joint extractor is used to remove the steering ball joint, then the disengagement can be achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple tools required
Solution Approach 1:
The ear with threaded hole serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting location for the loosening screw, creates a lever arm for force application, and integrates directly into the steering knuckle structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering knuckle structure itself provides the means for disassembly through the ear and threaded hole. The component is self-servicing in that it contains all necessary features (ear, threaded hole) to enable its own disassembly with a simple screw, without requiring external specialized equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Steering knuckle for a motor vehicle, an assembly comprising such a steering knuckle, a motor vehicle comprising such an assembly, and a method for dismantling such an assembly. The invention relates to a steering knuckle (3) for a motor vehicle, designed to support a steering ball joint (7) of a steering system of said motor vehicle, said steering knuckle (3) comprising a pivot (13) and said steering ball joint (7) comprising a tie rod (9) having at one of its ends (9a, 9b) a pin (11) intended to be received by said pivot (13) of said steering knuckle (3). According to the invention, the steering knuckle (3) comprises a lug (15) extending outward from said pivot (13) and having a threaded hole extending opposite said tie rod (9) when said steering ball joint (7) is mounted on said steering knuckle (3).