Adjustable Inner Tie Rod Ball Joint Without Set Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inner tie rod assemblies in vehicles are complex, difficult to adjust, and often require set screws that are easily lost and require multiple steps for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adjustable ball joint design using a jam nut for infinitesimal adjustments, comprising a ball joint stud, a ball joint hollow body, an end piece, and a jam nut, which are preferably made of metal or metal alloy, allowing for precise and easy assembly without set screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional inner tie rod assemblies use set screws for adjustment, then adjustment capability is achieved, but the design becomes complex and parts are easily lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes set screws from the traditional ball joint design, extracting the problematic adjustment mechanism and replacing it with a threaded rod and jam nut system. This eliminates the complexity and loss risk associated with set screws while maintaining adjustment capability through thread engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the adjustment parameter from set screw position to threaded rod rotation. By using threads with specific pitch and geometry, the adjustment mechanism achieves precise positioning without requiring additional fastening components, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional designs use multiple set screws and steps for adjustment, then adjustment is possible, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod and jam nut are pre-configured with appropriate thread pitch and engagement geometry during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for quick adjustment during maintenance, as the components are designed to work together immediately without requiring multiple adjustment steps or additional fastening operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If set screws are used to secure the ball joint, then the assembly can be tightened, but the set screws are easily lost and require multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment and securing functions into a single integrated system. The threaded rod provides both adjustment capability and structural connection, while the jam nut secures the entire assembly in one operation. This eliminates the need for separate set screws and reduces the total number of parts while maintaining assembly stability.
4Strength
If traditional ball joints use complex multi-component designs, then structural integrity is maintained, but the design becomes difficult to adjust and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint is segmented into distinct functional components: the ball, threaded rod, hollow body, and jam nut. Each component is optimized for its specific function while maintaining strong connections through threaded engagement. This segmentation allows for easy adjustment by simply rotating the jam nut, while the threaded connections ensure structural integrity is maintained throughout the assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable ball joint which is infinitesimally adjustable using a jam nut wherein no set screws are used. A kit for constructing an adjustable ball joint which is infinitesimally adjustable using a jam nut wherein no set screws are used. A method of assembling an adjustable ball joint which is infinitesimally adjustable using a jam nut wherein no set screws are used.