V-Stay Ball Joint Locking Assembly With Pressurized Fluid 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.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly with a locking member that can be remotely released using pressurized fluid, allowing for pneumatic assisted coupling and decoupling, featuring a resilient member to bias the locking member towards the locked position and a fluid inlet to move it to the unlocked position, with a design that minimizes friction and ensures secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disassembly and reassembly of fixing elements is used, then the joint assembly can be released and engaged, but the process becomes cumbersome and unsafe, especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (unscrewing fixing elements) with an automated pneumatic system. A piston moved by pressurized fluid automatically performs the locking and unlocking actions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly performs its own locking and unlocking operations through the pneumatic piston system without requiring external manual assistance. The system serves itself by using internal pneumatic pressure to move the piston and engage/disengage the locking elements automatically.
2Reliability
If manual disassembly is required, then the joint assembly can be released, but technicians must work in the vicinity of the ball joint which carries substantial weight, creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated pneumatic system. The piston, driven by pressurized fluid, automatically engages and disengages locking elements, eliminating the need for technicians to manually handle heavy components or work in hazardous proximity to loaded ball joints.
3Reliability
If traditional fixing elements are used, then the joint assembly can be secured, but components may become stuck or corroded after long use, preventing release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional threaded fixing elements with a pneumatic piston system that uses fluid pressure to engage and disengage locking elements. This substitution eliminates corrosion and seizing issues associated with threaded fasteners, as the piston moves smoothly within its cylinder and can be reliably actuated by pneumatic pressure regardless of service duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic system where pressurized fluid acts on the piston to provide controlled engagement and release of the locking mechanism. This pneumatic actuation ensures consistent operation over time without the corrosion and seizing problems that plague traditional mechanical fastening systems.
4Ease of operation
If more space is provided for accessing ball joints, then manual disassembly becomes easier, but the vehicle design becomes more complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operations with an automated pneumatic system that can be actuated remotely. The piston and locking mechanism are integrated into the joint assembly structure, eliminating the need for additional access space that would be required for manual disassembly tools and operations.
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, simple, and efficient release of ball joints without manual intervention, suitable for confined spaces, and maintains functionality even after long 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)
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)
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly for ball joint of a vehicle has a housing, a joint member that may be at least partly inserted into the housing, a locking member that is movable between a locked position, in which the joint member is locked to the housing, and an unlocked position. The joint assembly has a resilient member that is arranged to bias the locking member towards the locked position. The joint assembly has a fluid inlet and is configured such that a pressurized fluid may be supplied via the fluid inlet to move the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.