Suspension arm and joint assembly
US4016950A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 1975 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C11/0685
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A suspension arm and joint assembly for a motor vehicle suspension system and a method for making the assembly is disclosed. The assembly is manufactured by first stamping a sheet metal suspension arm with an inner portion constructed to be pivotally connected to a vehicle chassis member and an outer portion with a recessed socket configuration. A plastically deformable element is situated within the socket and a frangible bearing is positioned adjacent the deformable element. The ball of a ball stud engages the bearing. A second frangible bearing is placed in engagement with the ball. A second socket part exerts a force against the bearings during the assembly of the joint and causes each bearing to fracture into circumferentially spaced bearing pieces. The second socket part is secured to the suspension arm stamping while retaining the load upon the bearings whereby the ball and socket joint thus formed is preloaded. The initial preload exceeds the desired amount which amount is achieved by exerting an axial load upon the ball stud causing the deformable element to deform and thereby relieving the excess preload.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.