Ceramic link
US5101779A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 1991 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02B3/06
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ceramic link element suitable for use as a component in the drive train of an internal combustion engine is provided. The link includes a central shaft portion with opposed spherical terminal ends that contact correspondingly configured elements in the drive train. The ceramic link element is formed, preferably by injection molding, to be substantially free from flaws and to have maximum pore diameters, preferably a maximum pore diameter of 150 um or less on the shaft and 40 um or less on the spherical terminal ends, to produce a link with optimum mechanical strength. When these pore dimensions are met and the degree of sphericity of the spherical terminal ends is 20 um or less, the ceramic link exhibits increased mechanical strength, durability and reliability. A method of forming a ceramic link having the aforementioned characteristics is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.