Steering knuckle and ball joint assembly for tractor front axle
US6402169B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32631
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering knuckle and ball joint assembly for a tractor is provided in which the ball stud has a spherical ball portion and a pair of studs extending oppositely therefrom for attachment to the steering knuckle. The double studded ball stud enables the overall size of the ball studs to be reduced compared to a ball stud having a single stud and still accommodate the loads applied to the ball joint by the dual front wheels. Ball joints are used for both steering tie rods and suspension control arms. The steering knuckle is pan shaped to surround the ball joints on all but the interior side of the knuckle where the steering and suspension arms are connected. This shielding of the ball joints protect the ball joints from dirt and debris, especially from the mud and dirt thrown by the front tires.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.