Cone adaptor for ball joint studs, tie rods, sway bar links and the like
US7393152B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7052
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ball joint assembly (28) for a vehicular steering or suspension application includes a cap-like housing (42) in which is captured the articulating ball portion (32) of a stud (30). A shank (34) extends from the ball portion (32), outwardly from the housing cap (42), to provide a connection and anchoring interface for the suspension member (16) or other anchoring component. The connection interface with the anchoring suspension member (16) is characterized by a specially designed surface which is convenient to machine, provides increased surface-to-surface contact area, and provides additional advantages such as improved stress distribution and NVH benefits. A washer-like cone adaptor (54) mates with a specially formed adaptor interface region (48) on the stud (30). On its outer surface, the adaptor (54) has a broad tapering feature (56) designed to seat in a complementary-shaped receiving flare (58) in the anchoring suspension member (16). The mating contact region between the adaptor (54) and the stud (30) is formed with spherical or spheroidal curvatures, or by single or multiple step configurations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.