Ball and socket joint with sensor device and process for wear measurement
US7762736B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32721
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ball and socket joint is provided for a motor vehicle that has a joint housing (1), in the interior space of which a ball shell (2) is arranged. The ball (3) of a ball pivot (4) is accommodated in the ball shell (2). A sensor device (7), for measuring forces and loads, is arranged on a flexurally elastic printed circuit board (6). The printed circuit board is fastened in the joint housing (1) in a flexurally mobile manner. The sensor device (7) measures deflections and mechanical stresses of the sensor printed circuit board (6). A transmission device introduces forces or a bending moments into the sensor printed circuit board (6) in case of a deformation of the ball shell (2). The process makes possible the permanent determination of the state of wear of the ball and socket joint via measurement of the prestressing force of the ball shell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.