Cone adaptor for ball joint studs, tie rods, sway bar links and the like
US7837407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7052
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ball joint assembly for a vehicular steering or suspension application includes a cap-like housing in which is captured the articulating ball portion of a stud. A shank extends from the ball portion, outwardly from the housing cap, to provide a connection and anchoring interface for the suspension member or other anchoring component. The connection interface with the anchoring suspension member 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 mates with a specially formed adaptor interface region on the stud. On its outer surface, the adaptor has a broad tapering feature designed to seat in a complementary-shaped receiving flare in the anchoring suspension member. The mating contact region between the adaptor and the stud 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.