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Method and apparatus for clearance adjusting cover plate closure

a technology of cover plate and adjustment mechanism, which is applied in the field of manufacturing and assembly of movable sockets, can solve the problems of erratic steering or excessive looseness, deformation of movable socket or ball joint, and play in the vehicle suspension system, so as to achieve precise control of the preload of the ball and socket components, the effect of high repeatability

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-11-27
FEDERAL MOGUL WORLD WIDE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This method provides consistent and repeatable preload control, maintains low-profile top surfaces, and enhances durability by eliminating the need for a circumferential groove, ensuring reliable performance in mechanical systems like automotive suspension and steering.

Problems solved by technology

Obviously, movable sockets or ball-joints employed in these applications are subjected to various operating conditions, and may be required to carry substantial loads.
When wear develops, the performance of the movable socket or ball-joint degrades and, in the case of automotive applications, may result in erratic steering or excessive looseness and play in the vehicle suspension system.
However, some socket designs require a sealed or closed cover-plate having no axial opening.

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for clearance adjusting cover plate closure
  • Method and apparatus for clearance adjusting cover plate closure
  • Method and apparatus for clearance adjusting cover plate closure

Examples

Experimental program
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first embodiment

[0033]Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4C, a method of the present invention for assembling a socket includes the initial step of inserting the aforementioned ball and socket components into housing 12 through housing opening 16 to an initial preassembly configuration as shown generally in FIG. 3, or as may be obtained by inserting the components shown in FIG. 1 into housing 12, as described herein. This includes the steps of providing a housing 12 having a central bore 14, the central bore 14 including at least one open end 16 having a counterbore 22 defining a circumferential seat 24 adjacent said open end 16; providing one or more joint components, such as first bearing 30, second bearing 62 and preload device 64, and including stud 36; providing a deformable cover-plate 66, the cover-plate 66 having an outer diameter OD sized to seat within the counterbore 22 on the circumferential seat 24, inserting the stud 36 and joint components into the central bore 14; and placing the cover-plate 6...

second embodiment

[0037]Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5C, the method of the present invention for assembling a socket includes the initial step of inserting the aforementioned ball and socket components into housing 12 through housing opening 16 to an initial preassembly configuration as shown generally in FIG. 3, or as may be obtained by inserting the components shown in FIG. 1 into housing 12, as described herein. This includes the steps of providing a housing 12 having a central bore 14, the central bore 14 including at least one open end 16 having a counterbore 22 defining a circumferential seat 24 adjacent said open end 16; providing one or more joint components, such as first bearing 30, second bearing 62 and preload device 64, and including stud 36; providing a deformable cover-plate 66, the cover-plate 66 having an outer diameter OD sized to seat within the counterbore 22 on the circumferential seat 24, inserting the stud 36 and joint components into the central bore 14; and placing the cover-plate...

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PUM

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Abstract

A ball and socket housing incorporating a thick housing wall of deformable material adjacent a central bore opening to provide a closure system utilizing a deformable cover-plate. The deformable cover-plate is formed to a desired configuration within the central bore to achieve a consistent internal socket preload. The cover-plate is deformed into the housing opening beyond an elastic limit to control resiliency or spring-back characteristics, thereby achieving a high-degree of repeatability and precise control of the ball and socket preload during the assembly process. The deformed cover-plate is retained in the socket housing at the cover-plate seat by swaged or rolling the perimeter of the housing to capture the perimeter of the deformed cover plate within the housing central bore opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority to and is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 111,644, filed Apr. 21, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to the manufacturing and assembly of movable sockets, for example, ball-joints as used in automotive steering and suspension systems, and more particularly, to a method and device for performing the operation of closing one end of a movable socket by deforming a solid cover-plate and then spinning or swaging a perimeter lip of the housing to retain the deformed cover-plate. While the invention is described in detail with respect to automotive applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the invention.RELATED ART[0003]Conventional ball-joints, and other movable sockets are used, for example, in automotive steering and suspension applications. The socket...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F16C11/08B21D39/00B21K1/10B21K1/76B21K25/00B23P11/00B23P11/02F16C11/00F16C11/06
CPCB21K25/00B23P11/005B23P2700/11F16C11/0642Y10T29/49853Y10T29/53996Y10T29/49872Y10T403/32737Y10T29/49915Y10T29/4987Y10T403/32631Y10T29/49863Y10T29/49663F16C11/0609F16C11/086
Inventor SPENCE, DALE A.SCHMIDT, GEORGEPARKER, GLEN
Owner FEDERAL MOGUL WORLD WIDE
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