Ball joints allow for multi-directional movement between connected objects, commonly found in cars, industrial machines, and toys. They consist of a ball and case, with possible modifications including a connective piece and a complete seal. They provide up to 180 degrees of directional motion and are designed for fast, unexpected movements.
A ball joint is a style of pin joint that provides relative freedom of movement to a connected object. These joints usually consist of two parts, the ball and the case, but some ball joints use a connective piece that connects the two parts together. A ball joint can be found in millions of different systems. Almost every car manufactured has several ball joints in the steering and suspension systems, they are also common in other steering devices such as industrial machines and children’s toys. The anatomical ball joint, as in a human shoulder, is also a style of ball joint.
The basic design of a ball joint is very simple. The ball is a bearing connected to a stud, often threaded to allow it to be threaded into a larger machine or coupling. The ball fits loosely into a case, but an internal lip prevents the case from releasing the ball. As a result, the ball can roll within the shell, creating a large amount of movement with respect to the two halves of the joint.
There are two main modifications commonly found in the basic ball joint. This first is a connective piece between the ball and the case. This is usually a spring, but other types of connection are possible. This connection piece reduces the vibrations caused by the movement of the ball in the shell. On the other hand, the connection will occasionally limit the full range of motion of the joint.
The other common alteration to the basic ball joint design is a complete seal. Normal ball joints are open and require occasional lubrication to continue to function properly. Without lubrication, the steel ball often starts to rust and crack. Sealed ball joints have a liquid tight seal around the housing opening and lubrication inside the joint. These couplings require much less maintenance, but seal failures typically require replacement of the entire unit.
Ball joints provide multi-directional movement between two connected objects. In the extreme, a ball joint has nearly 180 degrees of directional motion and 360 degrees of rotational motion. While very few ball joints are this loose, it is a possible configuration. A typical ball joint will hover around in a 100 degree motion, only slightly larger than the perpendicular.
These joints are generally designed for positions with fast, often unexpected, multi-directional movements. One of the most common locations to find a ball joint other than the anatomical ball joint is in an automobile. These joints provide the turning capabilities of the steering system while allowing for height adjustments of the system. Also, they are common in suspension where they used to connect the suspension system to the wheel.
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