Plastic Ball Bearing Design Improvement Using Finite Element Method

Vehicle suspension systems as well as steering system include component that is called ball joint which the main characteristics is to connect vehicle component each other and move with three degrees of rotational freedom. One of the main part of the ball joint is a plastic ball bearing due to minimize wear, reduce friction. Actually, plastic ball bearing has crucial role product life cycle. The main objective of this study is to improve model and to perform structural analysis of a plastic ball bearing used in the front suspension system. Two major properties, geometry and material have investigated. Various geometrical shapes have designed and have analyzed using finite element method. Although a wide variety of plastics are available, different types of POM (polyoxymethylene) have studied. Analyses have included the evaluation of the ball bearing axial and radial clearance for excessive play which is used with ball joint. According to simulation result, optimal ball bearing has developed before prototype had been produced. Simulation technology and software tools have a significant role in the design process of automotive product development.