Parametric design of automotive ball joint using computer assisted 3d modeling

Ball joints which are used in steering system of vehicles have hundreds of different types and configurations. In this study, a platform called as "parametric design platform" has been developed for the parametric design of automotive ball joint using 3D modelling to reduce design time and cost. The developed platform can be used for part and assembly design with top-down design approach. In the development of the platform original "flow diagram" and "decomposition technique" has been used. The major advantage of the proposed system is that the system can parametrically change assembly, part, part material, feature, geometry and dimensions in a programmable environment. This provides a wide range of alternative solutions to design every parts of ball joints systematically. Whereas parametric systems, which is not programmable, provide change in dimensions only. After completing the development of "parametric design platform" tests have been applied to validate design and the results demonstrate the practicability and validity of the parametric system. Key Words: Parametric Design, Ball Joint, CAD Modeling, Automotive Steering System