ball detent help

[mechpins]

I am trying to figure out how to design a ball detent retention system that works well, but am having a difficult time trying to figure out the optimal ball engagement depth. Does anyone have any suggestions or know where I can get information on ball detent design?

Thanks,
Ian

 

[Kwan]

i worked out a ball detent system on a tank hatch once upon a time. I found info on the web. McMaster Carr? Anyway, if you search the web you should be able to find something (detent release force, angle of detent, etc). Some advice: if possible, add adjustment to the ball detent. I used a spring nested into a hole with a allen screw adjustment. The specs insisted certain release loads and such. I realize you might not have the same option as far as adjustiblity. Hope this helps.

 

[TheTick]

I did the same type of adjustable design once. A machined tube with a set screw on the opposite end of the ball to adjust initial force. Remember hat you are only adjusting the spring preload, not the spring rate ("k" factor).

Ball detent systems are good studies in basic statics. A good place to start is to draw a typical ball detent system and calculate forces due to spring deflection and detent force exerted through contact angle with the ball.

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[mechpins]

thanks for your responses

I had not really thought of making a ball detent adjustable.

Thanks for the help in getting me started.

Ian

 

[MikeHalloran]

Once you have a spec for the ideal detent force, substitute a low-rate spring so you don't have to adjust the assembly to get the preload you want.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA