Adjustable Threaded Fastener With Play-Free Elastic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to allow for adjustable attachment of a first component to a second component without loosening the connection, preventing automatic adjustment of the first component's position relative to the second component after initial adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a base element and an actuating element that are at least partially elastically deformable, allowing for threaded engagement without play, enabling the first component to be connected and adjusted relative to the second component without releasing the connection, with self-locking thread engagement for stability under physical influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adjusting element rests against the first component, then the connection can be easily adjusted, but the position becomes unstable under physical influences such as vibrations or temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the adjusting element from rigid to elastically deformable. This allows the adjusting element to maintain continuous contact with the first component while adapting to physical influences like vibrations and temperature changes, thereby maintaining both adjustability and stability. The elastic deformation capability enables the connection to remain stable without requiring frequent loosening and tightening.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are used to achieve adjustable attachment, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrating element. The adjusting element simultaneously provides threaded engagement with the base element, elastic deformation capability, and direct contact with the first component. This merging of functions achieves precise positioning while minimizing the number of components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the material parameter of the adjusting element to be elastically deformable, the patent achieves precise positioning control through elastic deformation rather than through complex mechanical assemblies. This single parameter change enables the element to adapt to positioning requirements while maintaining a simple structure.
3Reliability
If the thread engagement is tight to prevent play, then the connection stability improves, but the adjustability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the adjusting element from rigid to elastically deformable. This allows the thread engagement to be tight enough to prevent play and ensure connection stability, while the elastic deformation capability of the adjusting element maintains adjustability by allowing controlled deformation during positioning. The elastic property enables the system to achieve both tight engagement and operational flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables adjustable positioning of the first component relative to the second component without loosening the connection, providing stability against temperature fluctuations and vibrations, and allowing for easy operation with a simple construction.
Implementation Method 1
the base element and/or the adjusting element are/are designed to be at least partially elastically deformable such that the adjusting element engages with the base element without play in threaded engagement and receives the first component without play
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for attaching a first component (12) to a second component (14) and comprises a base element (16) which has a thread that defines a thread axis (A), a connecting element (30) for direct or indirect form-fit and/or material-fit connection of the base element to the second component, and an adjusting element (18) which receives the first component and engages in threaded engagement with the base element, such that the position of the first component relative to the second component in the direction of the thread axis can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting element relative to the base element, wherein the base element and/or the adjusting element are/are designed to be at least partially elastically deformable such that the adjusting element receives the first component without play and engages in threaded engagement with the base element without play.