Adjustable Fastening Element Axial Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for vehicle components fail to effectively compensate for tolerance variations between components, leading to instability and noise during assembly and disassembly, and lack adjustable features for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element comprising a pin-like connecting element with a drive interface and a retaining element that allows for axial and radial tolerance compensation, featuring a self-tapping or self-locking threaded portion and elastic design for secure engagement and adjustable positioning between vehicle body panels and mounted parts like tail lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fastening elements are used to connect vehicle components, then assembly can be performed, but tolerance variations between components cannot be effectively compensated, leading to instability and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates a threaded portion that allows adjustment of the axial position parameter. By rotating the connecting element along the threaded portion, the axial distance between the first and second fastening regions can be adjusted to compensate for tolerance variations between components, thereby maintaining connection stability despite manufacturing precision limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamically adjustable connection. The connecting element can be rotated to change its axial position relative to the fastening portions, enabling real-time compensation for tolerance variations and instability, transforming the system from static to dynamically adaptable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing fastening elements are used, then components can be attached, but noise and vibration occur during assembly and disassembly due to lack of tolerance compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded portion enables continuous adjustment of the axial position parameter of the connecting element. This allows the fastening system to adapt to tolerance variations in components, preventing gaps and misalignments that would otherwise generate noise and vibration during assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic fastening portions are designed to provide preliminary cushioning and absorption of tolerance variations before assembly. This pre-compensation mechanism reduces the impact of manufacturing precision errors, thereby minimizing noise and vibration generation during the assembly and disassembly processes.
3Ease of operation
If existing fastening elements are used, then basic connection is achieved, but adjustable features for precise positioning are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is segmented into distinct functional portions: first fastening region, second fastening region, and threaded portion. This segmentation allows the threaded portion to provide independent adjustment capability for precise positioning without significantly complicating the overall structure, as each segment performs a specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection through the fastening regions and enables precise axial positioning through rotation along the threaded portion. This multi-functionality is achieved within a relatively simple structure, as the threaded portion simultaneously provides both connection and adjustment capabilities.
4Ease of repair
If non-removable fastening elements are used, then secure connection is achieved, but disassembly and repositioning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The connecting element can be rotated along the threaded portion to achieve precise positioning, and the entire assembly can be easily disassembled and reassembled while maintaining connection security, as the threaded mechanism preserves the adjusted position during reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism allows preliminary adjustment of the axial position before final tightening or securing. This preliminary action enables precise positioning to be established before the connection is fully secured, facilitating easy disassembly and reassembly while preserving the adjusted position for subsequent fastening operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening element for connecting a first component to a second component. The fastening element may have a pin-like connecting element having a first fastening region and a second fastening region. The fastening element may also have a retaining element having a fastening portion which is provided with a receptacle for receiving the first fastening region. The retaining element may be configured for fastening in a cutout of the first component. The second fastening region may have a portion for engaging in a receptacle of the second component. A drive interface may be provided on the connecting element so that the connecting element held in the receptacle is movable.