Adjustable Fastening Element for Vehicle Tolerance Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for vehicle components face challenges in accommodating tolerance variations and providing adjustable, reliable connections that can be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining adjusted positions.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element comprising a pin-like connecting element with a first and second fastening region, a sleeve for insertion into a receiving opening, and a compensating element with a receptacle for receiving the first fastening region, allowing for axial and radial tolerance compensation through adjustable positioning and a drive interface for longitudinal adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fastening system is used, then assembly is simple, but tolerance variations cannot be accommodated and adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional segments: a sleeve portion for insertion into the first component, a connecting element with separate fastening regions for the first and second components, and a compensating element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling tolerance compensation while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating element with the receptacle is designed to receive and nest the connecting element. This nesting arrangement allows the connecting element to be positioned and secured within the compensating element, enabling axial adjustment and tolerance compensation while keeping the overall structure compact and manageable.
2Ease of operation
If an adjustable fastening system is implemented, then position can be adjusted, but assembly and disassembly become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating element is pre-configured with a receptacle designed to receive the connecting element, and the connecting element is pre-formed with distinct fastening regions. This preliminary preparation of components with their specific geometries and features enables straightforward assembly through simple insertion and engagement actions, reducing the complexity of the assembly procedure while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to be rotatable within the receptacle of the compensating element, enabling dynamic axial adjustment of the fastening system. This rotational degree of freedom allows for position adjustment while the element remains constrained radially, providing adjustability without requiring complex mechanisms for assembly or disassembly.
3Ease of repair
If a releasable connection is provided, then disassembly is easy, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element features a cylindrical geometry that fits within the receptacle, with radial constraints provided by the receptacle walls. This geometric configuration creates a stable, constrained connection that is reliable during operation, while the open end of the receptacle allows for easy insertion and removal of the connecting element, achieving both connection reliability and ease of disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening element for connecting a first component to a second component may have a pin-like connecting element with a first fastening region and a second fastening region. The fastening element may also have a sleeve which is configured for insertion into a receiving opening of the first component. The fastening element may also have a compensation element which is provided with a receptacle for receiving the first fastening region and which is configured for insertion and adjustment in a longitudinal direction in the sleeve. At least one drive interface may be provided on the compensating element by which the compensating element can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction in the sleeve.