Adjustable Insulator With Thread Locking Buffer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulators for absorbing impacts and vibrations between vehicle components, such as radiator grilles and bodywork, require complex adaptations due to varying tolerances and often necessitate the use of tools, leading to inefficiencies in fitting and potential loosening under vibration.
Innovation Solution
An insulator with a thread locking mechanism utilizing an elastic buffer unit with a smaller diameter hole than the threaded unit, allowing for manual adjustment and secure positioning without tools, using a threaded unit embedded in the buffer unit to create a secure thread locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locknut is used to secure the threaded connection against vibrations, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the buffer unit and the locking mechanism into a single integrated component. The buffer unit itself is designed with a geometry that provides locking action against the threaded rod, eliminating the need for separate locknuts or additional locking components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer unit is designed to automatically lock onto the threaded rod through its geometric shape, without requiring external locking tools or additional components. The self-locking feature is inherent in the buffer unit's design, allowing it to secure itself against vibrations without external assistance.
2Reliability
If a locknut is used to secure the threaded connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit automatically locks onto the threaded rod through its geometric design, requiring no additional tools or specialized fastening operations. The self-locking mechanism is built into the buffer unit itself, making installation and adjustment as simple as threading the rod through the component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for separate locking tools and components by integrating the locking function directly into the buffer unit. This extraction of unnecessary elements simplifies the operation, allowing fitters to work without special tools in limited spaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the insulator position is adjusted during assembly, then the adaptability to different tolerances is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator is designed with a dynamic positioning capability through the adjustable threaded connection. The buffer unit can be positioned at different locations along the threaded rod to accommodate varying tolerances between vehicle components, while the self-locking feature ensures quick securing at each position without time-consuming tool operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking buffer unit allows for rapid position changes along the threaded rod without requiring tools for each adjustment. The fitter can simply move the buffer unit to the desired position and it automatically locks, significantly reducing the time required for adaptation compared to traditional locked nut systems.
4Reliability
If the insulator must withstand vibrations and impacts, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to secure locking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit automatically locks onto the threaded rod through its geometric design, providing vibration resistance without requiring complex locking procedures. The self-locking mechanism is simple to engage but provides strong holding power, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer unit combines elastic material properties with a geometric locking design. The elastic material provides cushioning against vibrations and impacts, while the geometric shape provides the locking action. This composite approach allows the single component to fulfill both the reliability and ease of operation requirements.
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
Facilitates easy and ergonomic adaptation to different tolerances, ensuring the insulator remains securely attached during vibrations and impacts without the need for special tools, reducing fitting time and enhancing stability.
Implementation Method 1
an insulator (4) comprising a threaded unit (7) with a hole (9) running through it with a diameter d1 intended to accommodate the corresponding threaded rod (5), in which the insulator comprises also a buffer unit (8) made of elastic material
Implementation Method 2
The fact that diameter d2 is smaller than diameter d1 results in a thread locking mechanism in the insulator such that the position of the insulator on the threaded rod during any vibrations etc. may be secure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4C
AI summary
An insulator comprising a threaded unit which has running through it a threaded hole with a diameter d1. The threaded unit is intended to accommodate a corresponding threaded rod. The insulator further comprises a buffer unit made of elastic material which has at one end a hole with a diameter d2. The buffer unit is secured to the threaded unit so that the threaded hole running through the unit and the hole in the buffer unit are connected, the diameter d2 of the hole in the buffer unit being smaller than the diameter d1 of the hole in the threaded unit.