Angular-Adjustable Spacer Assembly for Misaligned Support Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacer devices face challenges in coordinating adjustment and locking functions, leading to potential deformation of supports due to imperfect alignment and angular offsets, and are difficult to install in confined spaces within vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A spacer device with angular adjustment capabilities, featuring a fixing piece with an internal thread, a spacer with an external thread and spherical bearing end, and a drive ring with a hooking system, allowing axial movement and torque application for precise alignment and locking, even in non-parallel supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spacer device uses a through screw to secure the roof bar and a bolt-washer system to lock the device, then the locking function is achieved, but the adjustment and locking functions cannot be perfectly coordinated, leading to potential deformation of supports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment function and locking function into a single integrated operation through the drive ring mechanism. Rotating the drive ring simultaneously performs both adjustment and locking actions, eliminating the need for separate through screws and bolt-washer systems. This merging of functions ensures perfect coordination between adjustment and locking, preventing support deformation while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer device is designed to be self-adjusting through the drive ring mechanism. The device automatically coordinates its own adjustment and locking operations without requiring separate manual operations for each function. The internal threading and drive ring geometry ensure that adjustment and locking occur in a predetermined coordinated sequence, making the system self-servicing and eliminating operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the roof bar is secured on the outer face of the first support, then the fixing function is achieved, but the confined space inside the vehicle makes installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device is divided into separable components including the fixing piece, spacer element, and drive ring. This segmentation allows the installer to assemble and adjust the device outside the confined vehicle space, then install the complete unit through accessible openings. The modular design enables preliminary preparation in easier-to-work environments while maintaining secure fixing reliability when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive ring acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables adjustment and locking operations to be performed from the outside of the vehicle. By providing an external interface for torque application and rotational control, the drive ring allows installers to operate the device without needing to work inside the confined interior space, while still achieving reliable internal locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first support and second support have an angular offset, then the mounting flexibility is improved, but the contacting of the spacer with the second support becomes imperfect, leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element incorporates spherical surfaces and curved geometries that enable it to accommodate angular offsets between supports. The spherical contact surfaces allow the spacer to self-align and maintain precise contact even when supports are not perfectly parallel. This curvature-based design provides adaptability to angular variations while preserving manufacturing precision through the inherent geometry of spherical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the drive ring mechanism, allowing real-time adaptation to angular misalignments during installation. The device can be rotated and adjusted to compensate for angular offsets between supports, ensuring optimal contact geometry is achieved. This dynamic adjustability maintains precise contact under varying angular conditions while preserving structural integrity.
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 precise compensation for distance and angular offsets between supports, facilitating easy installation and secure locking without deformation, while allowing for the attachment of complementary elements like roof bars.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer (3) having an external thread (3c) and a spherical bearing end (3b)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a spacing device (1) with angular adjustment for filling the space separating a first support from a second support arranged facing the first support, the spacing device (1) comprising: an attachment part (2) intended to be rigidly connected to the first support; a spacing part (3) having a spherical tipped support end (3b); a drive ring (4) comprising an attachment system (4a), the drive ring being housed in the spacing part and coupled to said part; the attachment part and the spacing part being assembled together; A support ring (5) held against the spacing part and retained by the attachment device of the drive ring, the support ring having a face with a spherical cap.