Annular Plug-in Coupling Tolerance Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in couplings for automotive applications face challenges in achieving a balance between tolerance compensation and connection stability, often resulting in flexible connections that are susceptible to vibrations and do not ensure aesthetically desired gap dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An annular plug-in coupling with a hollow-cylindrical ring structure featuring radially inward curvilinear spring arms and undercuts, allowing for radial and axial tolerance compensation while providing a secure connection through a combination of positive and non-positive engagement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flexible spring arms are used to compensate for tolerances, then tolerance compensation is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are designed to be flexible in the radial direction to accommodate tolerance variations, while the connection as a whole maintains stability through the rigid ring structure and controlled flexibility. This dynamic design allows the spring arms to adapt to manufacturing tolerances without compromising the overall connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connection have different flexibility characteristics - the spring arms provide local flexibility for tolerance compensation, while the ring structure and clamping areas provide local rigidity for connection stability. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If flexible coupling constructions are used, then tolerance compensation is improved, but connection rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling construction employs controlled flexibility through spring arms that can deflect radially to compensate for tolerances, while maintaining sufficient rigidity in the longitudinal direction through the ring structure. This dynamic balance allows the connection to be both tolerant of manufacturing variations and sufficiently rigid for structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms function as flexible elements within the rigid ring structure, providing localized flexibility for tolerance compensation while the overall structure maintains its rigidity. This combination of flexible and rigid components resolves the contradiction between tolerance compensation and connection rigidity.
3Strength
If differently oriented spring arms are used for secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are oriented at different angles (e.g., 0°, 60°, 120°) to provide optimized connection strength in different directions, with each spring arm configured for its specific loading condition. This localized optimization of spring arm orientation enhances overall connection strength while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
The solution enables a fixed or floating bearing connection that compensates for tolerances, ensuring stability and maintaining desired gap dimensions, while allowing for easy installation and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
the spring arm width of which is in the longitudinal direction of the ring structure arranged and is larger than a spring arm thickness, the fastening ends having at least one insertion bevel and a clamping area
Implementation Method 2
a first and a second undercut acting against one another in the longitudinal direction of the ring structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An annular plug-in coupling 1 which is fastenable in a component opening O of a first component B1 and has the following features: a cylindrical ring structure with a longitudinal axis and a radial inner side and a radial outer side, a fastening structure arranged on the radial outer side of the ring structure with a first and a second undercut acting counter to each other in the longitudinal direction of the ring structure, of which at least the first undercut is movable resiliently in the radial direction, a latching structure which is arranged centrally in the interior of the ring structure and with which a coupling pin of a second component is connectable releasably to the plug-in coupling and which consists of at least three strip-like spring arms, the spring arm width of which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the ring structure and is greater than a spring arm thickness, the spring arms extend radially inwards in curvilinear form from the radial inner side of the ring structure and each end in a free fastening end, wherein the fastening ends have at least one insertion slope and a clamping region.