Tolerance Compensation Assembly With Axial Nut Capture Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation devices are not cost-effective and do not securely hold the nut in place, leading to potential loss during transport and installation.
Innovation Solution
A tolerance compensation device with a receiving gap that allows axial insertion of the nut, ensuring it cannot fall out, and a holding element made of plastic with adjustable connecting sections for better component adaptation, featuring a locking mechanism for secure component retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nut is inserted radially into the second leg via a recess, then the holding element can be made more rigid, but the nut can fall out during transport and installation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the nut radially from the front into an open second leg, the invention inverts the insertion direction by providing axial access through the first leg. The nut is inserted axially through the first leg into the second leg, reversing the conventional radial insertion approach and eliminating the risk of the nut falling out during transport and installation.
2Device complexity
If the receiving gap has a uniform width, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot easily adapt to different component thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting section is designed with flexibility to bend in the axial direction, allowing the distance between the first and second legs to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the receiving gap width to adapt to different component thicknesses while maintaining structural simplicity, as the connecting section can deform to accommodate various distances without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
3Strength
If the connecting section is rigid, then the holding element has higher strength, but it cannot be bent easily to adapt to different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting section is designed as a thin-walled structure that combines sufficient strength with flexibility. The wall thickness and geometry are optimized to allow easy bending in the axial direction while maintaining adequate structural strength to hold the base element and nut securely. This flexible design enables adaptation to different distances between components without compromising the overall strength of the holding element.
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 device is more cost-effective, securely holds components in place during transport and installation, and effectively compensates for positional tolerances with improved ease of use and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a compensation element which is in threaded engagement with the base element and which forms a passage extending in an axial direction for a screw element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a tolerance compensation device (10) comprising a base element (12), a compensation element (16) engaged in thread with the base element (12) and forming an axially extending passage (20) for a screw element, a nut (22) into which the screw element can be screwed, and a retaining element (26) with a first leg (28) retaining the base element (12), a second leg (30) retaining the nut (22), and a connecting section (34) connecting the first and second legs (28, 30), wherein the first and second legs (28, 30) are spaced apart from each other to form a receiving gap (32) for receiving a component (38).