Banjo Bolt Adjustment Element for Independent Z and XY Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adjustment elements for fastening and positioning components, such as headlights in vehicle manufacturing, require high effort for readjustments as they lose fixed xy positions when loosening the fastening bolt for z position adjustments, leading to increased installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment element featuring a hollow bolt with an outer thread, an inner element rotatably fastened within the hollow bolt, and a laterally movable washer, allowing independent z direction adjustment and xy plane positioning without losing fixed xy positions, with the inner element's latching mechanism ensuring secure fastening and rotation of the hollow bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fastening bolt is loosened to adjust the z position of the hollow bolt, then the z position can be readjusted, but the fixed xy position is lost simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element is divided into functionally independent segments: the inner element with washer for xy positioning, and the hollow bolt with outer thread for z positioning. This segmentation allows the z position to be adjusted by rotating the hollow bolt on its outer thread without affecting the xy position fixed by the inner element and washer assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer thread on the hollow bolt acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables z-position adjustment independent of the xy positioning system. By providing a separate threading interface on the hollow bolt, the design allows vertical adjustment without disturbing the lateral positioning established by the inner element.
2Reliability
If the flat washer completely covers the top side of the hollow bolt to prevent movement, then reliable countering is achieved, but the hollow bolt is no longer accessible for further adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is designed to be laterally movable in the axial direction of the inner element between the hollow bolt and the inner element. This dynamic positioning allows the washer to be moved out of the way during adjustment operations, providing access to the hollow bolt's adjustment features, and then repositioned to provide reliable countering when adjustment is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer's movement capability in the axial direction provides an additional degree of freedom that resolves the conflict between coverage and accessibility. By moving the washer along the axial dimension rather than relying solely on radial coverage, the design maintains reliability while enabling access for adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hollow bolt remains laterally movable despite the fastening bolt, then xy position adjustment is enabled, but the component requires repeated loosening and tightening for readjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: the inner element with washer for xy positioning, and the hollow bolt for z positioning. This segmentation eliminates the need to loosen and tighten the entire fastening mechanism for single-axis adjustments, as each axis can be adjusted independently through its dedicated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element combines multiple functions into a unified structure: the inner element provides xy positioning and lateral movement control, while the hollow bolt with outer thread provides z positioning. This multi-functional design allows independent adjustment of both positioning axes without requiring complete disassembly or tightening cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an adjustment element 1 with which a component can be fastened and can be positioned in space. The adjustment element has the following features: a banjo bolt 10 with an external thread 12 with which the component holder 50 can be positioned in the axial direction of the banjo bolt 10, an inner element 20 which is arranged within the banjo bolt 10 and to which the banjo bolt 10 is rotatably fastened, and a washer 30 which is held between the banjo bolt 10 and inner element 20 in a manner such that it can be laterally displaced in the axial direction of the inner element 20 such that the adjustment element 1 can be laterally positioned and can be fixed with a fastening means 40 reaching through the washer 30.