Compression Limiter Retention Fingers for Hands-Free Bolt Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression limiters do not effectively address the challenge of maintaining bolted joint integrity during assembly, particularly in applications where components need to be temporarily joined without requiring manual holding.
Innovation Solution
A compression limiter system featuring a body with a second aperture and a pair of fingers extending into the aperture, with slots on either side to allow flexing, which engages with the thread of a bolt to temporarily secure two parts together, allowing for easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression limiter is used to maintain bolted joint integrity, then joint reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to the need for temporary securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The compression limiter integrates multiple functions into a single component: it combines the temporary retention function (fingers engaging bolt threads) with the compression control function (body engaging nut or washer) and the flexibility function (slots allowing finger deflection). This merging eliminates the need for separate retention devices and simplifies the overall assembly structure while maintaining joint reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression limiter incorporates dynamic elements through the flexible fingers with slots that allow deflection. This enables the limiter to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, providing reliable joint securing without requiring precise pre-alignment or complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual holding of components is required during assembly, then joint stability is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased assembly time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The compression limiter is designed to be self-retaining through its fingers that automatically engage with the bolt threads when the bolt is inserted. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual holding or additional retention devices, allowing installers to use both hands for permanent fastening operations and significantly improving assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression limiter performs the preliminary action of temporary component retention automatically as the bolt is inserted. The fingers engage the bolt threads and hold the components together before the permanent fastening is completed, freeing the installer's hands and enabling continuous assembly operations without interruption.
3Strength
If rigid fingers are used in the compression limiter, then engagement strength with the bolt is improved, but adaptability to manufacturing tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression limiter uses flexible fingers with integrated slots that allow controlled deflection. This flexibility enables the fingers to adapt to manufacturing tolerances in bolt thread positioning while maintaining sufficient engagement strength through the elastic deformation of the finger material, achieving both strength and adaptability simultaneously.
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 system ensures temporary securement of components during assembly, allowing both hands to be used for permanent fastening, thereby enhancing installation efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers configured to allow the pair of fingers to flex in response to a force exerted upon the pair of fingers
Data Source
AI summary
A compression limiter of a first part includes a body defining an aperture, a pair of fingers extending from the body into the aperture to a distal end configured to engage with a thread of a bolt of a second part, the first part and the second part being configured to be secured to one another via the bolt passing through the aperture, and a pair of slots on either side of the pair of fingers configured to allow the pair of fingers to flex in response to a force exerted upon the pair of fingers.