Deformed Thread Adjustment Element for Gap Compensation and Electrical Conductivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices fail to ensure electrical conductivity between parts due to insufficient friction torque, and they can cause deformation when used with parts coated with non-conductive materials, as they require higher torque than they can provide.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment element with a hollow body featuring an external thread of one pitch direction and an internal thread of opposite pitch, including deformed threads to increase friction torque, which allows for greater scraping and screwing torque, ensuring electrical conductivity without part deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If friction tabs with projecting notches are used to compensate for gap, then the gap between part and support is compensated, but electrical conductivity between part and support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the friction torque parameter from 0.5 Nm (provided by friction tabs) to at least 2 Nm (required for electrical contact) by using a deformed thread geometry. The thread is intentionally deformed to create higher friction, which simultaneously achieves both gap compensation and sufficient contact pressure for electrical conductivity through non-conductive coatings.
2Reliability
If higher friction torque is applied to ensure electrical contact, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the part to be fixed may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the high friction torque effect only at the thread interface where it is needed for electrical contact, while the rest of the part structure remains unaffected. The deformed thread creates localized high friction (at least 2 Nm) at the contact surface to scrape through non-conductive coatings, while the overall part integrity is preserved through proper structural design.
3Productivity
If automated screwing tool is used to fix part, then productivity is improved, but excessive forces may deform the part to be fastened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the friction torque parameter to a controlled value (at least 2 Nm but below deformation threshold) that allows automated screwing tools to operate effectively. The deformed thread geometry provides a predictable friction characteristic that enables automation while preventing part deformation through controlled force application.
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 provides sufficient friction torque for electrical conductivity between parts, preventing deformation and allowing for automatic screwing operations, even with non-conductive coatings, by increasing the screwing torque to compensate for gaps between parts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thread is deformed to provide a friction torque greater than that provided by the other threads of the internal thread
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustment element to compensate for a gap (E) between a support (3) and a part (2) to be fixed on the support (3), comprising a hollow body (8) having an external thread (9) of a first pitch direction, and an internal thread (10) of a second pitch direction opposite to the first, the internal thread (10) comprising at least two threads (13, 14), and of which at least one thread (13, 14) is deformed to provide a friction torque greater than that provided by the other threads of the internal thread (10).