Double-Threaded Tolerance Compensator for Automatic Gap Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation elements require manual adjustment of gaps between components or suffer from inaccurate locking torque, making them unreliable and inefficient for automatic compensation.
Innovation Solution
A double-threaded bolt with a support collar and a drag element, such as a plastic or metal sleeve, that engages with a female threaded element to automatically adjust the gap between components, ensuring a reliable screw connection through frictional and positive engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a double-threaded bolt with a female threaded element is used (as in prior art), then automatic tolerance compensation is achieved, but the frictional torque between the internal thread and second threaded section prevents reliable rotation and compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the threaded connection into two separate functional parts: a first threaded section for rotation and a second threaded section for fastening. By separating these functions into distinct threaded sections with different pitch directions, the system enables automatic tolerance compensation through rotation while maintaining reliable fastening without the interference of high frictional torque between interacting threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the drag element (friction-generating component) from the critical fastening path. The drag element is positioned on the first threaded section to facilitate rotation, while the second threaded section provides the actual fastening function. This extraction ensures that the frictional forces act only to enable rotation rather than preventing reliable fastening.
2Device complexity
If a clamping sleeve is used to provide the second thread (as in DE 10 2016 209 395 A1), then the design is simplified, but manual adjustment of the gap is required reducing automation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the fastening system dynamic by enabling automatic rotation of the double-threaded bolt through the interaction between the drag element and the first threaded section. This dynamic rotation automatically adjusts the gap between components during the fastening process, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance compensation element performs self-adjustment through the automatic rotation mechanism. As the fastening screw is tightened, the drag element automatically causes the double-threaded bolt to rotate, bridging the gap between components without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment.
3Reliability
If a locknut or nut with clamping insert is used (as in DE 10 2017 131 235 A1), then fastening is achieved, but the wide range of locking torque reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different thread pitch directions to different sections of the same bolt: the first threaded section has one pitch direction for rotation, while the second threaded section has the opposite pitch direction for fastening. This local differentiation enables precise control over the fastening process and locking torque, improving measurement precision while maintaining reliability.
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 an economical and reliable automatic tolerance compensation, allowing for precise alignment and secure fastening of components without the need for manual adjustment, enhancing the stability and accuracy of screw connections.
Implementation Method 1
a drag element arranged on the holding section, which is adapted to frictionally and/or positively engage the tolerance compensation element with the drag element or to rotate via the drag element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a tolerance compensating element (1), by means of which tolerances in the distance between a first component A and a second component B can be compensated for, wherein the tolerance compensating element (1) comprises a double threaded bolt (10), which has a first axial screw-thread portion (12) and a second axial screw-thread portion (14) of opposite handedness, which are separated from each other by a support collar (20) disposed therebetween, and a preferably tapered retaining portion having a driving element (30) disposed thereon is provided adjacent to the first screw-thread portion (12) in the direction away from the collar, the driving element being designed such that, by the use of an internal screw thread of a female threaded element (60) matching the first screw-thread portion (12), the tolerance compensating element (1) is frictionally co-rotated by means of the driving element (30).