Elastic Tolerance Compensation Support for Camera Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tolerance compensation assemblies for components like cameras are costly due to the need for precise dimensional tolerances and complex features, making them expensive and difficult to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A self-adjusting tolerance compensation support comprising two parts with frame elements connected by elastic elements, allowing movement to accommodate varying tolerances without requiring additional fasteners, and suitable for plastic injection molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional tolerance compensation assemblies are used, then dimensional tolerance compensation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional tolerance compensationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the support structures from rigid to elastic by introducing elastic elements. This allows the support structures to deform and adapt to dimensional variations in the camera component, achieving tolerance compensation without requiring precision-machined surfaces or complex adjustment mechanisms. The elastic elements naturally accommodate dimensional changes through elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive precision-machined tolerance compensation assemblies with simple elastic elements that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the housing structure. The elastic elements serve as disposable or replaceable components that absorb dimensional variations without requiring high manufacturing precision themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional tolerance compensation assemblies are used, then dimensional tolerance compensation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional tolerance compensationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tolerance compensation function directly into the housing structure by integrating elastic elements into the support structures. This eliminates the need for separate tolerance compensation assemblies or additional fastening components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the tolerance compensation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support structures are designed to automatically adapt to dimensional variations in the camera component without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures. The elastic elements self-adjust through deformation, eliminating the need for precision-machined mating surfaces or additional alignment features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If precision surfaces are used for component mounting, then mounting accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface dimensional toleranceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical interaction from rigid surface-to-surface contact to elastic deformation-based accommodation. Instead of requiring precision-machined surfaces, the elastic elements deform to accommodate dimensional variations, allowing the use of less precisely manufactured surfaces while maintaining mounting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables cost-effective and easy manufacturing of tolerance compensation supports that can adapt to various components by compensating for dimensional variations, reducing the need for precise surface matching and additional fixing features.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic element connecting the first frame element and the second frame element to the first support structure and the second support structure, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3862579B1Tolerance compensation support
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 MAGNA ELECTRONICS SWEDEN AB
  • EP3862579B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3862579B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3862579B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a tolerance compensation support (1) for a component (9) to be mounted. The tolerance compensation support (1) is constituted by a first part (2) and a second part (3), both of which provide a seat (14, 15) for the component (9) to be mounted. Each seat (14, 15) is realized in a first support structure (4) and a second support structure (5), respectively. The first part (2) and the second part (3) each have a first frame element (6) and a second frame element (7) connected to the first support structure (4) and the second support structure (5) respectively by at least one elastic element (10), which allows movement of the first support structure (4) and the second support structure (5).