Integrated Fastener Spacer for Multi-Axis Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for components are complex, require many components, and fail to effectively compensate for manufacturing and installation tolerances, making them costly and difficult to produce.
Innovation Solution
A simple, compact fastening device with a monolithic spacer and tolerance element, formed from cost-effective materials like plastics, which sets and maintains spacing between components while compensating for tolerances in multiple axes using a screw mechanism and integrated clamping means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening devices are used, then components can be fastened together, but the device complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spacer element and tolerance element into a single integrated component. The spacer element provides positioning and spacing functionality, while the tolerance element with its movable design compensates for manufacturing and installation tolerances. This merging of functions into one component reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers production costs while maintaining fastening reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fastening device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides spacing between components, compensates for tolerances in multiple directions, and secures the fastening connection. The tolerance element's ability to move in the first direction while compensating for tolerances in second and third directions demonstrates multi-functionality that eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fastening devices with multiple components are used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the spacer and tolerance elements into a single component, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, inventory items, and assembly operations. The integrated design maintains positioning precision through the spacer element's geometric features while the tolerance element accommodates variations, all achieved through one manufacturing process rather than multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance element is designed to move in the first direction, allowing the fastening device to adapt to dimensional variations in the second and third directions. This parameter change capability enables the device to compensate for manufacturing tolerances without requiring high-precision manufacturing of all components, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening devices are used, then components can be secured, but installation time increases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of spacer and tolerance elements into a single component reduces the number of assembly steps. The installer needs to install one component rather than multiple separate parts, significantly reducing installation time. The movable tolerance element automatically compensates for tolerances during the single installation operation, ensuring secure fastening without requiring additional adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance element is designed with movable capability in the first direction, allowing it to dynamically adapt to tolerance variations during installation. This dynamic feature enables the fastening device to self-adjust during the installation process, ensuring secure fastening without requiring manual adjustment or multiple installation steps, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining fastening security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fastening device for fastening a first component to a second component, where the fastening device includes a spacer element which is configured for positioning the first component so as to be spaced apart from the second component in a first axis (Y) and for fixing the first component so as to be spaced apart from the second component, where the spacer element includes a stop surface which is used for supporting the fastening device on the second component, where the spacer element is integrally-formed, and a tolerance element which is configured for movably receiving the spacer element in the first direction (Y) and for compensating tolerances between the first component and the second component in a second axis (X) and in a third axis (Z), where the tolerance element is integrally-formed.