Tolerance-Compensating Fastening Assembly With Elastic Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening assemblies fail to effectively compensate for manufacturing and assembly tolerances between components, leading to instability and potential disconnection during use.
Innovation Solution
A fastening assembly comprising a threaded fastening element, a compensation element with a split structure and helical grooves, a holding element with elastic arms, and a limiting element, which allows for movement in transverse directions to accommodate tolerances and prevent disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional threaded fastening element is used to fasten two components, then the fastening function is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly tolerances cannot be compensated, leading to instability and potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening assembly is divided into multiple functional elements: a fastening element (threaded bolt), a compensation element (with receiving hole and limiting flange), a holding element (elastic ring with clamping arms), and a limiting element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the holding element compensates for tolerances while the fastening element provides the fastening force, resolving the contradiction between reliability and tolerance compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation element acts as an intermediary between the fastening element and the components being fastened. It includes a receiving hole with dimensions that accommodate tolerance variations, allowing the fastening element to move freely within certain ranges. This intermediary structure absorbs tolerance deviations without affecting the overall fastening stability, enabling both reliable fastening and tolerance compensation.
2Reliability
If the fastening assembly is designed to compensate for tolerances, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple elements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the compensation element: it provides the receiving hole for the fastening element, includes the limiting flange to define movement boundaries, and integrates with the holding element for tolerance compensation. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than separate parts, the design achieves reliable tolerance compensation while minimizing the number of discrete elements, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holding element restricts the fastening element completely to prevent shaking, then stability during transportation is improved, but the ability to compensate for assembly tolerances during installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element employs elastic clamping arms that can dynamically adjust their clamping force. During assembly, the elastic arms are flexible enough to allow the fastening element to move and align with tolerance variations. Once assembled, the elastic arms maintain sufficient clamping force to prevent shaking during transportation and use. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation by adapting the restraint level to the operational phase.
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 assembly provides stable and secure fastening by compensating for tolerances, preventing the fastening element from shaking during transportation and storage, and facilitating quick assembly by allowing for precise alignment and adjustment during installation.
Implementation Method 1
At least a part of the holding element has elasticity. The holding element is configured to hold the fastening element substantially centrally in the receiving hole when the fastening assembly is not fastened to the second component, and to allow the fastening element to move relative to the compensation element in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the fastening assembly is fastened to the second component.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fastening assembly, comprising a fastening element, a compensation element, a holding element, and a limiting element. A limiting portion of the fastening element is provided at a head or between the head and a threaded portion and protrudes outward relative to an outer peripheral surface of the head. The compensation element includes a main body and a receiving hole running therethrough. The main body is provided with a limiting flange to stop the fastening element, and the compensation element can be connected to a first component and move relative to the first component in a longitudinal direction. The holding element at least partially surrounds the head. At least a part of the holding element has elasticity, and the holding element is configured to hold the fastening element substantially centrally in the receiving hole when the fastening element is not fastened to a second component, and to allow the fastening element to move relative to the compensation element in a transverse direction when the fastening element is fastened to the second component.