Fastening Device Tolerance Compensation Nested Drag Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for compensating tolerances between components require significant installation space and increased torque, leading to longer cycle times and potential misalignment issues due to complex designs and large radial and axial dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a holding element, an adjusting element, and a drag element with a spring-loaded ring and driver thread, allowing for compact installation and automatic tolerance compensation by transferring rotational movement from the fastening screw to the adjusting element, ensuring reliable coupling and overcoming torque thresholds for secure attachment without extensive space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plastic driver sleeve is used to rotate the compensating element, then the fastening screw can rotate the compensating element until contact with the opposite component, but the installation space required increases in both radial and axial directions
Solution Approach 1:
The drag element is received within the compensating element, with the drag element having a smaller diameter than the compensating element. This nested arrangement allows the drag element to fit inside the compensating element's internal diameter, eliminating the need for additional radial space that would be required if the drag element were a separate external component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a radial arrangement (where the drag element would extend outward from the fastening screw) to an axial arrangement (where the drag element is positioned within the axial path of the compensating element). This dimensional change allows the drag element to be positioned in the axial direction rather than requiring additional radial space.
2Ease of operation
If a plastic driver sleeve with reduced diameter is used to create frictional connection, then the fastening screw can rotate the compensating element, but increased torque is required which increases cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The drag element is designed with a diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the compensating element, creating a specific interference fit parameter. This parameter change optimizes the frictional connection to provide sufficient torque transmission without requiring excessive torque that would increase installation cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag element provides partial frictional engagement rather than complete engagement, allowing the fastening screw to rotate the compensating element with moderate torque. The frictional connection is sufficient to transmit rotation but not so strong as to require excessive torque that would extend installation time.
3Ease of operation
If the fastening screw must completely pass through the plastic sleeve during installation, then the plastic sleeve can rotate the compensating element, but the cycle time increases due to increased torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The drag element is nested within the compensating element, allowing the fastening screw to engage the drag element and transmit rotation without requiring the screw to completely pass through a separate plastic sleeve. This nested arrangement streamlines the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag element acts as an intermediary between the fastening screw and the compensating element, transferring rotational motion through frictional connection. This intermediary mechanism allows efficient torque transmission without requiring the fastening screw to traverse the entire length of a separate plastic sleeve.
4Ease of operation
If a compensating element with larger diameter than the fastening screw is used, then frictional connection can be created, but the device occupies more space radially
Solution Approach 1:
The drag element is positioned within the internal diameter of the compensating element, creating a nested arrangement where the drag element's diameter is smaller than the compensating element's diameter. This eliminates the need for the compensating element to have a larger external diameter to accommodate the drag element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention repositions the frictional connection from a radial arrangement (where the drag element would extend radially outward) to an axial arrangement (where the drag element is positioned within the axial path). This dimensional change reduces radial space requirements while maintaining the frictional connection functionality.
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 a space-saving, efficient method for compensating tolerances with reduced installation effort, ensuring reliable coupling and effective tolerance compensation without increasing cycle times or risking misalignment, while preventing the fastening screw from being pushed through the adjustment element.
Implementation Method 1
this plastic driver sleeve creates a frictional connection to the fastening screw
Implementation Method 2
a ring which is arranged resiliently in the axial direction of the adjusting element
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The mounting device has a holder (10) and an adjusting element (30), which are screwed with each other through an outer thread (18) of the holder and an inner thread (32) of the adjusting element in a thread pairing. A mounting screw is screwed into the holder by another thread pairing and is detachably connected with the adjusting element by a drag element (50) to co-rotate the adjusting element during rotation of the mounting screw. The adjusting element is co-rotated during rotation of the mounting screw to move tolerance compensation in arrangement with a component (B1). An independent claim is also included for a method for installing mounting device between two components with an automatic tolerance compensation in distance between the components.