Multi-Stage Fastening Element for Axial Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in effectively compensating for tolerances between components to be connected, particularly in fastening systems for vehicle body components, where axial tolerances can vary significantly.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple axial tolerance compensation stages, including a fastening element with a spring arm extension and a tolerance compensation element, allows for multi-stage axial compensation, enabling secure clamping of plate-shaped components with varying thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single-stage tolerance compensation device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the compensation capability for large axial tolerances is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance compensation device is divided into multiple independent compensation stages (first axial tolerance compensation stage and second axial tolerance compensation stage), each capable of compensating for a portion of the total axial tolerance. This segmentation allows the system to handle large axial tolerances through cumulative compensation while keeping each individual stage relatively simple in structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple tolerance compensation stages are implemented, then the compensation capability for axial tolerances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tolerance compensation stages are integrated into a single fastening element structure, where the first and second axial tolerance compensation stages are combined within one component. This merging approach enables multi-stage compensation functionality while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate compensation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the first and second axial tolerance compensation stages, enabling it to compensate for various types of misalignments and tolerances in a universal manner applicable to different component configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a simple fastening element design is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the ability to compensate for varying component thicknesses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element incorporates axially movable nut elements that can dynamically adjust their positions along the axial direction to accommodate different component thicknesses. This dynamic adjustability allows the same fastening element design to adapt to varying tolerance conditions without requiring multiple specialized designs for different thickness ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes changes in axial parameters (positions of movable nut elements, compression distances of resilient elements) to compensate for variations in component thicknesses. By allowing these parameters to vary within certain ranges, the fastening element maintains its structural simplicity while achieving adaptability to different thickness specifications.
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 device provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable means to compensate for large axial component sizes and varying tolerances, ensuring secure fastening of components with different thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
a first leg having, at a free end, an extension which is formed as a spring arm, in particular bent inward, which is connected to a nut end in such a way that the first nut element is mounted axially resiliently between the two legs
Data Source
AI summary
A device for compensating for tolerances between two components to be connected to one another may have a fastening element for fastening to a first component provided with an opening and for connecting the component to a second component. The device may also have at least two axial tolerance compensation stages for compensating axial tolerances between the two components. The at least two axial tolerance compensation stages are each arranged between the fastening element and one of the components.