Multi-threaded Fastening Element for Industrial Truck Assembly Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial trucks face assembly and repair challenges due to geometric inaccuracies and deformations in interfaces, leading to misalignment of holes and tension issues during the mounting of larger add-on parts, which require costly rework or special preparatory measures.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device featuring a multi-threaded element with closely adjacent threaded bores and a retaining plate that ensures correct positional alignment, eliminating the need for threads in the support component and allowing for a three-point bearing, enabling stress-free assembly and transmission of forces without twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If direct screw connections are used to fasten add-on parts to the vehicle frame, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but assembly problems occur due to geometric inaccuracies and misalignment of holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threaded element as an intermediary component between the support component and the component to be fastened. This threaded element has multiple threaded bores that can accommodate misalignment, serving as a mediator that absorbs geometric inaccuracies and deformations in the vehicle frame interface, thereby enabling easy assembly while maintaining fastening strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of hole configuration from single threaded holes to multiple parallel threaded bores in the threaded element. This parameter change allows for tolerance compensation and misalignment accommodation, transforming the assembly process from precision-critical to tolerance-friendly, thus improving ease of manufacture and assembly
2Strength
If threads are cut into the vehicle frame to mount add-on parts, then the fastening connection is secure, but the carrier component requires thicker walls to ensure sufficient screw-in depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening system into distinct functional components: the support component with through-holes, the threaded element with multiple threaded bores, and the retaining plate. By moving the threading function to the removable threaded element rather than cutting threads directly into the carrier component, the wall thickness requirement of the carrier is reduced while maintaining secure fastening connection
3Strength
If multiple threaded bores are provided in the threaded element, then force transmission capability is enhanced and twisting is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple threaded bores into a single integrated threaded element that can be handled as one component. This consolidation provides enhanced force transmission capability and prevents twisting during tightening while maintaining relatively simple device complexity, as the multi-bore element is treated as a single replaceable unit rather than multiple separate components
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 reduces assembly and repair efforts by allowing for self-alignment and force transmission through multiple threads, reducing the need for rework and enabling thinner carrier component designs, while ensuring secure and frictional connections.
Implementation Method 1
The shim or the shim section of the retaining plate is designed in such a way that a force-transmitting connection is made possible. This also includes a suitable surface finish with regard to roughness and hardness. The sheet thickness is designed for the respective frictional connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a screw thread element (10) provided with two threaded holes (16), which are parallel and close to each other. A retaining plate (22) is introduced at the thread holes. Positioning units are provided at the retaining plate and at a support part near to an opening. The positioning units retain the screw thread element on a side of a support part with a topographical adjustment of the threaded holes to a through-hole in the support part, where side is provided opposite to a component e.g. drive assembly, of an industrial truck.