Neck Rest Sleeve Tolerance Compensation via Resilient Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleeves for neck rests face challenges in providing permanent tolerance compensation due to the loss of resilience in materials like springs and protrusions under temperature variations and the high manufacturing costs and noise issues associated with metallic springs.
Innovation Solution
A resilient metal wire portion is mounted parallel to the axis of the sleeve body, providing a biasing force to elastically deformable portions for tolerance compensation, which is easy to manufacture and maintain, with a single wire portion engaging multiple resilient ends for both inner and outer diameter adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient portions are used for tolerance compensation in the sleeve, then initial tolerance compensation is achieved, but resilience is gradually lost during temperature variations causing the compensation to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The solution separates the tolerance compensation function into two independent components: a resilient portion that provides continuous contact and force distribution, and a wire portion that provides the actual biasing force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the wire portion maintaining reliable biasing force over time while the resilient portion handles the interface with the neck rest bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion acts as an intermediary between the wire portion and the neck rest bar. The wire portion exerts force on the resilient portion, which then transmits this force to the neck rest bar while accommodating tolerances. This intermediary role allows the resilient portion to be replaced or renewed if needed, while the wire portion provides long-term reliable force.
2Reliability
If metallic springs are used for tolerance compensation, then reliable biasing force is provided, but manufacturing effort and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and, if necessary, replaced. While it may have a limited service life compared to metallic springs, its low cost and simplicity make it an economical choice, especially when combined with the durable wire portion that provides long-term biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional metallic spring mechanism with a wire portion that uses elastic deformation of a simple wire structure to provide biasing force. This substitution eliminates the need for complex spring manufacturing processes and reduces noise while maintaining reliable force application through the resilient portion.
3Manufacturing precision
If ribs or protrusions are used for tolerance compensation, then initial compensation is achieved, but they flow away at higher temperatures causing backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from thermoplastic material (which flows at high temperatures) to resilient metal for the wire portion. This parameter change ensures that the biasing force mechanism maintains its mechanical properties and dimensional stability across a wide temperature range, preventing the flow-away effect that plagues plastic ribs and protrusions.
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
This solution ensures permanent and efficient tolerance compensation with minimal manufacturing effort, maintaining performance across temperature variations without noise issues.
Implementation Method 1
A wire portion made of resilient metal, such as a circular steel wire, is mounted parallel to the axis of the sleeve body, providing a biasing force to elastically deformable resilient portions for tolerance compensation
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve for a neck rest with tolerance compensation, includes a sleeve body of plastic material for the accommodation of a rod of the neck rest. The sleeve body includes at least one integrally formed resilient portion which is biased toward or away from the interior of the sleeve body. A wire portion is attached to the sleeve body parallel to the axis of the sleeve body such that the wire portion can be resiliently deflected away from or towards the sleeve body, the wire portion engaging the resilient portion.