Nested Connecting Element for Axial and Lateral Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting systems fail to effectively compensate for both axial and lateral tolerances between two components, requiring complex designs and significant manufacturing and installation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element comprising a hollow screw with an external thread and a nut element, allowing for adjustable axial and lateral tolerance compensation through a combination of a connecting bolt and nut element, which can form positive-locking, force-locking, or quick-release connections, with a sealing element to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a threaded bolt and connecting assembly with automatic tolerance compensation mechanism are used, then axial and lateral tolerances can be compensated, but the design becomes complex and requires significant processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element employs a nested structure where the adjusting element is received within the connecting element's cavity. The first and second connecting portions are integrated into a single compact component that nests the adjustment mechanism inside, eliminating the need for separate external adjustment assemblies while maintaining tolerance compensation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the connecting function and the adjusting function into a single integrated connecting element. The connecting element includes both the first connecting portion for joining to the first component and the second connecting portion for joining to the second component, with the adjusting element integrated within. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall assembly process while providing both connection and tolerance compensation in one component.
2Reliability
If multiple threaded connections and locking mechanisms are used to achieve tolerance compensation, then connection reliability is improved, but the installation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element provides dynamic adjustment capability within the connecting element, allowing the connection to adapt to tolerance variations during installation. The adjusting element can be positioned at different locations within the cavity and secured using the locking mechanism, enabling the connection to compensate for axial and lateral tolerances without requiring multiple separate adjustment steps or complex threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with a pre-integrated adjusting element that is already positioned within the cavity during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for field adjustments or complex assembly sequences during installation. The locking mechanism is pre-configured to secure the adjusting element in place, allowing installers to simply engage the connection without performing multiple adjustment iterations.
3Ease of operation
If a compact connecting element with integrated adjusting mechanism is used, then installation effort is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of the single component increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the connecting element appears as a single integrated component, it is designed with segmented functional zones: the first connecting portion, the cavity housing the adjusting element, and the second connecting portion. This functional segmentation allows for modular manufacturing approaches where different portions can be manufactured separately and then joined, reducing the complexity of machining the entire component as one piece while maintaining the integrated appearance and functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting element for two spaced-apart components with a tolerance compensation function, which has the following features: a hollow screw with an external thread with which a threaded connection to a first component can be made, which is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the hollow screw via at least one drive means, a nut element which is received in a receiving space of the hollow screw and which comprises a radially inner functional surface, so that a positive and force-locking connection can be made with a first connecting end of a connecting bolt, wherein the connecting bolt has a second connecting end with which a connection to a second component can be made.