Nested Sleeve Fastening System for Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for vehicle components often result in the fastening bolt projecting excessively beyond the sleeve, and fail to adequately isolate components from vibration and heat.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system comprising a fastening bolt, an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and two spring washers, allowing the bolt to be drawn out to a maximum extent with axial movement capability, and utilizing spring washers to isolate the component from the carrier component in terms of vibration and heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the fastening bolt is drawn out to a maximum extent, then the projection of the fastening bolt beyond the sleeve is reduced, but the isolation of the component from the carrier component in terms of vibration and heat is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection of fastening boltVSAvoidvibration and heat transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested sleeve structure where an inner sleeve is positioned within an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is axially movable within the outer sleeve, creating a telescopic mechanism. This nested configuration allows the fastening bolt to be drawn out while the sleeves maintain their isolation function, as the sleeves can extend or compress to accommodate bolt movement while still physically separating the component from the carrier component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces axial movability to both the fastening bolt within the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its length as needed while maintaining the isolation function. The spring washers also contribute to this dynamics by providing resilient contact that can accommodate movement while maintaining isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If the fastening bolt is drawn out to a maximum extent, then the projection of the fastening bolt beyond the sleeve is reduced, but the fastening strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection of fastening boltVSAvoidfastening strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The nested sleeve structure provides mechanical support and guidance for the fastening bolt. The inner sleeve contains the bolt and provides a controlled environment for its axial movement, while the outer sleeve provides additional support. This nested configuration ensures that even when the bolt is drawn out, it remains properly positioned and supported, maintaining fastening strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeves act as intermediaries between the fastening bolt and the component/carrier component assembly. They provide a controlled interface that allows bolt movement while maintaining secure fastening. The spring washers also serve as intermediaries, providing resilient contact that maintains connection while accommodating movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If spring washers are used to isolate the component, then vibration and heat isolation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and heat isolationVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring washers perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide vibration isolation, heat isolation, and mechanical support for the sleeve assembly. By combining these functions into a single component type (spring washers), the patent reduces overall complexity compared to using separate components for each function. The dual spring washer configuration (first and second) provides isolation at both ends of the component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 system effectively reduces the projection of the fastening bolt, provides enhanced isolation from vibration and heat, and absorbs compressive forces, ensuring the component is not subjected to excessive stress during operation.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring washer (16) and a second spring washer (18), wherein the first spring washer (16) can be fitted onto the outer sleeve (14) and is designed so that, in the state in which the component (58) is fastened on the carrier component (62), it positions itself against a first side of the component (58), and wherein the second spring washer (18) can likewise be fitted onto the outer sleeve (14) and is designed so that, in the state in which the component (58) is fastened on the carrier component (62), it positions itself against a second side of the component (58)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The sleeve absorbs compressive forces which occur during the operation of the fastening bolt being installed. This means that the component which is to be fastened is subjected to only a relatively low load and is safeguarded against excessive stressing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3476659B1Fastening system for fastening a component on a carrier component
Publication Date: 2022.02.02 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3476659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476659B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3476659B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening system for fastening a component on a carrier component, preferably a carrier component of a vehicle, comprising a fastening bolt (10), which can be fitted through a through-passage opening of the component and can be fastened in a fastening bore of the carrier component, and also an outer sleeve (14) and an inner sleeve (12), which is mounted in an axially movable manner in a through-passage opening of the outer sleeve, wherein the inner sleeve (12) forms a through-passage opening for the fastening bolt (10), the fastening bolt being mounted in an axially movable manner in said through-passage opening, and further comprising a first spring washer (16), which can be fitted onto the outer sleeve (14) and is designed so that, in the state in which the component is fastened on the carrier component, it positions itself against a first side of the component, and a second spring washer (18), which can likewise be fitted onto the outer sleeve (14) and is designed so that, in the state in which the component is fastened on the carrier component, it positions itself against a second side of the component, said second side being located opposite the first side.