Positioning Device with Opposing Threads for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices with tolerance compensation for automotive components face challenges due to complex geometries, difficulty in manufacturing with plastic parts that creep and cannot withstand significant forces, and require operator-adjusted position adjustments during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a screw featuring primary and secondary external threads in opposite directions, a primary tightening member, and a secondary nut that compensates for tolerances without operator adjustment, using a coating product or self-locking nut to enhance torque and secure the first automotive component to an intermediate component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic parts are used for positioning device components, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the parts cannot withstand considerable forces and may creep
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device uses a composite structure combining plastic components (for complexity reduction) with metal fastening elements (for strength). The screw assembly with primary and secondary threads provides mechanical strength while the plastic housing and intermediate components maintain manufacturing simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex geometries are used in positioning device parts, then tolerance compensation capability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into multiple functional components: a screw with primary and secondary threads for tolerance compensation, an intermediate component for positioning, and fastening elements for securing. This segmentation allows each part to have simpler geometry while collectively achieving high precision tolerance compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability through threaded motion, allowing the operator to compensate for tolerances by rotating the screw to move the intermediate component into precise alignment, rather than requiring pre-adjusted fixed geometries.
3Manufacturing precision
If operator position adjustment is required during assembly, then positioning accuracy is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device enables self-adjustment by the operator during assembly through the screw mechanism. The operator can independently adjust the position of the intermediate component using the threaded screw to achieve precise alignment without requiring additional positioning tools or complex adjustment procedures.
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 ensures optimal, flush positioning and secure fastening of automotive components, compensating for manufacturing dispersions and eliminating the need for operator-adjusted position adjustments, while maintaining durability and resistance to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a screw (2) having at least: one driving portion (4) configured to cooperate with a driving tool so as to rotatably drive the screw, the driving portion being located in an axial end portion of the screw, one primary external thread (11) and one secondary external thread (12), the primary external thread being further from the driving portion than the secondary external thread, the direction of the secondary external thread being opposite to the direction of the primary external thread
Implementation Method 2
the secondary nut (18) and the abutment (14) being configured to bear against the intermediate component (103) so as to fasten the first automotive component (101) on the intermediate component (103)
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device with tolerance compensation including: a screw; a primary tightening member, and a secondary nut. The screw includes a driving portion cooperating with a driving tool to rotatably drive the screw and is located in an axial end portion of the screw; primary and secondary external threads, the primary external thread being further from the driving portion than the secondary external thread, the directions of the secondary external thread and the primary external thread are opposing; and an abutment projecting between the primary and secondary external threads. The primary tightening member includes a primary internal thread adapted to cooperate with the primary external thread, the primary tightening member and the abutment secured to an intermediate component. The secondary nut includes a secondary internal thread cooperating with the secondary external thread and is configured to bear against the intermediate component to fasten a first component on a second component.