Tolerance-Compensating Fastener with Positive-Fit Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for components with tolerances are prone to damage under high forces and torques during assembly, leading to production halts due to improper attachment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base body and compensating element connected via a thread, featuring a positive fit between a retaining ring and base element through complementary grooves and ribs, and a centering element to ensure correct alignment of the screw, preventing separation and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are subjected to high forces and torques during assembly, then fastening reliability is improved, but damage to the device occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is divided into two separate components: a base element and a retaining ring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base element provides the threaded connection while the retaining ring provides structural support and positioning, distributing the mechanical loads and preventing damage during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring features asymmetric grooves and the base element has corresponding asymmetric ribs that create a positive fit. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation and alignment during assembly, preventing misalignment damage while maintaining fastening reliability under high torques
2Productivity
If devices are assembled quickly in flow production, then productivity is improved, but damage due to improper attachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element automatically guides the screw into the correct position as it approaches the base body, and the asymmetric grooves and ribs automatically orient the retaining ring correctly. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for precise manual positioning or complex alignment tools, enabling fast automated assembly without compromising attachment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element and asymmetric groove-rib configuration are pre-designed into the device structure to perform alignment and positioning actions before the actual fastening occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that even during rapid automated assembly, the components are properly aligned and oriented before torque is applied
3Stability of the object's composition
If a positive fit is implemented between base element and retaining ring, then component separation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the base body into a base element and retaining ring, the positive fit feature is isolated to specific interaction surfaces (grooves and ribs) rather than requiring complex integrated structures. This localized approach to creating a positive fit maintains overall device simplicity while achieving component stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fastening to a component, comprising a base body (1) and a compensating element (2), the compensating element (2) being connected to the base body (1) via a thread (14), and the compensating element (2) having a passage (4) with a driver device (5) for a screw. The invention is characterized in that the base body (1) has a base element (10) and a holding ring (9) which is connected to the base element (9) in a form-fitting manner.