Rotary Tolerance Compensation Assembly for Vehicle Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for vehicle components struggle with efficient tolerance compensation, often requiring complex and costly components, and do not allow for adjustment without disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A rotary part with a sleeve and disk, featuring an external thread and engagement points for a tool, is used to compensate for tolerances between components, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex components like blind rivet nuts with dual threads and adjusting bushings with spring-loaded fingers are used for tolerance compensation, then tolerance compensation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tolerance compensation function is segmented into two independent parts: a turning element with thread for precision adjustment, and a locking element for securing the position. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining compensation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex components (blind rivet nuts with dual threads, adjusting bushings with spring-loaded fingers) with simpler, cheaper alternatives that achieve the same tolerance compensation function through a combination of basic threading and locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual disassembly and reassembly are required for tolerance compensation adjustment, then adjustment precision can be achieved, but assembly time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The turning element is pre-equipped with threading and engagement features that enable direct tool-based adjustment without requiring disassembly. The locking element is pre-configured to secure the adjusted position, allowing the entire tolerance compensation process to be performed in a single assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element automatically secures the turning element at the adjusted position through its engagement features, eliminating the need for additional manual securing steps or disassembly operations. The system serves itself by maintaining the adjusted tolerance position without further intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple components are used for tolerance compensation, then compensation accuracy is improved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The turning element and locking element are designed to work together as an integrated tolerance compensation unit. The threading on the turning element directly engages with the locking element, merging the adjustment and securing functions into a coordinated two-component system that reduces assembly steps compared to multi-component solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The turning element serves multiple functions: it provides the adjustment mechanism through threading, acts as the positioning element for tolerance compensation, and engages with the locking element to secure the adjusted position. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining compensation accuracy.

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

Enables flexible and cost-effective tolerance compensation, allowing all degrees of freedom to be set without dismantling the outer paneling, while maintaining a visually appealing design.

Implementation Method 1

a blind rivet nut (5) with an internal thread, which is firmly connected to a first component (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a disc (3.2) which is mounted in the sleeve (3.1) and can be rotated within it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a fastening screw (4) with a head and an external thread, which can be screwed into the blind rivet nut (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew Thread: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3190298B1Assembly for detachable mounting of components
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP3190298B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3190298B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3190298B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement for the detachable fastening of components, which has means for compensating for tolerances between a first and a second component (1, 2) and further comprises a blind rivet nut (5) with an internal thread and a fastening screw (4), wherein a rotating part (3) is provided as a means for compensating for tolerances between the first component (1) and the second component (2), which has a sleeve (3.1) fixedly connected to the component (2) and a disc (3.2) mounted in the sleeve (3.1) and rotatable therein, and wherein the disc (3.2) can be connected to the blind rivet nut (5) and thus to the component (1) via the fastening screw (4).