Rotating Fastening Element for Manual Gap Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening arrangements for manually adjusting gaps between components require multiple components and are cumbersome, lacking a simple and reliable connection mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A fastening arrangement using a hollow cylindrical fastening element with projections and flanges that allows manual compensation of gaps by rotating the element to secure components, eliminating the need for additional fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate fastening components are used to achieve manual gap compensation, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastening element that includes both the fastening section with engagement protrusions and the insertion section with guiding features. This merging eliminates the need for separate guiding components and fastening components, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides gap compensation through adjustable positioning, guides the insertion process through integrated guiding features, and secures the connection through engagement protrusions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate fastening components are used to achieve manual gap compensation, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the guiding features and fastening features into a single fastening element, the patent eliminates the need for operators to handle and coordinate multiple separate components. The unified design allows for simpler insertion and positioning operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable connection through the integrated engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If additional fasteners are used to secure components, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnumber of fasteners
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the fastening element itself through engagement protrusions that interact with corresponding receptacles in the components. This eliminates the need for additional separate fasteners like screws or clips, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining strong connections through the integrated engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4675114A1Fastening arrangement, component structure with the fastening arrangement and corresponding fastening method
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4675114A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4675114A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4675114A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention describes a fastening arrangement (1; 200) for fastening a first component (3) with a component opening to a second component (5) with manual compensation of a gap between them. The fastening arrangement (1) comprises a hollow cylindrical fastening element (10; 50; 210) with a shaft region (12; 212) and a head region (30; 230), wherein the head region (30; 230) projects radially outwards beyond the shaft region (12; 212) with a circumferential flange (232) or a plurality of first projections (32) and a plurality of second projections (34; 234), wherein the circumferential flange (232) or the plurality of first projections (32) and the plurality of second projections (34; 234) are arranged axially spaced apart from one another, such that an edge of the component opening in the first component (3) is located between the circumferential flange (232) or the plurality of first projections (32) and the plurality of second projections (34;234) is arrangable and the shaft region (12; 212) has on its radial outer side a plurality of fastening sections (14) and a plurality of insertion sections (18) which are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction and extend in the axial direction between the head region (30; 230) and an axial end of the shaft region (12; 212), wherein the fastening sections (14) project radially beyond the insertion sections (18), a receiving opening (40) of the second component (5) which has alternately radially projecting (42) and recessed areas (44) in the circumferential direction into the receiving opening (40), such that the fastening element (10; 50;210) can be inserted into the receiving opening (40) through the component opening in the first component (3) and is rotatable relative to the receiving opening (40), wherein the first component (3) is fixed between the circumferential flange (232) and the plurality of second projections (234) by inserting the fastening element (210) or between the plurality of first (32) and second projections (34) by rotating the fastening element (10; 50), and the first component (3) is fixed to the second component (5) in the axial direction by rotating the fastening element (10; 50; 210).