Self-Adjusting Fastener with Latching and Spacer for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching parts to vehicle body components face challenges in adapting to positional tolerances and require complex dismantling processes, often necessitating external tools and resulting in noise issues due to loose connections.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a threaded part with a holding section and a spacer part that can be screwed together, allowing for axial adjustment and captive pre-mounting, using latching elements for secure attachment and a clamping section for frictional locking, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded nut is used to adapt to positional tolerances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for external tools and accessibility from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed to be self-setting through the interaction between the spacer part's thread and the threaded part's thread. When the holding screw is screwed in, the spacer part automatically adjusts axially to compensate for positional tolerances without requiring external tools or manual intervention, making the system self-service in the adaptation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism and the fastening mechanism into a single integrated holding element. The spacer part and threaded part work together as one unit that simultaneously provides both tolerance compensation and secure attachment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment tools and procedures
2Measurement precision
If a planetary gear mechanism is used to rotate spacer rings, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex planetary gear mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simple threaded connection. The axial adjustment of the spacer part is achieved through direct threading interaction rather than through a complex rotational transmission mechanism, eliminating unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical planetary gear system with a simpler threaded fastening system. The thread engagement between the spacer part and threaded part provides controlled axial movement and precise positioning without requiring complex gears, reducing the mechanical system to its essential function
3Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded nut is used for adaptation, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to tool requirements and external accessibility needs
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element performs the adaptation function automatically through the interaction of its internal components. The spacer part self-adjusts axially when the holding screw is tightened, eliminating the need for external tools or manual operation for the adaptation process, thereby improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The holding screw acts as an intermediary that triggers the automatic adjustment mechanism. By simply tightening the holding screw, the user initiates the self-adjustment process where the spacer part automatically compensates for positional tolerances, making the operation simple and intuitive
4Reliability
If complete dismantling is required for holding element removal, then reliability is improved, but productivity worsens due to time-consuming disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is segmented into distinct components (spacer part, threaded part, holding screw) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows for partial disassembly where only the necessary components are removed for maintenance or adjustment, improving productivity without compromising the reliability of the attached components
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element provides dynamic adjustment capability through the threaded connection between the spacer part and threaded part. This dynamic feature allows for easy repositioning and reassembly, enabling quick adjustments and maintenance operations while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation, thereby improving both productivity and operational flexibility
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 provides a simple adaptation to positional tolerances, ensures secure attachment with anti-theft features, and prevents noise by allowing axial adjustment and automatic tolerance compensation, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining a stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
the latching element can be elastically deformable in the region of the interaction with the corresponding latching element of the attachment part
Implementation Method 2
the spacer part and the threaded part having interacting threads, with the result that the spacer part can be screwed to the threaded part
Implementation Method 3
the carrier part can preferably be held between a head of the holding screw and the spacer part
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an attachment part and a holding element for holding the attachment part on a carrier part, the holding element having a threaded part connected to the attachment part and an internal thread for a holding screw, and a spacer part, the spacer part and the threaded part having interacting threads, the spacer part having a through opening flush with the internal thread of the threaded part when the spacer part is screwed to the threaded part, with the result that the carrier part can be held between a head of the holding screw and the spacer part, the threaded part having a holding section for holding the attachment part, the holding section having at least one latching element which interacts with at least one corresponding latching element of the attachment part for releasably latching the attachment part on the threaded part.