Tolerance Compensation Sleeve Fixing Device

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tolerance compensation devices for fixing components with variable distances are cumbersome and time-consuming due to inconsistent sleeve spacing during transport, requiring pre-assembly checks in flow production.

Innovation Solution

An anti-twist device that secures the sleeves during transport and automatically releases rotation when a screw is inserted, allowing for precise assembly and maintaining a defined distance between sleeves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sleeves are screwed into one another during transport, then the device is compact and easy to store, but the distance between sleeves varies making handling time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling simplicityVSAvoidsleeve distance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The driver device is pre-configured with a securing section that automatically engages with the recess in the first sleeve during transport, preliminarily fixing the sleeve distance before assembly operations begin. This preliminary action prevents the sleeves from shifting position during handling and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The driver device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the two sleeves, with its securing section acting as a mediator that physically connects and maintains the predetermined distance between the first and second sleeves during transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the driver device blocks rotation of sleeves during transport, then sleeve position is fixed, but the screw cannot be inserted until the blocking is released

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleeve position stabilityVSAvoidscrew insertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver device transitions from a static blocking state during transport to a dynamic released state during assembly. The securing section is designed to be movable, allowing it to engage with the recess for stability during transport, then disengage when the screw is inserted, enabling the sleeves to rotate freely during assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The screw insertion process itself triggers the release of the blocking mechanism. As the screw is inserted into the passage, it automatically causes the securing section to move out of the recess, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate unlocking actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the sleeves are delivered with variable distances, then storage is efficient, but pre-assembly checks are required increasing production time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidpre-assembly check time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The driver device is pre-configured with a securing section that automatically engages with the recess in the first sleeve during transport, preliminarily fixing the sleeve distance before assembly operations begin. This preliminary action prevents the sleeves from shifting position during handling and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If the driver device is always engaged, then sleeves remain fixed, but the second sleeve cannot be unscrewed from the first sleeve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleeve position stabilityVSAvoidsleeve rotation freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The driver device transitions from a static blocking state during transport to a dynamic released state during assembly. The securing section is designed to be movable, allowing it to engage with the recess for stability during transport, then disengage when the screw is inserted, enabling the sleeves to rotate freely during assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies handling and reduces production costs by ensuring consistent sleeve spacing and enabling efficient assembly of components with variable distances, enhancing the overall efficiency of the device.

Implementation Method 1

The driving device is designed as a spring steel clamp that presses against the inserted screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3244074B1Device for fixing on a component

Publication Date: 2019.08.14 SPRINGFIX BEFESTIGUNGSTECHNIK GMBH

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AI summary

A device for fixing to a component, in particular a tolerance compensation element, comprising a first sleeve (1) and a second sleeve (2) which can be fixed to and/or in the first sleeve (1) by means of a screw connection (3, 4), wherein both sleeves (1, 2) each have a passage (5), wherein a screw (6) can be screwed through the passages (5) into a thread (7) of a retaining element (8), wherein the direction of rotation of the thread (3, 4) of the screw connection differs from the direction of rotation of the retaining element (8), and wherein a driving device (9) cooperating with the screw (6) and the second sleeve (2) is arranged in the passages (5), wherein the driving device (9) can be moved from a locking position that inhibits the rotation of the sleeves (1, 2) to an opening position that releases the rotation of the sleeves (1, 2) by inserting the screw (6) into the passages (5).