Spring Arm Tolerance Compensator for Compact Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for compensating tolerances between components are limited by the size of the spring element, which restricts torque transmission and scalability, leading to size limitations and potential damage during insertion of the connecting means.
Innovation Solution
A spring element with radially outwardly projecting corners and a slotted connecting ring allows for efficient torque transmission and easy insertion, enabling scalability and compact design, with multiple spring arms connected by a ring for enhanced stability and prevention of 'nesting'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional spring element is used for torque transmission, then the device can function, but the device size is limited and cannot be scaled down effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is divided into multiple spring arms (at least three) that are connected by a connecting ring, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows the spring element to maintain effective torque transmission while reducing overall size and enabling scaling to smaller dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms feature end regions that are positioned at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal central axis than the intermediate sections. This dimensional variation creates radially outwardly projecting corners that enhance torque transmission efficiency while allowing compact design.
2Volume of moving object
If the spring element is made compact for scalability, then device size is reduced, but insertion of connecting means becomes difficult and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms have non-uniform geometry with end regions at greater radial distance than intermediate sections. This local quality variation creates radially outwardly projecting corners that guide the connecting means during insertion, preventing damage even in compact designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring element structure is simplified for manufacturing, then production cost decreases, but torque transmission and mounting security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spring arms are connected by a single connecting ring, merging the structural functions into a unified component. This provides secure mounting through radially outwardly projecting corners while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a integrated design.
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 solution enables efficient torque transmission, easy insertion, and secure mounting of the spring element, preventing damage and allowing for compact, scalable designs, even at smaller sizes, while maintaining effective axial and rotational fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element with at least one spring arm which, viewed in its longitudinal direction, has two opposite end regions... efficient transmission of the torque from the connecting means to the compensating element
Implementation Method 2
The spring force of the slotted connecting ring then has the effect that the radially outwardly protruding corner is pressed into the compensating element, as a result of which the spring element is positively and/or positively engaged with the compensating element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring element for a device for compensating for tolerances between a first and a second component, characterized by at least one spring arm, which has two end regions lying opposite in the longitudinal direction of said spring arm, wherein at least one of the end regions has a greater distance from a longitudinal center axis of the spring element than an intermediate section of the spring arm located between the end regions and wherein at least one of the end regions forms a radially outwardly projecting corner.