Spring Element Interlock Layout for Easier Tolerance Compensation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring elements for tolerance compensation devices require increased assembly effort due to barbs on axial ends, which can get stuck or lost during assembly and fail to secure the element properly after installation.
Innovation Solution
A spring element with axial webs and a claw section that is not formed on axial ends but is spaced apart, allowing easier insertion and secure engagement within the passage, featuring a connecting ring for enhanced elasticity and a claw section that extends obliquely to secure the element in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barbs are positioned on axial ends of the spring element to prevent accidental pull-out, then retention security is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to immediate engagement with passage walls
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking section is positioned not at the axial ends but at an intermediate location along the spring element's length, changing the spatial dimension of engagement. This intermediate positioning allows the spring element to be inserted without immediate engagement, reducing assembly force requirements while still providing secure retention when fully installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed to be inserted first without immediate engagement of the interlocking section, allowing preliminary insertion to occur with reduced force. Once inserted, the interlocking section then engages with the passage wall to secure the element in place, providing retention as a secondary action after insertion.
2Reliability
If barbs are positioned on axial ends to secure the spring element, then retention is improved, but the barbs become non-functional if the element is moved slightly out of position
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the interlocking section at an intermediate location rather than at the axial end, the engagement point is moved to a position that accommodates slight movements and misalignments during assembly. This intermediate positioning provides a larger tolerance window for proper engagement while maintaining secure retention.
3Ease of operation
If interlocking section is spaced axially from end sections, then insertion force is reduced, but retention mechanism must engage over longer distance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element's elasticity allows it to dynamically engage with the passage wall over an extended axial distance. As the spring is compressed during insertion, the interlocking section progressively engages with the passage wall, distributing the retention function over a longer distance while maintaining ease of insertion.
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
Facilitates easier assembly and secure retention of the spring element within the tolerance compensation device, reducing the risk of loss and ensuring effective torque transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (10) arranged in a passage (22) of the compensating element (20) to transmit the necessary torque. The spring element (10) is supported on the compensating element (20) on one side and presses against the connecting element on the other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring element for a device for compensating for tolerances between a first component and a second component, wherein the spring element comprises: at least two axial webs extending in the direction of a longitudinal center axis of the spring element and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the spring element, each of which has two opposing end sections viewed in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the spring element and connected by an intermediate section, wherein the end sections of an axial web have at least approximately the same radial distance to the longitudinal center axis of the spring element and the intermediate section arranged between these end sections has a different radial distance to the longitudinal center axis;and at least one connecting ring which connects the axial webs together, wherein at least one interlocking section spaced axially apart from the end sections of the axial webs extends obliquely outwards with respect to the longitudinal central axis.