Tolerance Compensation Clamp With Low-Torque Press-Fit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation arrangements face limitations in strength and application range due to material properties, particularly with plastic components, and require high drag torque for backlash-free designs, which are not suitable for all construction types.
Innovation Solution
A tolerance compensation arrangement with a base element, adjusting unit, and fastening screw design that allows for a press fit between the adjusting unit and base element, using a metal-to-metal connection and flexible thread pairing to minimize drag torque and prevent loosening, while accommodating tolerance variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used in tolerance compensation arrangements, then cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture are improved, but the strength and force resistance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where a metal fastening screw is combined with a plastic adjusting unit. The metal screw provides the necessary strength and force resistance, while the plastic adjusting unit maintains cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture. This composite approach allows the connection to withstand higher forces while keeping production costs low.
2Manufacturing precision
If fine-pitch adjusting threads are used to eliminate play, then manufacturing precision is improved, but drag torque increases making the system unsuitable for less stable constructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thread connection into two distinct segments: a coarse-pitch first thread pairing between the metal fastening screw and the plastic adjusting unit that provides low drag torque for easy assembly, and a fine-pitch second thread pairing within the adjusting unit that eliminates play and provides precision. This segmentation allows each thread pairing to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
3Reliability
If a backlash-free design with fine-pitch threads is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and drag torque increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reliability through segmented thread pairings rather than a single complex fine-pitch system. The first coarse thread pairing ensures easy assembly with low drag torque, while the second fine thread pairing within the adjusting unit provides backlash-free operation. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity compared to a single fine-pitch system while maintaining high reliability.
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 provides a smooth-running connection with minimal drag torque, preventing rattling and loosening, suitable for a wide range of applications including less stable constructions, and allows for cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a follower unit which is arranged at least partially in the adjusting unit adjacent to a second axial end... a radial press fit can then be produced between the adjusting unit and the base element
Data Source
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AI summary
A tolerance compensation arrangement for fastening a first component to a second component, with automatic compensation of tolerances in the spacing between the first component and the second component, has a base element with a first internal thread and a fastening structure on an outer side for fastening the base element in an opening of the first component. In addition, the arrangement has an adjusting unit with a first external thread, wherein the first external thread forms a first thread pairing of a first thread direction with the first internal thread of the base element, and the adjusting unit has a fastening sleeve with a second internal thread adjacently with respect to a first axial end. Furthermore, the arrangement comprises a coupled motion unit which is arranged at least partially in the adjusting unit adjacently with respect to a second axial end. A fastening screw can be screwed, via a second thread pairing of a second thread direction which opposes the first thread direction, first of all into the second internal thread of the fastening sleeve by way of a rotation in the second thread direction, and subsequently can be connected to the coupled motion unit by way of a releasable coupled motion connection, with the result that, during the rotation of the fastening screw, the adjusting unit can be co-rotated and can be brought into contact with the second component, and a radial press fit can be established afterwards between the adjusting unit and the base element.