Segmented Tolerance Compensating Device with Offset Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensating devices are not cost-effective and fail to accommodate a wide range of manufacturing tolerances in complex assemblies, leading to potential manufacturing and assembly delays.
Innovation Solution
A tolerance compensating device with a body featuring multiple sets of radially arrayed tabs, each with distinct locator features and axially offset locator shoulders, allowing for versatile accommodation of tolerance variations between workpieces, made from flexible and resilient materials like acetal or thermoplastic polyolefin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing tolerance compensating devices are used, then some tolerance accommodation is provided, but they are not cost-effective and fail to accommodate a wide range of manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple sets of tabs (first set, second set, third set, fourth set) with distinct locator features, allowing each tab set to accommodate different tolerance ranges. This segmentation enables versatile tolerance accommodation while maintaining cost-effectiveness through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance compensating device is designed with multiple locator features that can accommodate a wide range of manufacturing tolerances across different workpiece configurations. The universal design allows a single device to handle various tolerance scenarios without requiring multiple specialized components, improving cost-effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locator features with different configurations are implemented, then versatility and accommodation of tolerance variation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity is managed through segmentation into four distinct tab sets, each with specific locator features optimized for particular tolerance ranges. This organized segmentation makes the complex device easier to manufacture and assemble by providing clear modular structures
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates more locator features than a minimal design would require, providing excessive accommodation capability for tolerance variations. This ensures that even unexpected tolerance ranges can be handled, and the additional features can be selectively engaged based on actual workpiece dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If axially offset locator shoulders are used on different tab sets, then a wide range of tolerance variations can be accommodated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axial offset positioning is implemented through segmented tab sets, where each set is manufactured with specific offset dimensions. This segmentation allows precision to be achieved through standardized manufacturing processes for each tab set rather than requiring ultra-precise monolithic manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the axial offset distances of locator shoulders across different tab sets to accommodate various tolerance ranges. By varying these dimensional parameters in a systematic way, the device achieves wide tolerance accommodation while maintaining manufacturability through controlled parameter variation
Data Source
AI summary
A tolerance compensating device includes a body having a fastener receiver. A first set of tabs and a second set of tabs are provided around the fastener receiver. The first set of tabs include a first locator feature and the second set of tabs include a second locator feature wherein the first locator feature differs from the second locator feature. An assembly including the tolerance compensating device is also disclosed.