Tolerance Compensating Element Anti-Unscrewing Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tolerance compensation elements lack an effective anti-unscrewing mechanism that prevents the inner threaded part from being completely unscrewed from the outer threaded part, leading to potential disconnection of connected components.

Innovation Solution

An anti-unscrewing device comprising a rotatably supported ring with an axially projecting arm and a cranked claw that forms a stop on the sleeve, limiting the unscrewing movement of the inner threaded part by engaging with a stop when the maximum unscrewing path is reached, ensuring the threaded sections remain engaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a stop is formed on a socket with press fit on the outer circumference of the outer threaded part, then the unscrewing movement is limited, but the threaded section cannot extend over the entire axial length and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreaded section lengthVSAvoidanti-unscrewing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-unscrewing device is segmented into a ring component with an arm and claw mechanism, separate from the threaded parts. This allows the threaded section to extend fully while the anti-unscrewing function is provided by a distinct, simpler component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring with the arm and claw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inner and outer threaded parts. It provides the anti-unscrewing function without requiring complex integration into the threaded parts themselves, allowing full threaded section length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the inner threaded part is allowed to unscrew completely, then the spring element can fully compensate for tolerance variations, but the connected components may become disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensation rangeVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-unscrewing device with the claw and stop预先 prevents complete unscrewing by creating a mechanical stop before the inner threaded part can fully disengage. This preliminary counter-action ensures connection stability while still allowing sufficient unscrewing movement for tolerance compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-unscrewing device is pre-configured with the arm and claw positioned to engage with the stop on the outer threaded part at the appropriate moment, automatically preventing over-unscrewing while allowing full threaded section engagement for tolerance adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the inner threaded part is prevented from unscrewing, then connection stability is maintained, but the tolerance compensation capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtolerance compensation range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows dynamic unscrewing movement of the inner threaded part through the full threaded section length for tolerance compensation, while the anti-unscrewing device dynamically engages only when the maximum unscrewing path is reached, providing conditional stability rather than rigid constraint.

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

This solution allows the inner threaded part to extend fully over the threaded length, maintaining secure engagement and preventing complete unscrewing, ensuring the components remain securely connected and capable of withstanding high axial forces.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element held by the sleeve on the inner threaded part forms a slipping clutch, through which a torque can be transmitted from the connecting screw to the inner threaded part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a spring element, an inner and an outer threaded part which are in threaded engagement with one another and together form a spacer adjustable in length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3516242B1Tolerance compensating element
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 SCHWARZBICH JORG
  • EP3516242B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3516242B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Tolerance compensating element for a device for connecting components by means of a connecting screw inserted through the tolerance compensating element, said tolerance compensating element comprising an inner and an outer threaded part (10, 12), which are in threaded engagement with one another and together form a length-adjustable spacer (14), and a sleeve (30), which is held in the inner threaded part (10) and holds a spring element (34) in a position in which it comes into frictional contact with the circumference of the inserted connecting screw, characterized by an unscrewing protection device (44) in the form of a ring that is rotatably supported at one end of the spacer (14) and comprises at least one arm (48), which projects axially into the sleeve (30) and, at the free end, forms an outwardly cranked claw (50) against which a stop (54) formed on the sleeve (30) abuts when a maximum unscrewing distance of the inner threaded part (10) is reached.