Tolerance Compensation Assembly With Captive Self-Centering Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for compensating tolerances between components are complex and difficult to assemble, lacking a simple and efficient method for pre-installation and secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base element and a compensating element, formed from mirror-symmetrical sub-elements, which are coupled in a captive manner to hold a connecting element, allowing for self-centering and easy compensation of tolerances through a pre-installation unit, with optional resilient elements and screw retention devices for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tolerance compensation devices are constructed with multiple separate components (base element, threaded sleeve, axial compensating element, spring element), then the compensation function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base element, compensating element, and connecting element into a single integrated device. The connecting element is held captive within the compensating element, eliminating the need for separate threaded sleeves and multiple assembly steps. This merging of components maintains the tolerance compensation function while significantly reducing device complexity and easing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is nested within the compensating element in a captive arrangement. The compensating element is inserted into the base element, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach allows multiple functional components to be housed within a compact integrated unit, reducing overall complexity while maintaining all necessary compensation functions.
2Reliability
If traditional devices require multiple assembly steps for pre-installation and final installation, then secure connection is achieved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is pre-held in a captive manner within the compensating element during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that during installation, the connecting element is already positioned correctly and will self-center as it is inserted through the base element, eliminating the need for separate alignment and positioning steps during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to self-center as it passes through the base element and is held captive by the compensating element. This self-centering action occurs automatically during the insertion process without requiring additional alignment operations or multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining secure connection.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting element is held loosely during pre-installation, then ease of insertion is achieved, but positioning precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element transitions from a loose, movable state during insertion to a captive, constrained state once installed. During pre-installation, the connecting element moves freely through the base element for easy insertion. Once in place, the compensating element engages to hold the connecting element captive, ensuring precise positioning and eliminating play or movement in the final assembled state.
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 quick, error-free, and secure assembly by ensuring the connecting element is held captive and self-centered, reducing the risk of misinstallation and allowing for effective compensation of both axial and radial tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient element can be designed as an inner latching lip, in particular as a double rib, in which a head of the connecting element is releasably held
Data Source
AI summary
A device for compensating for tolerances between two components to be connected to one another may have at least one base element and one compensating element, which are at least partially inserted into one another and coupled to one another in a captive manner in an as-delivered state and prior to installation. A connecting element is provided for connecting the two components and is held in a captive and optionally loose manner in the base element or the compensating element in the as-delivered state and prior to installation.