Tolerance Compensation Assembly With Captive Nut Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation devices suffer from economic inefficiencies due to high rigidity and low deformability, leading to potential nut loss during transport and inadequate tolerance compensation in component positioning.
Innovation Solution
A tolerance compensation device design where the nut is inserted axially into a leg, preventing loss, and the holding element is made of plastic with movable connecting sections and securing elements like locking tongues and wedges to adapt to component thickness and secure it in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the holding element is made of rigid material with high rigidity and low deformability, then the structural strength is improved, but the nut can fall out during transport and tolerance compensation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic structure with controlled flexibility. The connecting section is designed with adjustable spacing between first and second connecting sections, allowing the holding element to adapt its rigidity. This enables the nut to be securely retained while accommodating transport conditions and providing tolerance compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the holding element by introducing adjustability in the connecting section. The distance between first and second connecting sections can be varied to optimize both structural strength and nut retention. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve both high strength and reliability simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the holding element is made of rigid material, then the structural stability is improved, but the tolerance compensation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element incorporates dynamic characteristics through the adjustable connecting section. The ability to vary the distance between connecting sections provides adaptability for tolerance compensation while maintaining overall structural stability. This dynamic design allows the system to adjust to different component tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting section is divided into first and second connecting sections with adjustable spacing. This segmentation allows independent optimization of different functional requirements - the first connecting section provides structural stability while the adjustable spacing between sections enables tolerance compensation adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the nut is inserted radially into the second leg, then the assembly process is simplified, but the nut can be lost during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element acts as an intermediary structure that secures the nut during transport. The connecting section with adjustable spacing provides a retaining mechanism that prevents nut loss while maintaining ease of assembly. The intermediary structure bridges the gap between assembly simplicity and transport reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the connecting sections are fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to component thickness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting sections are designed with dynamic adjustability in their spacing. This allows the manufacturing precision to be maintained at the component level while providing adaptability to different component thicknesses through adjustable connecting section spacing. The dynamic design resolves the contradiction between fixed precision and variable adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting section is segmented into first and second connecting sections with adjustable spacing between them. This segmentation enables precise positioning of individual sections while allowing the overall spacing to be adjusted for different component thicknesses, thereby achieving both manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a tolerance compensation device comprising a base element, a compensation element engaged in thread with the base element and forming an axially extending passage for a screw element, a nut into which the screw element can be screwed, and a holding element with a first leg holding the base element, a second leg holding the nut, and a connecting section connecting the first and second legs, wherein the first and second legs are spaced apart from each other to form a receiving gap for receiving a component.