Tolerance Compensation Apparatus Fixing Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tolerance compensation apparatuses in automobile construction, such as those used in screwing components like headlamps, face issues where the compensation element returns to its starting position upon screw release, necessitating repeated adjustments upon component removal and reinstallation.

Innovation Solution

A fixing means is introduced to secure the compensation element in its compensation position relative to the base element, preventing it from returning to its starting position, utilizing features like friction locking, clamping, or adhesive bonding to maintain the alignment and gap width during component separation and reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the compensation element is allowed to move freely in response to screw connection, then tolerance compensation is achieved, but the compensation element returns to starting position on release causing loss of adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance of compensation positionVSAvoidstructure of compensation apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means is activated after the compensation element has reached its compensation position, securing it there before any release occurs. This preliminary securing action prevents the element from returning to its starting position, maintaining the adjustment without requiring continuous mechanical constraint during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A fixing means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the compensation element and the base element. This intermediary component enables the compensation element to be secured in its compensation position relative to the base element, preventing unwanted movement while allowing the element to be adjusted and resecured as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the compensation element is fixed in compensation position, then repeat adjustment is prevented, but the fixing mechanism adds complexity to the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for readjustmentVSAvoidfixing means structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means is activated after the compensation element has reached its compensation position, securing it there before any release occurs. This preliminary securing action prevents the element from returning to its starting position, maintaining the adjustment without requiring continuous mechanical constraint during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing means changes the state of the compensation element from movable to fixed. By altering the positional parameter of the compensation element relative to the base element, the system transitions from a state where the element can move freely to a state where it is secured in its compensation position, preventing unwanted movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a fixing means is added to maintain compensation position, then reliability improves, but the ease of operation for adjustment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of compensation positionVSAvoidadjustment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means provides a dynamic solution that allows the compensation element to transition between movable and fixed states. During adjustment, the element can be moved freely to achieve the desired compensation position, then secured by the fixing means. This dynamic capability maintains ease of operation while ensuring stability once adjusted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A fixing means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the compensation element and the base element. This intermediary component enables the compensation element to be secured in its compensation position relative to the base element, preventing unwanted movement while allowing the element to be adjusted and resecured as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures that the components maintain their precise alignment and gap width without needing re-adjustment during reinstallation, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of assembly processes like headlamp installation in motor vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a drive spring connected between the screw element and the compensation element and is thereby moved axially to the base element out of its starting position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the fixing means fixes the compensation element relative to the base element by means of a connection with material continuity and/or friction locking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10473142B2Tolerance compensation apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 WITTE AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for the compensation of tolerances between components to be screwed to one another, comprising a hollow-cylindrical base element and a hollow-cylindrical compensation element which is in threaded engagement with the base element and which can be moved from a starting position into a compensation position by rotation relative to the base element. The apparatus is characterized in that a fixing means is provided by which the compensation element can be fixed in the compensation position relative to the base element.