Tolerance Compensation Assembly for High-Force Misalignment Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation arrangements face challenges with misalignment compensation and strength limitations, particularly when subjected to higher forces, due to the use of plastic components that deform under stress, limiting their range of application and requiring high precision during use.
Innovation Solution
A tolerance compensation arrangement featuring a base element with metal components, including a first and second metal element with opposing threads and a supporting element, allowing for automatic compensation of tolerances through a metal-metal connection, which enhances strength and stability while accommodating misalignments via a floating arrangement of the first metal element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used in tolerance compensation arrangements, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but strength and stability deteriorate under higher forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metal components (first and second metal elements with threads) and plastic components (base element, supporting element) to create a hybrid structure. The metal elements provide strength and stability for force transmission, while the plastic base element maintains cost-effectiveness and provides floating arrangement capability for misalignment compensation.
2Strength
If metal components are used to enhance strength, then strength and stability are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies metal material locally only where strength is critical (threaded connection elements subjected to high stress), while using plastic for non-critical structural components (base element, supporting element). This localized application of expensive material optimizes the strength-to-cost ratio.
3Adaptability or versatility
If floating arrangement is implemented for misalignment compensation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first metal element is designed with floating arrangement capability, allowing it to move dynamically relative to the base element to compensate for misalignments. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through a simple structural design rather than complex mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a robust and versatile tolerance compensation mechanism that can handle higher forces and misalignments, offering a broader range of application while maintaining cost-effectiveness by combining metal and plastic components, ensuring seamless force transmission through metal and stabilizing the supporting element.
Implementation Method 1
the outer thread forms a first thread pairing of a first thread direction with the first inner thread of the first metal element of the base element, while a fastening screw, which is insertable through an opening of the base unit and the adjustment unit, can be screwed in the second inner thread of the second metal element of the base element via a second thread pairing of a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction
Implementation Method 2
a fastening screw... can be connected to the adjustment unit via the dragging unit through a releasable dragging connection so that, during the rotation of the fastening screw, the adjustment unit co-rotates and is moved thereby into abutment with the first component
Data Source
AI summary
A tolerance compensation arrangement for fastening first and second components with compensation of tolerances between the components. The arrangement comprises a base element having a first element with a first inner thread, a second element with a second inner thread, a supporting element arranged in between, and an adjustment unit with a threaded sleeve with an outer thread and a dragging unit at least partially arranged in the sleeve. The outer thread forms a first thread pairing of a first thread direction with the first inner thread. A fastening screw, can be screwed into the second inner thread via a second thread pairing of a second thread direction opposite to the first thread direction. The fastening screw can be connected to the adjustment unit via the dragging unit so that, during the rotation of the fastening screw, the adjustment unit co-rotates and is moved into abutment with the first component.