Tolerance Compensation Assembly With Axial Nut Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation apparatuses are economically inefficient due to high rigidity and low deformability, and nuts can easily fall out during transport and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A tolerance compensation apparatus with a reception gap having a main region and an end region of varying widths, allowing the nut to be inserted axially and secured within the second limb, and featuring a holding element made of plastic for cost-effectiveness and enhanced deformability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the holding element is designed with high rigidity and low deformability, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different component thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is divided into multiple segments or sections with different rigidity characteristics. The connection section has lower rigidity to allow bending and adaptation, while other parts maintain high rigidity for structural stability. This segmentation enables the holding element to adapt to different component thicknesses while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the holding element have different rigidity properties tailored to their specific functions. The connection section is designed with lower rigidity to facilitate bending and adaptation to component thicknesses, while the base element and other supporting structures maintain high rigidity for stability. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between overall stability and local adaptability.
2Productivity
If the nut is inserted radially into the second limb, then assembly speed is improved, but reliability of nut retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the nut radially from the front as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the insertion direction by guiding the nut axially from above through the first limb into the second limb. This inverted approach ensures the nut cannot fall out during transport while maintaining assembly efficiency through the dual-function passage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is nested within the second limb in a manner that prevents radial extraction. The second limb completely surrounds the nut, creating a nested configuration where the nut is retained securely. This nesting arrangement ensures reliability of nut retention while the axial insertion path maintains productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the reception gap has uniform width, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different component thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reception gap is designed with non-uniform width, where the end region facing the connection section has a greater width than the main region. This local variation in geometry allows the reception gap to accommodate components of different thicknesses while the overall structure remains simple to manufacture using standard molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection section is designed to be flexible and bendable, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate different component thicknesses. The tapered design of the connection section enables it to adapt to varying thickness requirements while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tolerance compensation apparatus comprising a base element; a compensation element that is in threaded engagement with the base element and that forms a passage extending in an axial direction for a screw element; a nut into which the screw element can be screwed; and a holding element having a first limb holding the base element, a second limb holding the nut, and a connection section connecting the first and second limbs, wherein the first and second limbs are spaced apart from one another while forming a reception gap for receiving a component.