Tolerance Compensation Assembly for Play-Free Component Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for compensating for tolerances between components require metallic elements and are limited in radial mobility and play-free engagement, lacking simplicity and versatility in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a hollow-cylindrical base element and compensating element with a force-fitting or form-fitting wedging engagement, allowing for plastic components and enabling automatic tolerance compensation with minimal lifting force, featuring a conical outer shape and corresponding inner shape for rotary entrainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic threaded sleeves and spring elements are used for tolerance compensation, then reliable engagement is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring element from the compensating device, extracting the unnecessary component that added complexity. The tolerance compensation function is achieved purely through the geometric design of the conical base element and its interaction with the threaded sleeve, eliminating the need for additional elastic elements while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical base element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the threaded engagement surface, acts as the elastic compensating element through its conical geometry, and enables automatic tolerance compensation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate metallic components into a single integrated element.
2Strength
If metallic compensating elements are used, then sufficient strength is achieved, but radial mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to plastic, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. Plastic material provides both sufficient strength for the application and inherent elasticity that enables radial mobility. The conical geometry of the base element works in conjunction with the plastic material's elastic properties to achieve automatic tolerance compensation while maintaining strength requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional threaded engagement is used, then assembly is simplified, but play-free engagement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The conical base element is pre-configured with a specific cone angle and threaded geometry that automatically compensates for tolerances during the assembly process itself. As the threaded sleeve is screwed into the conical base element, the conical geometry automatically adjusts the engagement position to eliminate play, achieving precision engagement as an inherent result of the assembly action rather than requiring post-assembly adjustment.
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
Enables play-free, play-reduced, and self-locking engagement, providing improved radial mobility and tolerance compensation without material dependency, suitable for various assembly scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the base element engages in the compensating element in a force-fitting manner, in particular in a frictionally engaged or form-fitting manner
Data Source
AI summary
A device for compensating for tolerances between two components to be connected to one another where the device may have a base element a compensating element. The compensating element may prior to assembly with a thread play be in threaded engagement with a first component, and into which the base element can be inserted. The device may also have a connecting element which can be inserted through the base element to connect the two components. During assembly, the connecting element may come into engagement with the base element and the base element may engage in a force-fitting manner, in particular by frictional engagement or in a form-fitting manner, into the compensating element in such a manner that the compensating element enters into play-free, play-reduced and/or self-locking engagement with the first component.