Tolerance Compensation Screw Mechanism Without Spring Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation devices require torque transmission and spring elements to prevent the compensating element from unscrewing, making them costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A non-self-locking thread engagement between the base and compensating elements allows axial force to convert longitudinal movement into rotary movement, eliminating the need for a spring element and enabling the compensating element to move in the direction of the connecting screw insertion, thus simplifying the design and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking thread engagement is used between the base element and compensating element, then torque transmission is ensured and the compensating element remains stable, but a spring element is required to create frictional connection, increasing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the spring element from the tolerance compensation device. By using a non-self-locking thread engagement with a steep thread design, the device eliminates the need for additional friction-creating components while maintaining functional reliability through direct axial force transmission from the connecting screw to the compensating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive and complex spring element with a simpler, more economical non-self-locking thread engagement mechanism. The steep thread design achieves the compensation function through basic mechanical principles without requiring additional manufactured components, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Ease of operation
If a spring element is used to create frictional connection for torque transmission, then the compensating element can be extended against the insertion direction, but the device becomes more costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by allowing the compensating element to extend in the insertion direction of the connecting screw rather than against it. The non-self-locking steep thread engagement enables the compensating element to move freely in the insertion direction while the connecting screw's axial force automatically drives the compensation mechanism, eliminating the need for spring elements and complex torque transmission paths.
3Device complexity
If a non-self-locking thread engagement is used, then the device design is simplified and costs are reduced, but the compensating element must move in the insertion direction rather than against it
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thread engagement parameters by using a non-self-locking steep thread design. This parameter change allows the compensating element to move in the insertion direction of the connecting screw while maintaining effective tolerance compensation. The steep thread geometry enables direct conversion of axial force to rotational movement without requiring self-locking characteristics or additional friction-creating elements.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective tolerance compensation without the need for torque transmission or spring elements, ensuring reliable screwing of components together despite structural tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the thread engagement between the base element and the compensating element is non-self-locking in such a way that the compensating element moves out of the base element in an insertion direction of the connecting screw when the connecting screw exerts an axial force acting in the insertion direction on the compensating element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for compensating for tolerances between a first component and a second component to be screwed to it by means of a connecting screw, comprising a base element and a compensating element in thread engagement with the base element, wherein the thread engagement is non-self-locking in such a way that the compensating element moves out of the base element when the connecting screw exerts an axial force on the compensating element.