Tolerance Compensation Thread for Spring-Free Screw Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tolerance compensation devices require torque to prevent the compensation element from being unscrewed, necessitating a spring element for frictional connection, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A non-self-locking thread engagement between the base element and the compensation element allows the compensation element to move out of the base element in the direction of the connecting screw's insertion, eliminating the need for a spring element and reducing manufacturing costs by using a simpler design with steep threads and potentially plastic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring element is used to produce frictional connection between the connecting screw and compensation element, then the compensation element is prevented from being unscrewed against the direction of insertion, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unscrewingVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is completely removed from the device. Instead of using a spring to create frictional connection, the invention uses a non-self-locking thread engagement between the base element and compensation element, allowing the connecting screw's axial force to directly move the compensation element in the insertion direction without any spring component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the expensive and complex spring element with a simple non-self-locking thread engagement mechanism. This simpler mechanism achieves the same functional outcome (preventing unscrewing) without requiring additional components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a spring element is used to produce frictional connection, then torque is transmitted to prevent unscrewing, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is completely removed from the device. Instead of using a spring to create frictional connection, the invention uses a non-self-locking thread engagement between the base element and compensation element, allowing the connecting screw's axial force to directly move the compensation element in the insertion direction without any spring component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the expensive and complex spring element with a simple non-self-locking thread engagement mechanism. This simpler mechanism achieves the same functional outcome (preventing unscrewing) without requiring additional components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If self-locking thread engagement is used, then the compensation element remains fixed, but axial force cannot move the compensation element in the insertion direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread engagement stabilityVSAvoidmovement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a self-locking thread engagement that prevents movement, the invention inverts the approach by using a non-self-locking thread engagement. This allows the thread to be easily unscrewed by axial force in the insertion direction, achieving the desired movement capability while still preventing unscrewing in the opposite direction through the frictional connection created by the connecting screw.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design enables the compensation element to be easily unscrewed with axial force, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while ensuring reliable tolerance compensation without the need for a spring element, allowing for a more economical and versatile tolerance compensation device.

Implementation Method 1

the thread engagement between the base element and the compensation element is so non-self-locking that the compensation element moves out of the base element in an insertion direction of the connecting screw when the connecting screw exerts an axial force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThread engagement mechanics: Screw

Implementation Method 2

A spring element is arranged in the compensation element, which produces a frictional connection between the connecting screw which is passed through the tolerance compensation device and has a right-hand thread and the compensation element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11668337B2Tolerance compensation device

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 WITTE AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for compensating 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 compensation element that is in thread engagement with the base element, the thread engagement being non-self-locking in such a way that the compensation element moves out of the base element when the connecting screw exerts an axial force on the compensation element.