Tolerance Compensation Assembly With Direct Threaded Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for compensating for tolerances between components are complex and require multiple components, often involving spring elements and threaded engagements to adjust for axial and radial misalignments, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base element and a compensating element featuring a steep external thread and a metric internal nut thread, allowing axial movement to compensate for tolerances without the need for a spring element, using an axial interference fit and form-locking connections to simplify the structure and reduce component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spring elements and threaded engagements are used to adjust for axial and radial misalignments, then tolerance compensation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring element from the compensating device, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity while maintaining tolerance compensation capability through a simplified direct threaded connection between the compensating element and base element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the compensating element and base element into a more integrated structure where the compensating element directly threads into the base element, merging previously separate adjustment mechanisms into a unified assembly that reduces overall device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are used to compensate for tolerances, then compensation precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the spring element from the assembly, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining precision through the direct threaded engagement mechanism between the compensating element and base element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the spring element that added complexity and cost, recovering the essential tolerance compensation function through a simpler threaded connection system that achieves the same precision with fewer parts
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring elements and frictional connections are used, then adjustment range is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring element that created frictional resistance, extracting the source of operational difficulty while maintaining the full adjustment range through direct threaded engagement that allows smoother rotation and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful frictional connection into a beneficial direct threaded engagement where the thread geometry itself provides the adjustment mechanism without additional friction from spring elements, improving ease of operation while preserving adjustment capability
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 effectively compensates for axial and radial tolerances by simplifying the design, reducing the number of components, and eliminating the need for lifting forces or torque adjustments during assembly, making it suitable for applications like fuel filler flaps and headlight assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
the compensating element has an external thread having at least one, in particular non-metric, for example steep, thread turn on the outside for coupling with the base element and the mating connecting element having an internal nut thread on the inside in the through-opening, which is designed as a metric thread for engagement with the connecting element
Implementation Method 2
using an axial interference fit and form-locking connections to simplify the structure and reduce component count
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 for fastening to one of the components. The device may also have a compensating element that is arranged to be axially movable and adjustable to compensate for tolerances relative to the base element. The compensating element may have a through-opening in which a mating connecting element for the connecting element is arranged. The mating connecting element and the compensating element are set up relative to one another in such a way that the compensating element for compensating for axial tolerances between the two components is movable relative to the base element in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.