Tolerance-Compensating Connection Arrangement for Two-Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for rail vehicle components fail to effectively compensate for manufacturing and assembly-related tolerances in two spatial directions, specifically the vehicle transverse and longitudinal directions, while maintaining structural simplicity and minimizing parts.
Innovation Solution
A clamping element with fork-shaped prongs and a resilient spine, which can grip fasteners on two sides and adjust along an elongated opening, is used in conjunction with a nut and compensating element to provide tolerance compensation in both longitudinal and transverse directions, allowing for secure attachment of components with minimal parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a clamping element with fork-shaped prongs and resilient spine is used to grip fasteners on two sides, then tolerance compensation in two spatial directions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is divided into a resilient spine and multiple fork-shaped prongs, where each prong can independently engage with fasteners. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate tolerances in multiple directions while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient spine provides elastic deformation capability, allowing the clamping element to dynamically adapt to manufacturing and assembly tolerances. The prongs can flex and adjust their positions to compensate for misalignments in both longitudinal and transverse directions
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple clamping elements are used to secure components in two spatial directions, then the stability and alignment accuracy improve, but the quantity of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each clamping element with fork-shaped prongs is designed to perform multiple functions: securing fasteners from two sides, compensating for tolerances in both longitudinal and transverse directions, and providing stable alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of multiple clamping elements into a single integrated structure with multiple prongs. Instead of using separate clamping elements for each direction, the fork-shaped design merges these functions into one component that can simultaneously engage fasteners in multiple orientations
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 enables secure and adjustable attachment of components across multiple spatial directions, ensuring accurate alignment and stability despite manufacturing and assembly tolerances, while being structurally simple and easy to assemble and disassemble.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping element with fork-shaped prongs and a resilient spine, which can grip fasteners on two sides and adjust along an elongated opening
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a set of connection means for producing a connection and for compensating for production- and/or assembly-induced tolerances between components (30, 70). The set of connection means has a nut (60) and a compensating element (20) with an outer thread (22). The compensating element (20) can be rotated into the nut (60) to such a degree that a first tolerance compensation with respect to a first component (30) is produced in a longitudinal direction (L) of the compensating element. The set of connection means further comprises a clamping element (10) with two clamping limbs (11, 12) which are elastically connected together. The first component (30) can be placed on the head (23) of the compensating element in a position in which a second tolerance compensation is produced in a transverse direction (Q).