Tolerance Compensation Fastener with Transport Lock Against Unscrewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tolerance compensation devices unscrew during transport due to lateral impacts, leading to variable distances between components and increased handling costs in flow production, requiring time-consuming checks to ensure correct assembly.
Innovation Solution
A protective element is designed to surround the stop area laterally and circumferentially with interruptions, preventing unintentional unscrewing by absorbing impacts, and a retaining clip is formed with the protective element to secure the device, along with a nose that acts as a transport lock to maintain the elements in a defined screwed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the compensating element is screwed into the base element in the transport state, then the device is compact for delivery, but lateral impacts during transport cause unintentional unscrewing and variable distances between components
Solution Approach 1:
The transport lock applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the harmful unscrewing motion before it can occur. The locking tab engages with the drive mechanism to create a mechanical interlock that opposes any rotational movement caused by lateral impacts during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in advance for transport by engaging the transport lock mechanism. The locking tab is positioned to engage with the drive mechanism before transport begins, ensuring the compensating element remains fixed in its screwed-in position throughout the transport process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the compensating element is unscrewed during transport, then the device adapts to impact forces, but the distance between base element and compensating element varies, requiring time-consuming checks in flow production
Solution Approach 1:
The transport lock prevents the compensating element from unscrewing during transport by creating a mechanical interlock between the locking tab and the drive mechanism. This preliminary counteraction ensures the device maintains its defined assembly state throughout transport without requiring later adjustments or inspections.
3Reliability
If a protective element surrounds the stop area, then lateral impacts are prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged with the existing transport lock mechanism. The locking tab serves dual purposes: it engages with the drive mechanism to prevent unscrewing and simultaneously acts as a protective element that surrounds the stop area to shield it from lateral impacts. This integration avoids adding separate protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both the locking function (engaging with the drive mechanism) and the protective function (surrounding the stop area). This universal design eliminates the need for additional dedicated protective components, maintaining structural simplicity while providing comprehensive protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for securing to a component (9, 10), in particular a tolerance compensating element, comprising a main element (1) and a compensating element (2) which can be connected to the main element (1) via a screw connection. A stop region (11) is formed on a compensating element (2) end facing away from the main element (1). A screw (5) can be introduced into a retaining means (6) through the compensating element (2) and the main element (1), and the compensating element (2) and the main element (1) are completely or virtually completely screwed into each other in a transport state. The invention is characterized in that a protective element (13) is provided which at least partly surrounds the stop region (11) laterally in the transport state.