Tolerance-Compensating Fastening Assembly With Dual Anti-Rotation Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening arrangements for components with automatic tolerance compensation are bulky, unstable in chemically aggressive or thermally stressed environments, and have inefficient installation processes due to overly secure transport locks that complicate assembly.

Innovation Solution

A compact fastening arrangement using metal components with a base element and an adjustment element, featuring opposite thread directions and dual anti-rotation devices – a resilient transport lock and a non-resilient counter-lock – to ensure secure transport and efficient assembly while preventing over-tightening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a resilient web transport lock is used to prevent detachment during transport, then the adjustment element remains securely attached to the base element, but the adjustment element becomes difficult or impossible to release during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport securityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transport lock is segmented into a resilient web component and a depression component that can be easily separated. The resilient web is designed to engage with the depression during transport but can be readily disengaged during assembly, allowing the adjustment element to be released from the base element without excessive effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport lock uses a resilient web that provides dynamic engagement during transport but allows for easy release during assembly. The resilience property enables the lock to maintain security during vibration and movement while permitting controlled disengagement when needed for installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If plastic materials are used to produce the fastening arrangement components, then the components can be easily manufactured, but the fastening arrangement lacks stability and integrity in chemically aggressive media or thermally stressed environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidenvironmental stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening arrangement uses metal materials (such as steel or stainless steel) for the base element and adjustment element, providing superior stability and integrity in chemically aggressive media and thermally stressed environments. The metal components can be manufactured using conventional machining or forming processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving environmental reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the adjustment element is screwed firmly into the base element during preassembly, then the transport lock ensures the elements remain attached, but the adjustment element cannot be released during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The thread pairs are designed with homogeneous pitch and diameter dimensions, allowing the adjustment element to be screwed into the base element with consistent engagement. This homogeneous design enables the transport lock to provide secure attachment during transport while still allowing the elements to be released during installation without excessive force or time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient web transport lock provides dynamic engagement that secures the adjustment element during transport but allows for controlled release during installation. The resilience property enables the system to maintain security during vibration while permitting easy disengagement when needed, reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a compact, stable, and efficient fastening system that allows for easy installation and reliable tolerance compensation between components, ensuring safe transport and quick assembly while maintaining stability in various environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient web which engages in a depression arranged opposite. In this way, the transport lock can be produced and released again in a latching manner.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2834527B1Fastening arrangement with tolerance compensation, and method for preassembly and assembly
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2834527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2834527B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2834527B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fastening arrangement for fastening a component A to a component B with automatic tolerance compensation between the components A and B. The fastening arrangement comprises a fixable base element 10 into which a mounting screw 80 can be screwed via a first thread pair 14, and an adjusting element 30 with an external thread 42 that can be screwed into the base element via a second thread pair 12, wherein a first and a second anti-rotation safeguard 52, 54 are provided between the base element and the adjusting element, wherein said anti-rotation safeguards can be used to prevent detachment of the adjusting element from the base element during transport as well as locking of the adjusting element with the base element.