Product category:
Springs, dampers, latches, locks and small components
News Release from: Rencol Tolerance Rings | Subject: Vehicle interior applications
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 10 April 2002
Tolerance rings provide automotive
advantages
Fixings used in vehicle interior applications from seat adjustment to head rests and centre consoles can be greatly simplified, and their performance enhanced, by using tolerance rings.
Fixings used in vehicle interior applications from seat adjustment to head rests and centre consoles can be greatly simplified, and their performance enhanced, by incorporating tolerance rings rather than adopting traditional approaches Explains Roger Cornwell of Rencol Tolerance Rings: "These rings are spring steel fasteners with wave forms around their circumference that locate against mating surfaces to create a secure interference fit
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 25 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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They are extremely versatile and so can be used to joint most types of annular component.
Significantly they can be designed to provide in immovable joint or to slip at pre-determined torques.
This feature makes them particularly attractive in a number of interior applications".
For example, seat adjustment levers may be subject to damage if inadvertently stepped on.
Incorporation of a tolerance ring can allow the lever to slip when an overload occurs but the design also ensures the joint will continue to operate effectively under normal conditions - even after numerous overload cycles.
The same characteristic offers an alternative means of holding seat head rests securely, whilst allowing simple height adjustment.
Tolerance rings are also increasingly being considered as a way of controlling hinge movement.
When a ring is designed to apply only modest friction, it provides a convenient method of achieving uniform hinge performance, preventing rattling and ensuring hinged armrests and glove boxes operate with a quality feel.
Rencol predicts that specification for vehicle interiors will markedly increase the number of tolerance rings used in future generations of cars, complementing their established role in steering column collapse, torque overload and bearing mount applications. Request a free brochure from Rencol Tolerance Rings ...
(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 9 April 2002).
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