Adjustable Loop Spring Assembly for Resonance Tuning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring assemblies in power plants have fixed geometries and spring rates, making it difficult to achieve optimal damping or oscillation characteristics, especially when the required spring rate changes over time due to changes in machine mass or resonance frequency, requiring costly and time-consuming replacements.
Innovation Solution
A spring assembly with adjustable loops and a twisting mechanism, allowing for individual adaptation of loop diameters and number, enabling easy adjustment of the spring rate to match changing resonance frequencies without replacing the entire assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spring assembly with fixed geometry and predefined spring rate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spring rate cannot be adjusted when resonance frequency changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly incorporates adjustable loops with variable diameters and a twisting mechanism that can rotate around the central axis, transforming the static spring structure into a dynamic one. This allows the spring rate to be adjusted in real-time according to changing resonance frequencies without replacing the entire assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spring loops (diameter, number of loops) and the twisting angle of the wire to modify the spring rate. By adjusting these parameters, the assembly can adapt to different resonance frequencies while maintaining the same physical structure
2Reliability
If the spring rate needs to be modified to match changing resonance frequencies, then optimal damping can be achieved, but replacing the entire spring assembly is time-consuming and requires large quantity of material
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is divided into multiple independent loops that can be individually adjusted or modified. This segmentation allows for localized changes to the spring rate without requiring replacement of the entire assembly, significantly reducing maintenance time and material waste
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable loops and twisting mechanism enable dynamic modification of the spring characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions without physical replacement
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring rate is adjusted by modifying loop diameter or number of loops, then the spring rate becomes adaptable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides straightforward mechanisms for changing geometric parameters: loops can be adjusted to different diameters and the twisting mechanism can be rotated to change the number of effective loops. These parameter changes are achieved through simple mechanical operations rather than complex procedures
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
Enables optimal damping characteristics by allowing real-time adjustment of the spring rate, effectively modifying resonance frequencies and reducing material waste and installation time.
Implementation Method 1
a spring system comprising a plurality of loops formed by at least one wire and defining a central axis
Implementation Method 2
a twisting mechanism moveable around the central axis so as to twist the loops
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A spring assembly (12) configured for connecting a first component (14) to a second component (16), the spring assembly (12) comprising a first rail (20) configured to be fixed to the first component (14) and a second rail (22) facing the first rail (20), the spring assembly (12) further comprising a spring system (24) comprising a plurality of loops (26) formed by at least one wire (28) and defining a central axis (X) extending substantially parallel to the first and/or second rail (20, 22). The spring assembly (12) comprises a plurality of fixing devices (32, 33) for fixing the loops (26) to the first rail (20) and/or to the second rail (22), a diameter of each loop (26) being individually adaptable by the corresponding fixing device (32, 33) and/or the spring assembly (12) comprises a twisting mechanism.