Adjustable Coil Spring Tensioning Device for Variable Pitch Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for tensioning helical springs in spring damper struts are limited in their ability to accommodate differently dimensioned coil springs with left-hand and right-hand pitches, requiring multiple sets of support elements and risking slippage or misalignment during tensioning.
Innovation Solution
The device features rotatably mounted holding elements adjustable along positioning rails, which are secured to a support element connected to an actuator, allowing adaptation to various spring geometries and pitches, ensuring secure engagement and alignment with the spring coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed support elements are used for tensioning helical springs, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate differently dimensioned coil springs with left-hand and right-hand pitches
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are made adjustable and rotatable relative to the support element, allowing dynamic adaptation to different spring geometries. The positioning rails enable linear adjustment, while the rotatable mounting allows angular adaptation to left-hand or right-hand pitches, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is divided into multiple independent components: the holding element, positioning rail, and mounting interface. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or rotated, providing versatility for different spring types without requiring complete replacement of the support element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of support elements are provided for different spring types, then all spring geometries can be accommodated, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single support element design incorporates multiple functions through its adjustable holding element and rotatable mounting. This universal design can tension various spring types (different pitches, dimensions, left-hand or right-hand) without requiring separate specialized support elements for each spring variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the holding element along the positioning rail and its rotatable mounting enable one support element to perform the functions previously requiring multiple static support element sets, reducing inventory requirements.
3Reliability
If fixed positioning support elements are used, then the device structure is simple, but slippage or misalignment occurs during tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable positioning rail and rotatable holding element allow precise adaptation to the specific spring geometry being tensioned. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures optimal engagement and alignment with the spring coils, preventing slippage and misalignment that occur with fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The position and orientation parameters of the holding element can be changed to match the specific spring being tensioned. By adjusting the linear position along the rail and the rotational angle, the device achieves reliable engagement for each specific spring configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The tensioning device consists of a setting member and two support elements (1) with spacing from each other variable by a setting for, and which can be brought into engagement with a part of the strut between two plates by a spring. One of the support elements has two holding elements (39, 40), which are adjustable relative to each other by the setting member. The holding elements are suitable for the spring windings being received.